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Transform objects

Often you will want to scale a design for use in different contexts. For instance, a design originally made to fit a pocket may be adapted to fit a cap. The software provides techniques for transforming design objects just like a graphics program ... with one difference. When you scale, rotate, skew, or flip an embroidery object, stitches are regenerated.

The scalability and stitching quality of a design ultimately depend on its original source. Only native designs such as EMB or JAN, contain the complete set of design information required for 100% perfect scaling and transformation. If you scale a stitch design by more than 10%, changes to stitch density will affect design quality.


Use Select > Select Object to select an object or group. Or drag a selection marquee to select multiple enclosed objects or groups.

Use Context > Size + 10% to increase the size of selected objects in 10% increments.
Use Context > Size - 10% to decrease the size of selected objects in 10% increments.

Scale objects

You can scale objects by dragging the selection handles with the mouse or by specifying the exact dimensions in the Context toolbar. As an object is scaled, the stitch count changes to preserve current stitch spacing.

  • To scale objects using click and drag, select the object/s to scale. Click and drag a selection handle to resize the object.
     
  • You can also scale selected objects or a whole design using Width and Height settings. Stitches are regenerated and original stitch density preserved.
  • Alternatively, use the Size buttons to resize in 10% increments.

After scaling, the new object size is reset to 100%.


Use Select > Select Object to select an object or group. Or drag a selection marquee to select multiple enclosed objects or groups.

Use Context > Rotate Left 15° to rotate selection in 15° increments to the left.
Use Context > Rotate Right 15° to rotate selection in 15° increments to the right.

Rotate objects

When creating design layouts, you'll frequently find yourself duplicating objects and rotating them into position.

  • When you select an object or group, selection handles display at its extremities. Click the object a second time. Rotation handles appear at the corners of the object and an anchor point displays at the object’s center. Click a rotation handle, and drag clockwise or anti-clockwise.
  • If required, drag the rotation anchor from the center to a new position.
  • Alternatively, use the buttons to rotate selections by 15° rotations in either direction. Alternatively enter a precise rotation value in the Rotate field and press <Enter>.
  • Alternatively, right-click the object and select a Rotate command from the popup menu.

Use Select > Select Object to select an object or group. Or drag a selection marquee to select multiple enclosed objects or groups.

Skew objects

You can skew objects along the horizontal plane by clicking skew handles and dragging to the required angle. Skew handles are diamond-shaped and appear at the center-top and bottom of the object. Alternatively enter a precise skew value in the Skew field and press <Enter>.


Use Context > Mirror X to flip selection horizontally.
Use Context > Mirror Y to flip selection vertically.

Mirror objects

Fashion and textile designs often use copied and mirrored design elements. You can mirror objects horizontally or vertically by means of the Mirror tools on the Context toolbar. Select objects to mirror and click a Mirror icon. For productivity, shortcut keys are available for mirror operations.

The Mirror-Copy tools allow you to duplicate and transform selected embroidery objects, as well as merge them into a single object. This feature is often used in making fashion or textile designs. See also Mirror-copy objects.