Groups of Objects

A group combines several vector objects into a single entity to facilitate easier selection and manipulation during the digitizing process.

A computerized machine embroidery design consists of numerous elementary parts, such as fills, columns, and connection paths. These objects are used to digitize complex entities including lettering, floral motifs, or animals.

Using Groups

Grouping allows the software to recognize that specific elementary parts belong to a single entity (such as a character in a word). This enables the user to select, move, or transform the entire set of objects simultaneously.

Grouping Commands

Commands for grouping and ungrouping selected objects are located in the Main Menu > Groups and are also available via the pop-up menu when in Selection/Transform mode.

A digitized letter "R" typically consists of three parts: 1. Column object, 2. Connection path, 3. Column object.

When digitizing lettering, elementary parts (columns and connections) can be joined using the Group 1 command so that each letter acts as a single unit. Letters can then be joined into words using Group 2, and words can be further consolidated into sentences using Group 3.

The numbers 1, 2, and 3 represent the hierarchical group level. Unlike many programs that offer only a single group level, Embird Studio NEXT provides multiple levels to allow for sophisticated design management. This allows you to isolate and edit objects at one level (e.g., a specific letter) while maintaining the structural grouping of the word or sentence.

The letter "R" composed of columns and a connection path.

In this example, the elementary parts of the letter "R" - the column, connection, and final column - are selected in the Object Inspector list.

Apply Group 1 to combine these into a single object. This process should be repeated for each individual letter in the design.

A small lock icon indicates the object is composed of parts grouped on Level 1.

While each letter is composed of several elementary parts, they now behave as single objects. A single lock icon appearing on the right side of an object in the Object Inspector indicates that it is grouped on Level 1.

Next, select the grouped letters forming the word "RED" and apply the Group 2 command. Repeat this for subsequent words. Each word will now be treated as a Level 2 group.

A double lock icon indicates the object is composed of parts grouped on both Levels 1 and 2.

Finally, select the grouped words and apply Group 3 to combine them into a single sentence object.

A triple lock icon indicates that the object is composed of nested groups across Levels 1, 2, and 3.

Splitting Groups

To disassemble these structures, use the Ungroup 1, Ungroup 2, and Ungroup 3 commands to break down the groups at their respective levels. In this workflow, Ungroup 3 would split the sentence into words, Ungroup 2 would split the words into letters, and Ungroup 1 would return the letters to their basic vector objects.

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Why Multi-Level Grouping is Used

In Embird Studio NEXT, the hierarchical grouping system (Levels 1, 2, and 3) is designed to manage the inherent complexity of professional embroidery digitizing. Unlike standard graphic applications that often use a single grouping command, Studio utilizes nested levels to allow for precise editing without compromising the overall structural integrity of a design.

1. Hierarchical Organization

Embroidery designs are constructed from the bottom up. A three-level system allows digitizers to organize designs into logical units:

• Level 1 (Component Level): Used to group elementary parts, such as the two columns and one connection path required to form a single letter "R".
• Level 2 (Entity Level): Used to group Level 1 objects into larger units, such as combining individual letters into a complete word.
• Level 3 (Design Level): Used to group Level 2 entities into a finalized layout, such as combining multiple words into a sentence or merging a logo with text.

2. Isolated Editing and Precision

The primary advantage of hierarchical levels is the ability to modify a small portion of a design without dismantling the entire structure. For example, if a node in the letter "R" needs adjustment, the user only needs to apply Ungroup 1 to that specific letter. Because the word was grouped at Level 2 and the sentence at Level 3, those higher-level structures remain intact. This saves the digitizer from repetitive re-grouping tasks after making minor adjustments.

3. Visual Management in the Object Inspector

Studio provides specific visual indicators to identify the "depth" of a group at a glance. This prevents confusion in designs containing hundreds of vector objects:

1. Single Lock Icon: Indicates a Level 1 group (individual characters or small segments).
2. Double Lock Icon: Indicates nested Level 1 and Level 2 groups (full words or distinct design elements).
3. Triple Lock Icon: Indicates a complex nesting of all three levels (sentences or the entire design layout).