Embird Embroidery Software
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Main Menu - Build

Create Connection to Previous Object (Straight)

Smart Connection to Previous Object (Center Line)

Smart Connection to Previous Object (Contour)

Auto-Outliner

Corner ...

Auto Repeat ...

Shaping

Union

Intersection

Difference

Outlines

Arrange Outline Parts

Arrange Outline Parts /no Connections/

Create Backward Path

Delete Backward Paths

Combine Outlines

The Build Menu is accessible exclusively in Select/Transform mode.

Create Connection to Previous Object (Straight). This command is intended for designs where the selected object is disjointed from the preceding one. Executing this command inserts a basic Connection object between the two elements to eliminate unnecessary jump stitches.

Smart Connection to Previous Object (Center Line) and Smart Connection to Previous Object (Contour). Similar to the standard command, these options join disjointed objects. However, they generate complex, optimized connection paths. The Center Line option hides the path beneath the selected object, while the Contour option places it along the object's outer edge. These paths are designed to be concealed by either the selected object itself or a satin-stitch zigzag border sewn over the top.

The Auto Outliner function automatically generates a thin, double-layered outline around selected objects. The Outlines Overview chapter provides further details on alternative outline digitizing methods.

AutoOutliner tool icon

The Auto Repeat ... command opens a configuration window to duplicate selected objects along a line, around a circle or rectangle, or to fill a rectangular area. The gap or distance between objects can also be specified.

Autorepeat Tool example of use

In this example, the top triangle was auto-repeated eight times around a circular path.


The Shaping submenu contains Boolean operations for filled areas, specifically Union, Intersection, and Difference.

In computerized embroidery and vector design, Boolean shaping functions are mathematical operations used to combine or subtract overlapping objects with absolute precision.

There are three primary Boolean operations available in the Build > Shaping menu:

  1. Union (Weld)

    The Union operation merges multiple selected objects into a single, continuous shape. Any internal overlapping areas are dissolved, and the resulting object follows the outermost boundary of the combined group. This is typically used to:

    • Merge overlapping lettering to prevent double-stitching in the centers.
    • Join separate decorative elements into one unified fill area.
  2. Intersection

    The Intersection operation identifies only the area where two or more objects overlap. Once applied, the software removes all portions of the objects that do not share the same space. This is useful for:

    • Creating a new segment that fits perfectly within the specific boundaries of a "container" shape.
    • Isolating a specific portion of a complex pattern using a simple geometric mask.
  3. Difference (Subtract)

    The Difference operation uses the top object as a "cutter" to trim or remove parts of the object beneath it. The area where the top object overlaps the bottom object is deleted from the bottom object. This is essential for:

    • Creating holes or voids in large fill areas.
    • Trimming underlying layers to prevent a bulky, heavy buildup of stitches that could break needles.

Arrange Outline Parts creates complex, double-stitched thin outlines from a series of separate elements.

The Create Backward Path command can be applied to a series of Outline objects or Manual Stitches to duplicate and reverse them. This results in two paths: the original user-defined path (start to end) and a second path (end to start) generated by Studio. This command is unavailable if a backward path is already present within the selection.

The Delete Backward Paths command is intended for scenarios where a complex outline, previously created with Arrange Outline Parts, requires editing. Use this command to remove all backward paths from selected objects, reverting them to the original outline parts without the second layer of stitching. After editing the parts, use Arrange Outline Parts again to reconstruct the complex outline.

The Combine Outlines command merges a series of individual outlines into a single outline object.

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