Basic Shapes in Vectorization mode

Vectorization mode is a primary environment for utilizing basic shapes, serving as an advanced alternative to the Selection/Transform mode.

Unlike Selection/Transform mode, which is limited to creating predefined, ready-to-use shapes, Vectorization mode enables you to edit shapes at the node level and merge multiple shapes into a single entity. A shape can also be integrated with the spline edge of the object currently being vectorized. Additionally, this mode provides the flexibility to reposition the starting point of any shape.

Basic Shapes

Basic shapes consist of geometric and ornamental patterns that serve as fundamental building blocks for creating embroidery designs.

Geometric shapes include ellipses, triangles, and regular polygons.

Ornamental shapes include flowers, stars, hearts, and spirals.

In Vectorization mode, these shapes are accessible via Main Menu > Shape.

The definitions of shape parameters and the functionality of snap controls remain consistent with those in Selection/Transform mode.

However, the Thickness and Corner parameters specific to column objects are unavailable in this mode. This is because the corners and two sides of a column are manually defined here rather than being generated through a shape offset. While this requires more manual input, it allows for the creation of columns with variable thickness, a feature not supported by the Shapes tool in Selection/Transform mode.

Example - Satin Stitch Ellipse

Vectorization mode makes it simple to combine several shapes into one object. A common application is creating a satin stitch ellipse with variable thickness.

Click the Column Tool button in the toolbar on the left side of the screen. This switches Studio into Vectorization mode.

Click in the work area to place the first node. The first node is identified by a hairline crosshair.

Click a different location to establish the base of the column object. Note that the focused node is highlighted. The base is shown as a dashed line. Both edges of the column will start at this base and terminate at a second base at the opposite end. Bases are always straight lines and define the stitch angle at the beginning and end of the column; angles in between are interpolated.

Navigate to Main Menu > Shape > Ellipse. The default setting of four elements is typically sufficient for an ellipse, though more can be added if higher precision is required.

Draw an ellipse near the focus point. Use the circular handles (1 and 2) to adjust the dimensions and the central diamond-shaped handle to position the shape.

Right-click anywhere in the work area and select To Elements from the context menu. This converts the ellipse into a sequence of vector elements, with start and end points positioned near the focus point.

The first side of the column is now complete, and the shape has been integrated into the column edge.

Click on the first node of the second side to bring it into focus.

Again, select Main Menu > Shape > Ellipse.

Draw a second ellipse near the focused point.

Right-click and select To Elements from the pop-up menu. This converts the second ellipse into a series of elements, completing the boundary.

Both sides of the ellipse are now complete.

Right-click in the work area again and select Generate Stitches. The resulting object is a satin stitch ellipse featuring variable thickness.

Note: On devices without a mouse, use the Pop-Up Menu button to access the context menu in place of a right-click.

Rectangle - Corners

In addition to standard rectangles, the Shapes tool offers three methods for modifying corners:

Types of corner modifications.

1. Rounded Corner (Filleted): Replaces a sharp 90-degree angle with a smooth, outward curve.
2. Scalloped Corner: Replaces a sharp angle with an inward, concave notch for decorative effect.
3. Chamfered Corner: Replaces the corner with a straight, diagonal cut.

The intensity of the corner modification is defined as a percentage, where 100% represents half the length of the rectangle's side.

A 100% value corresponds to half the side length.