Node-by-node vectorization

(Digitizing)

An embroidery design in Studio consists of objects in vector form. Studio allows you to create vector objects manually, node-by-node, or semi-automatically using the Freehand Tool or Trace Tool. It is also possible to import vector objects from avector graphic files.

This chapter covers manual digitizing (vectorization) of objects in a node-by-node way.

Object with 1 edge (Fill, Mesh, Sfumato, Outline, Connection)

Digitizing as node-by-node vectorization involves manually placing control points, or nodes, to create a scalable vector objects made up from vector contours.

The simplest object in Studio has only one edge, which is a series of line segments or curves. Some types of objects require a "closed" edge, which means that its first point and its last point must be in the same position. To create an object with a single edge (such as a outline), do the following:

1. Click the Outline Tool button in the toolbox at the side of the screen. This will switch Studio into creation/editing mode.

2. Click in the work area to place the first node of the object. The first node is marked by a hairline cross.

3. Click on another place to create second node. Element connecting the 1st and 2nd node is straight, but is is a curve, because it has controls handles (small arrows).

4. Add another two nodes. If you need to edit position of any node, select it by clicking on it and drag it to a new position with primary mouse button depressed. All elements between nodes are straight. Now we will bend them to create smooth arc.

5. Click on the first handle (arrow) node of the first element to select it. Hold primary mouse button depressed and move node to a new position. This will make a curve from the line segment.

6. Select and move rest of the handle nodes one-by-one until the whole object is smooth.

7. Now you can click the secondary mouse button (or tap a pop-up button) to invoke the pop-up menu for finishing object and/or generating stitches. We have created an outline object, which does not need to be closed. Objects like fill, opening or sfumato must be closed. To close object, use Close Edge command from the pop-up menu.

The pop-up menu also contains commands for inserting/deleting nodes, converting elements to straight lines or curves, and several other commands specific to editing the created object. Most of these functions are also available using the buttons on the horizontal button bar at the top of the screen.

Another functions are accessible via main menu>Nodes. These functions include options to snap nodes to grid lines, guide lines, other nodes, edges of the work area, and edges of the other objects.

Object with 2 edges (Column, Column with Pattern, Appliqué)

Objects with 2 edges are filled with stitches that extend from one edge to the other at different angles. This type of object is used for satin stitches and for appliqué. To create object with 2 edges, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Column Tool button in the toolbox at the side of the screen. This will switch Studio into creation/editing mode.

2. Click in the work area to place the first node of the object. The first node is marked by a hairline cross.

3. Click on another place to create a base of the column object. The base is displayed as a dashed line. Both edges will start in this base and end in another base at the opposite end of the column. The start and end basis are always line elements and they define angle of stitches at beginning and end of the column. Angle of stitches in between is interpolated from these two basis.

4. Create a new node by clicking in the work area. This is the first element of the edge.

5. Create several other nodes of the first edge.

6. Now select the node at the other side of the base. This is an important step, because program now knows that the next nodes will be added to the second side.

7. Repeated clicking in the work area will create nodes belonging to the second edge.

8. Both edges are composed of the line segments. Handles of Bézier curves (which are straight now) are displayed as a small arrows.

9. Select and move handle nodes to make both edges smooth. Hold primary mouse button depressed and move handle node to a new position. This method can be used for adjustment of any node position, not just the handles. Thread will start filling the column on a place where the first node (with cross) is located. The sewing will end at the last node on the second side. If you need to change sides of the column, use main menu>Edge>Swap Edges command.

10. Click secondary mouse button anywhere in the work area (or tap the pop-up menu button) to invoke the pop-up menu. Select Generate Stitches from this menu. This will finish the creation/editing mode and fill new object with stitches. If you do not want to fill it with stitches now, use the Finish Object command instead.

11. Finished column object has stitches running in a zig-zag way from the start base to the end base, which define range of angles of the stitches. Basis may be not sufficient to define angle of stitches of a more complex column. In such a case, use End of Segment command from the pop-up menu to define angle inside of column. This command will connect selected node with a nearest node on the other side and thus define a stitch angle in this part of column.

Digitizing of Appliqué object is identical to that of column object, with only exception that Appliqué must form a closed figure. Image depicts Appliqué before closing edges. There is a gap between start and end base.

Appliqué object with closed edges. To ensure precise alignment of start and end base, use pop-up menu from the step 10. and select Close Edge command.

When creating a new object, TAB key on hardware keyboard can be used to quick adjustment of the curve elements. Create new curve element with TAB key instead of primary mouse button. Then move the mouse with TAB key depressed to adjust the curve. Then release the TAB key. Please note: to use the TAB key for curves adjustment, the edge mode must be set to 'curve'.

Insert New Nodes

Pop-up menu mentioned in above examples can be used to insert (or delete) new nodes on the vector edge. If you need to add multiple nodes quickly, please useInsert Elements Mode.