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Design Toolbar is located at the left side of the screen (Picture No. 1). It contains tools for drawing on the work area. Each tool is explained below.
1. Design Toolbar
Use the Marquee tool to select a rectangular area of crosses. To select an area, click the left mouse button and drag the mouse until the flashing outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously if you want to select only crosses and no backstitch lines. Clicking either mouse button outside the outline turns the area selection off. When you select an area, you can use Edit menu commands to cut, copy, paste, mirror, rotate, duplicate, and delete the selected crosses. You can also hold the mouse button down to move the area.
Use the Lasso tool to select a free-form area of crosses. To select an area, click the left mouse button and drag the mouse to create a line around the area. When the line is a complete circle, release the mouse button. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously if you want to select only crosses and no backstitch lines. Clicking either mouse button outside the outline turns the area selection off. When you select an area, you can use Edit menu commands to cut, copy, paste, mirror, rotate, duplicate, and delete the selected crosses. You can also hold the mouse button down to move the area.
Use the Magic wand for contiguous area tool to select a contiguous area of the same color. Click on the color you want to select. The threshold control allows you to specify the tolerance setting (see below). Depress the Shift key to add the chosen area to the current selection. Depress the Alt key to remove the chosen area from the current selection. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously if you want to select only crosses and no backstitch lines. Clicking either mouse button outside the outline turns the area selection off. When you select an area, you can use Edit menu commands to cut, copy, paste, mirror, rotate, duplicate, and delete the selected crosses. You can also hold the mouse button down to move the area.
Use the Magic wand for non-contiguous area tool to select a non-contiguous area of the same color. Otherwise, this tool works the same way as the Magic wand for contiguous area.
Use the Actual size tool to return the view to its natural size.
Use the Zoom tool to increase and decrease the zoom factor. Use left clicks to zoom in and right clicks to zoom out.
Use the Pencil tool to paint free-form lines and shapes using the current pen style. To sketch with the Pencil tool, click a mouse button and drag the pencil across the work area. Release the mouse button when you finish sketching. Before you use the Pencil tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Eraser tool to clear the crosses under the cursor. Before you start erasing, you might want to choose the width of the eraser tool and the cross type (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to clear the chosen cross type; use the right mouse button to clear the complete cross.
Use the Smooth tool to smooth the edges under the cursor by adding a 3/4 stitch. Click the left mouse button and drag the cursor across the work area. Release the mouse button when you finish smoothing. Before you start smoothing, you might want to choose the width of the smooth tool and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar).
Use the Clear isolated points tool to remove the isolated points under the cursor. Click the left mouse button and drag the cursor across the work area. Release the mouse button when you finish clearing. Before you start clearing, you might want to choose the width of this tool (see also Color Palette Bar).
Use the Air-brush tool to paint free-form patterns similar to a real airbrush on the work area. To use the airbrush, you can either click a mouse button once and drag the airbrush, or you can click it repeatedly, as if you were repeatedly pressing the nozzle of a spray can. If you drag it slowly, it paints a thick pattern. If you drag it quickly, it paints a scattered, thinner pattern. Before you use the Air-brush tool, you might want to choose the brush type, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Brush tool to paint free-form patterns using the current brush pattern and shape. To paint, click a mouse button and drag the brush across the work area. Release the mouse button when you finish painting. Before you use the Brush tool, you might want to choose the brush type, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Fill contiguous area tool to fill a contiguous area of your work area with the currently selected color. It fills in any area of the work area that is a single color. If you use this tool on an area that's not entirely surrounded by other colors, the color leaks out into other parts of the work area that are the same color as the original area. Before you use the Fill contiguous area tool, you might want to choose the cross type and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to fill with cross color 1; use the right mouse button to fill with cross color 2 (see below).
Use the Fill non-contiguous area tool to fill a non-contiguous area of your work area with the currently selected color. Otherwise, this tool works the same way as the Fill contiguous area.
Use the Clear contiguous area tool to cancel the fill in a contiguous area. It clears any area of the work area that is a single color. If you use this tool on an area that's not entirely surrounded by other colors, it will clear areas that are the same color as the original area. Before you use the Fill contiguous area tool, you might want to choose the cross type and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to clear the chosen cross type; use the right mouse button to clear the complete cross.
Use the Clear non-contiguous area tool to cancel the fill in a non-contiguous area. Otherwise, this tool works the same way as the Clear contiguous area.
Use the Text tool to add text to the work area. Click where you want the text to begin. A flashing cursor appears, and you can begin typing text. Before you use the Text tool, you might want to specify how and where you want the text displayed. Choose the font and text alignment in the Text menu.
Use the Line tool to paint straight lines. Press the mouse button and drag the Line tool across the work area. Release the mouse button when you've finished drawing the line. If you want the lines you paint to be limited to 45-degree increments, hold down Shift as you draw the line. With Shift down, you can paint only a horizontal or vertical line or a line at a 45-degree angle. Before you use the Line tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see below). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Eye-dropper tool to select the color under the cursor as either cross color 1 or cross color 2. Use left clicks to select cross color 1 and right clicks to select cross color 2 (see below).
Use the Simple Curve tool to paint curves. Click and drag to draw a line of the appropriate length. Click the line you just created and drag it to create the arc you want. The point you select on the line determines the shape of the arc. To create a symmetrical arc, click the center of the line. If you want the lines you paint to be limited to 45-degree increments, hold down Shift as you draw the line. With Shift down, you can paint only a horizontal or vertical line or a line at a 45-degree angle. Before you use the Simple curve tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Rectangle tool to paint an empty rectangular frame in the work area. This tool paints a line around the rectangle using the current line width. To paint a rectangle, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift down, you can paint a square. Before you use the Rectangle tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Filled Rectangle tool to paint a rectangular filled-in frame in the work area. This tool paints a line around the rectangle using the current line width. To paint a filled rectangle, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift down, you can paint a square. Before you use the Filled rectangle tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Round Rectangle tool to paint an empty frame shaped like a rounded rectangle in the work area. This tool paints a line around the rounded rectangle using the current line width. To paint a rounded rectangle, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift down, you can paint a square. Before you use the Round rectangle tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Filled round rectangle tool to paint a filled-in frame, in the shape of a rounded rectangle, in the work area. This tool paints a line around the rounded rectangle using the current line width. To paint a rounded rectangle, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift down, you can paint a square. Before you use the Filled round rectangle tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Ellipse tool to paint an ellipse-shaped empty frame in the work area. This tool paints a line around the ellipse using the current line width. To paint an ellipse, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift down, you can paint a circle. Before you use the Ellipse tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Filled Ellipse tool to paint an ellipse-shaped filled-in frame in the work area. This tool paints a line around the ellipse using the current line width. With Shift down, you can paint a circle. Before you use the Filled ellipse tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2 (see below). Depress the ALT key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Regular Polygon tool to paint a regular polygon-shaped empty frame in the work area. This tool paints a line around the regular polygon using the current line width. To paint a regular polygon, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift held down, you can paint a symmetrical regular polygon. Before you use this tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2. Depress the Alt key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Filled Regular Polygon tool to paint a filled regular polygon in the work area. This tool paints a line around the polygon using the current line width. With Shift held down, you can paint a symmetrical polygon. Before you use this tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2. Depress the Alt key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Star tool to paint a star-shaped empty frame in the work area. This tool paints a line around the star using the current line width. To paint a star, place the cursor where you want the corner of the frame to start. Then click a mouse button and drag the tool until the frame outline surrounds the area you want. Release the mouse button. With Shift held down, you can paint a symmetrical star. Before you use this tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2. Depress the Alt key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Filled Star tool to paint a filled star in the work area. This tool paints a line around the star using the current line width. With Shift held down, you can paint a symmetrical star. Before you use this tool, you might want to choose the width of the pen, the cross type, and cross layers (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1 and the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2. Depress the Alt key while painting to clear the crosses under the cursor.
Use the Back Stitch tool to paint straight back stitch lines. Press the mouse button and drag the Back Stitch tool across the work area. Release the mouse button when you have finished drawing the line. If you want the lines you paint to be limited to 45-degree increments, hold down Shift as you draw the line. With Shift held down, you can paint only a horizontal or vertical line or a line at a 45-degree angle. Before you use the Back Stitch tool, you might want to choose the strands of thread to use for outline (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1, and use the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2.
Use the Back Stitch Draw tool to draw back stitch lines freehand. Press the mouse button and drag the Back Stitch Draw tool across the work area. Release the mouse button when you finish sketching. Before you use the Back Stitch Draw tool, you might want to choose the strands of thread to use for outline (see also Color Palette Bar). Use the left mouse button to paint with cross color 1, and use the right mouse button to paint with cross color 2.
Use the Back Stitch 1/2 tool to paint straight back stitch lines. Use this tool if you want to position back stitches to a half-stitch position. Otherwise, this tool works the same way as the Back Stitch tool.
Use the Back Stitch Draw 1/2 tool to draw back stitch lines freehand. Use this tool if you want to position back stitches to a half-stitch position. Otherwise, this tool works the same way as the Back Stitch Draw tool.
Use the Erase Back Stitch tool to delete a back stitch line. Move the mouse pointer over the back stitch line. Then click either the left or right mouse button anywhere over the length of the back stitch line to delete it. Depress the Shift key while clicking to delete all back stitch lines having the same color as the chosen one. Depress the Alt key while clicking to delete all back stitch lines connected to the chosen one. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously while clicking to delete all back stitch lines.
Use the Back Stitch Color tool to change the color of a back stitch line. Move the mouse pointer over the back stitch line. Then click either the left or right mouse button anywhere over the length of the back stitch line to change its color to either cross color 1 or cross color 2. Depress the Shift key while clicking to change the color of all back stitch lines having the same color as the chosen one. Depress the Alt key while clicking to change the colors of all back stitch lines connected to the chosen one. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously while clicking to change the color of all back stitch lines.
Use the Get Back Stitch Layers tool to get the number of strands of thread used for a back stitch line. Move the mouse pointer over the back stitch line. Then click either the left or right mouse button anywhere over the length of the back stitch line to get the number of strands of thread (see also Color Palette Bar).
Use the Set Back Stitch Layers tool to set the number of strands of thread used for a back stitch line. Move the mouse pointer over the back stitch line. Then click either the left or right mouse button anywhere over the length of the back stitch line to change its number of strands of thread setting. Depress the Shift key while clicking to change the setting of all back stitch lines having the same color as the chosen one. Depress the Alt key while clicking to change the setting of all back stitch lines connected to the chosen one. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously while clicking to change the setting of all back stitch lines.
Get the status of the thread division option used for a back stitch line.
Set the status of the thread division option used for a back stitch line.
Use the Insert French Knot tool to insert French knots in the work area. Use the left mouse button to insert French knots of cross color 1, and use the right mouse button to insert French knots of cross color 2. Before you use this tool, you might want to choose the Diameter and Thickness of the French knot (see also Color Palette Bar). Depress the Alt key while clicking the left or right mouse button to remove the French knot.
Use the Erase French Knot tool to remove French knots from the work area. Move the mouse pointer to the center of the French knot and click the left or right mouse button to remove it.
Use the Get French Knot Diameter tool to read the diameter setting of a French knot located in the work area. Move the mouse pointer to the center of the French knot. Then click either the left or right mouse button to read its diameter setting (see also Color Palette Bar).
Use the Set French Knot Diameter tool to set the diameter setting of a French knot located in the work area. Move the mouse pointer to the center of the French knot. Then click either the left or right mouse button to change its diameter setting. Depress the Shift key while clicking to change the setting of all French knots having the same color as the chosen one. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously while clicking to change the setting of all French knots.
Use the Get French Knot Thickness tool to read the thickness setting of a French knot located in the work area. Move the mouse pointer to the center of the French knot. Then click either the left or right mouse button to read its thickness setting (see also Color Palette Bar).
Use the Set French Knot Thickness tool to set the thickness setting of a French knot located in the work area. Move the mouse pointer to the center of the French knot. Then click either the left or right mouse button to change its thickness setting. Depress the Shift key while clicking to change the setting of all French knots having the same color as the chosen one. Depress the Shift and Alt keys simultaneously while clicking to change the setting of all French knots.
Choose cross color 1. The left mouse button will draw with this color (see Tools above). Double-click on the box to change the color. Right-click on the box to display a popup menu - this allows you to choose the color from the thread catalogs. You can also drag the color from the Color Palette Bar and drop it on the box to set the color.
Choose cross color 2. The right mouse button will draw with this color (see Tools above). Double-click on the box to change the color. Right-click on the box to display a popup menu - this allows you to choose the color from the thread catalogs. You can also drag the color from the Color Palette Bar and drop it on the box to set the color.
Choose outline color. This color will be used for outlines in case the outlines are ON on the Color Palette Bar. In such a case, the outlines will be created automatically when compiling the cross stitch design. Double-click on the box to change the color. Right-click on the box to display a popup menu - this allows you to choose the color from the thread catalogs. You can also drag the color from the Color Palette Bar and drop it on the box to set the color.
Choose background color (transparent). This is the color of the Work Area. Double-click on the box to change the color. Right-click on the box to display a popup menu - this allows you to choose the color from the thread catalogs. You can also drag the color from the Color Palette Bar and drop it on the box to set the color.
Specify the tolerance setting for the Magic Wand tool (see Tools above). A bigger number means bigger tolerance. Right-click on the box to display the dialog box with preset values.
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