Background Photo

PatternSmith gives you the ability to digitize over an image. Begin the process in the Pattern Editor by clicking on the Background Photo button on the upper-right side of the window.

If the Background Photo Window is already docked, you will find the button at the bottom left of the window.

Image

Start by either dragging a file into the image area or clicking the Import button.

When you have selected a file, you will see it in the image area and in the editor canvas. If you want to remove the background image, click the Remove button.

Image Options

You can reduce the opacity of the image using the Opacity slider. Rotation allows you to rotate the image. The Sampling dropdown gives you options for a better view when you are zoomed far in or far out.

Current Scaling

Before you begin digitizing, you need to set the scaling for the image. You will need to know the actual dimensions for one of the larger dimensions you have in the drawing or photo.

Click Change Scaling and in the Change Scaling dialog, enter that distance.

Now zoom in until you see just that portion of the image. Click on the two ends of your scaling distance. You will see a marker at each location. The scale is now set.

Digitizing

Now, just use the creation tools over the image. All of the creation and editing tools are available. When you are finished, you can click Done or Right-click – New Pattern to send a selection back to the project screen as a pattern and continue digitizing.