Perimeter Tab – Software – Autometrix Help Center

Each pattern must have a perimeter in order to prevent overlaps during nesting. Some software programs require that perimeters be a continuous polyline element. PatternSmith, however, can build its own perimeter by tracing the actual elements that make up the pattern. This allows much more flexibility in pattern design. In certain situations, you may want to use a rectangle or box perimeter instead. This choice is made on the Perimeter Tab.

When an Elements perimeter type is selected, PatternSmith will automatically change all element directions to form a continuous counter-clockwise perimeter. This is necessary to keep seams and notches on the correct side of the element.

If there are any gaps in a perimeter, they will be highlighted with a red circle. As you close gaps, the red circles will update showing where adjustments are needed to create a complete perimeter.

Types

There are two Perimeter types. The Box perimeter will create a box perimeter around the pattern whereas the Elements perimeter will create the perimeter around a specific element in the pattern. In most cases, you will use the Elements type and let PatternSmith find the perimeter.

In the Editor Window, element perimeters are displayed with a dashed line. If Box perimeter is selected, all elements will have solid lines.

In the Project Window, patterns with box perimeters show a dotted line box around them. Patterns with element perimeter selected will show as a solid line around the perimeter of the pattern.

Constraints

There may be situations when you don’t want to use either plot or reference elements in your nesting perimeter. Toggle the No Mark or No Reference buttons to tell PatternSmith to ignore those while searching for a perimeter.

Occasionally, a pattern element may be incorrectly identified as part of the perimeter.

Validate Element Perimeter

The Validate Element Perimeter button will check the current pattern for a valid perimeter and that there are no invalid elements completely or partially outside of the perimeter.