Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Piecer pattern editor.

Getting Started​

Is Piecer free to use?​

Yes! Piecer is free to use with all features available. Creating an account enables cloud storage and community features.

Do I need to install anything?​

No installation required. Piecer runs entirely in your web browser. Just visit the website and start creating.

What browsers are supported?​

Modern versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Chrome or Firefox recommended for best performance.

See Technical Specs for details.

Can I use Piecer on mobile/tablet?​

Yes, but the experience is optimized for desktop. Large tablets work reasonably well. Complex editing is easier on desktop with mouse and keyboard.

Pattern Creation​

How do I start a new pattern?​

  1. Click "New Pattern" from homepage
  2. Name your pattern
  3. Choose your tool (press P for Pen, R for Rectangle, etc.)
  4. Start drawing!

See Workflows - Creating Your First Pattern for step-by-step guide.

How do I create curved lines?​

Method 1 - Pen Tool with Drag:

  1. Press P for Pen tool
  2. Click to place point
  3. Drag before releasing to create bezier curve
  4. Handles appear for adjusting curve

Method 2 - Arc Tool:

  1. Draw shape with straight lines first
  2. Press C for Arc tool
  3. Select corner to round
  4. Drag to adjust radius

See Tools - Pen Tool for details.

Why don't my points snap to the grid?​

Check these:

  • ✓ Grid snapping enabled (toolbar toggle)
  • ✓ Grid is visible
  • ✓ Zoom level appropriate (affects snap grid size)

When zoomed out: Snaps to 5cm/1inch grid When zoomed in: Snaps to 1cm/0.25inch grid

See View Controls - Snap to Grid for details.

How do I make perfectly symmetrical shapes?​

Option 1 - Mirror:

  1. Create one half
  2. Select the shape
  3. Click "Mirror" in sidebar
  4. Choose horizontal or vertical flip

Option 2 - Duplicate and Position:

  1. Create first piece
  2. Press D to duplicate
  3. Position and adjust

See Piece Properties - Flip & Rotate for details.

Measurements & Sizing​

How do I change between cm and inches?​

Click settings/preferences and switch unit system. All measurements and grid update automatically.

How do I create multiple sizes?​

Pattern Grading:

  1. Create base size (usually Medium)
  2. Select critical measurement lines
  3. Click "Lock Length" to create variables (lines turn orange)
  4. Duplicate shape for each size
  5. Adjust variable lengths for each size

See Workflows - Pattern Sizing for full guide.

Why are my measurements showing incorrectly?​

  • Verify correct unit system selected (Metric vs Imperial)
  • Check zoom level - measurements may be too small to read
  • Toggle measurements in View settings (right sidebar)
  • Ensure you're measuring the right line

How do I add seam allowances?​

  1. Select your pattern piece
  2. In sidebar, find "Seam Allowance" section
  3. Enable seam allowance
  4. Set width (common: 1cm or ⅝inch)
  5. Shows as dashed line around shape

To exclude specific edges:

  • Click edge to toggle exclusion
  • Useful for fold lines

See Piece Properties - Seam Allowance for details.

Editing & Manipulation​

How do I move multiple points at once?​

Box Selection:

  1. Press V for Select tool
  2. Click and drag to create selection box
  3. All points in box are selected
  4. Drag selection to move together

Individual Selection:

  1. Click first point
  2. Hold Shift and click additional points
  3. Drag selection to move

See Point Editing - Multiple Point Selection for details.

How do I delete points?​

  1. Select points with Select tool (V)
  2. Press Delete or Backspace
  3. Shape automatically reconnects

Or delete entire shape:

  1. Select shape
  2. Press Delete or Backspace

Can I undo/redo changes?​

Yes!

  • Undo: Cmd/Ctrl + Z
  • Redo: Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z (or Cmd/Ctrl + Y on Windows)

See Shortcuts - Undo/Redo for details.

How do I zoom in/out?​

  • Mouse wheel: Scroll to zoom
  • Trackpad: Pinch to zoom
  • Double-click background: Fit entire pattern in view

See View Controls - Zoom for details.

3D Mode​

How do I enable 3D mode?​

Click "3D Preview" button in sidebar. Pattern will fold based on:

  • Fold lines you've marked
  • Line connections between pieces
  • Shape topology

See 3D Mode for complete guide.

Why doesn't my pattern fold correctly in 3D?​

Common causes:

  • Missing or incorrectly placed fold lines
  • Line connections not set up
  • Pattern too complex for auto-folding
  • Overlapping pieces

Solutions:

  • Add/adjust fold lines in 2D
  • Create line connections between seams
  • Simplify pattern
  • Check topology

See 3D Mode for details.

Is 3D mode required?​

No, 3D mode is optional. It's a helpful visualization tool but not necessary for creating and exporting patterns.

Export & Printing​

How do I export my pattern?​

SVG Export (for editing):

  1. Click "Export SVG"
  2. File downloads automatically
  3. Open in Illustrator, Inkscape, etc.

PDF Export (for printing):

  1. Click "Export PDF"
  2. Choose paper size (A4, Letter, etc.)
  3. File downloads automatically
  4. Print at 100% scale (no "fit to page")

See Export & Printing for complete guide.

My PDF prints at the wrong size. Help!​

Critical: Print at 100% scale

  1. Open PDF in PDF reader
  2. Print settings: Select "Actual Size" or "100%"
  3. NEVER select "Fit to Page"
  4. Test print one page first
  5. Measure with physical ruler to verify

See Export - PDF Wrong Scale for troubleshooting.

What paper size should I choose?​

Home Printing:

  • US: Letter (8.5" × 11")
  • Europe: A4 (210mm × 297mm)

Large Patterns:

  • A3 or Tabloid (if your printer supports)
  • A0 for professional printing services

See Export - PDF Paper Sizes for all options.

Can I edit the SVG in other software?​

Yes! SVG is a standard vector format. Open in:

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Inkscape (free)
  • CorelDRAW
  • Affinity Designer
  • Any vector editor

Community Features​

How do I share my pattern?​

  1. Open your pattern
  2. Toggle "Publish to Community" in sidebar
  3. Set permissions:
    • Replicatable: Others can copy to modify
    • Downloadable: Others can export SVG/PDF
  4. Pattern appears in community

See Community - Publishing for details.

What does "Replicatable" mean?​

When enabled, others can copy your pattern to their account and modify it. They get their own editable copy. Good for sharing learning resources.

When disabled, pattern is view-only.

What does "Downloadable" mean?​

When enabled, others can export your pattern as SVG or PDF. Useful for patterns you want to share fully.

When disabled, others can only view in browser.

How do I save patterns I like?​

Click the heart icon on any community pattern. Your liked patterns are saved to "My Likes" for easy access later.

Can I copy/modify community patterns?​

Only if the creator enabled "Replicatable". If enabled:

  1. Click "Replicate" button
  2. Pattern copies to your account
  3. Modify as you wish
  4. Your copy is private (not auto-published)

Always credit original creators!

Seam Connections​

What are line connections?​

Line connections link edges between different pattern pieces, showing how they'll be sewn or joined together. Connected lines shown in lime green.

See Piece Properties - Line Connections for details.

How do I connect two pieces?​

  1. Select a line on first piece
  2. Click circle-plus icon on line midpoint
  3. Click target endpoint on second piece
  4. Connection created (lines turn lime green)

What is "Copy Stitch Style"?​

Copies properties between connected lines:

  • Notch positions
  • Curve shapes
  • Other line properties

Ensures matching seams for sewing.

See Piece Properties - Line Connections for details.

Connected lines have different lengths. Is that OK?​

Small differences (1-2mm) are acceptable - this is "ease". Larger mismatches will warn you and may need adjustment.

Performance & Technical​

Piecer is running slowly. What can I do?​

Quick Fixes:

  • Close other browser tabs
  • Hide unused layers
  • Disable 3D mode when not needed
  • Zoom to working area only
  • Reduce number of points/shapes

Long-term:

  • Update browser
  • Clear browser cache
  • Check hardware acceleration enabled
  • More RAM helps for complex patterns

See Troubleshooting - Performance Issues for details.

Does Piecer work offline?​

Partial offline support:

  • Patterns being edited work offline
  • Saving/loading requires internet
  • Community features require internet
  • Export may require internet

Best practice: Stay connected.

Where are my patterns saved?​

With Account:

  • Cloud storage (server)
  • Syncs across devices
  • Auto-save every few seconds

Without Account:

  • Browser LocalStorage only
  • Limited to one device
  • Can be lost if browser data cleared

Recommendation: Create account for cloud backup.

Is my pattern data secure?​

Yes:

  • HTTPS encryption in transit
  • Data encrypted at rest
  • Private patterns not shared
  • Only published patterns visible to community

See Technical Specs - Security & Privacy for details.

Troubleshooting​

I can't find my pattern!​

Check:

  • ✓ Logged in to correct account
  • ✓ Check "My Patterns" page
  • ✓ Search for pattern name
  • ✓ Check if on different device/browser
  • ✓ Pattern may be unpublished from community

Keyboard shortcuts don't work.​

Fix:

  • Click on canvas first (set focus)
  • Ensure not typing in text field
  • Click away from sidebar
  • Verify correct keyboard layout
  • Refresh page if stuck

Export button is disabled.​

Check:

  • ✓ Logged in (may be required)
  • ✓ Pattern isn't empty
  • ✓ Refresh page
  • ✓ Try different browser

Lines won't connect.​

Verify:

  • ✓ Click circle-plus on line midpoint first
  • ✓ Then click endpoint (not midpoint) on other shape
  • ✓ Shapes must be different (can't connect to self)
  • ✓ Shapes not locked

Advanced Questions​

Can I use Piecer for commercial patterns?​

Yes! You can create and sell commercial patterns made with Piecer. Just respect community guidelines when publishing.

Does Piecer support parametric design?​

Partially. Variables (locked lengths) provide basic parametric functionality. Full parametric features planned for future.

Can I import existing patterns?​

Currently: Images can be imported as references to trace over.

Future: Import of SVG/DXF patterns planned.

Is there an API?​

Not publicly documented yet. API endpoints exist for internal use.

Can I contribute to Piecer?​

Check community forums for contribution opportunities. Feature requests welcome!

Need More Help?​

Documentation Pages​

Still Have Questions?​

  • Check community forums
  • Read detailed documentation pages
  • Report bugs via GitHub
  • Contact support

Can't Find Your Question?​

If your question isn't answered here, it might be in the detailed documentation pages. Use the search function or browse the features overview.