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Troubleshooting Guide

Solutions to common issues and problems.

Drawing & Editing Issues

Points Won't Move

Problem: Selected points don't move when dragged.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check if shape is locked (unlock in sidebar)
  • ✓ Verify you're using Select tool (press V)
  • ✓ Try clicking point again to ensure it's selected
  • ✓ Check if point is constrained by locked variables
  • ✓ Disable snap temporarily to move freely

Can't Create Bezier Curves

Problem: Dragging doesn't create curve handles.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure using Pen tool (press P)
  • ✓ Hold and drag after clicking (don't just click)
  • ✓ Zoom in for better control
  • ✓ Check that grid snapping isn't preventing curve
  • ✓ Try Arc tool (C) on existing lines

Grid Snapping Not Working

Problem: Points don't snap to grid.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Enable snap in toolbar/settings
  • ✓ Check zoom level (affects snap grid size)
  • ✓ Ensure grid is visible
  • ✓ Try zooming in for fine grid (1cm)
  • ✓ Verify snap setting hasn't been disabled

Shapes Won't Close

Problem: Can't close shape with Pen tool.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Click directly on first point (not near it)
  • ✓ Zoom in to see first point clearly
  • ✓ Look for red highlight on first point
  • ✓ Ensure you have at least 3 points
  • ✓ Try drawing simpler shape first

Measurement Issues

Measurements Not Showing

Problem: Measurements aren't visible on canvas.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure you have shapes on canvas
  • ✓ Toggle Show Measurements in View settings (right sidebar)
  • ✓ Zoom in - measurements may be too small to display
  • ✓ Check if the specific shape has measurements enabled
  • ✓ Refresh browser if issue persists

Wrong Measurement Units

Problem: Measurements in wrong units (cm vs inches).

Solutions:

  • ✓ Click Settings
  • ✓ Switch unit system (Metric ↔ Imperial)
  • ✓ All measurements update automatically
  • ✓ Grid adjusts to new units
  • ✓ Check PDF export units match

Locked Length Not Preserving

Problem: Variable locked lines change length.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Verify line is actually locked (orange color)
  • ✓ Check if connected to other locked lines
  • ✓ May need to adjust connected points
  • ✓ Some operations override locks
  • ✓ Re-lock if needed after major edits

Export Issues

PDF Wrong Scale

Problem: Printed PDF doesn't match expected size.

warning

This is the most common issue. Always print at 100% scale.

Solutions:

  • Print at 100% scale (never "fit to page")
  • ✓ Check printer settings: "Actual Size" or "100%"
  • ✓ Print test page with ruler first
  • ✓ Measure with physical ruler
  • ✓ Disable all scaling options in print dialog

PDF Too Many Pages

Problem: Pattern spread across too many pages.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Choose larger paper size (A3 instead of A4)
  • ✓ Arrange pieces closer together
  • ✓ Remove unnecessary spacing
  • ✓ Consider rotating pieces
  • ✓ Export as A0 for professional printing

SVG Won't Open

Problem: SVG file won't open in software.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Try different software (Inkscape, Illustrator)
  • ✓ Check file downloaded completely
  • ✓ Re-export SVG
  • ✓ Verify SVG file size is reasonable
  • ✓ Try opening in browser first to test

Export Button Disabled

Problem: Can't click export button.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check if you're logged in
  • ✓ Verify pattern isn't empty
  • ✓ Check browser console for errors
  • ✓ Try refreshing page
  • ✓ Clear browser cache

3D Mode Issues

3D Won't Enable

Problem: 3D mode button doesn't work.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure you have at least one closed shape
  • ✓ Check browser supports WebGL
  • ✓ Update browser to latest version
  • ✓ Try different browser
  • ✓ Check GPU acceleration enabled in browser settings

3D Folding Incorrectly

Problem: Pattern folds wrong in 3D.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Add/adjust fold lines in 2D
  • ✓ Check line connections are correct
  • ✓ Verify topology isn't too complex
  • ✓ Simplify pattern if needed
  • ✓ Try different fold line placements
  • ✓ Use 3D rotation controls to adjust angles

3D Mode Slow/Laggy

Problem: 3D mode performs poorly.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Close other browser tabs
  • ✓ Reduce pattern complexity
  • ✓ Update graphics drivers
  • ✓ Try smaller viewport/window
  • ✓ Close other applications
  • ✓ Disable 3D when not needed

Connection Issues

Line Connections Won't Create

Problem: Can't connect lines between shapes.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Click circle-plus icon on line midpoint
  • ✓ Then click target endpoint (not midpoint)
  • ✓ Ensure both lines are on different shapes
  • ✓ Check shapes aren't locked
  • ✓ Try zooming in for precision clicking

Connected Lines Wrong Length

Problem: Warning about mismatched connection lengths.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Adjust curves to match length
  • ✓ Add/remove points to modify line
  • ✓ Use "Copy Stitch Style" to match
  • ✓ Check measurements in View settings
  • ✓ Small differences (1-2mm) usually acceptable
info

Perfect length matching isn't always necessary. Small differences of 1-2mm are often acceptable and can be eased during construction.

Can't Remove Connection

Problem: Connection won't delete.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Click disconnect icon on line
  • ✓ Select line first, then disconnect
  • ✓ Try deleting and recreating shapes
  • ✓ Refresh browser if stuck

Performance Issues

Canvas Slow/Laggy

Problem: Editor performance is poor.

Solutions:

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

Saving Takes Long Time

Problem: Pattern takes too long to save.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check internet connection
  • ✓ Reduce pattern complexity
  • ✓ Wait for save to complete
  • ✓ Try again if timeout
  • ✓ Export as backup while troubleshooting

Browser Crashes

Problem: Browser crashes when using editor.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Update browser to latest version
  • ✓ Clear browser cache and cookies
  • ✓ Disable browser extensions
  • ✓ Try incognito/private mode
  • ✓ Reduce pattern complexity
  • ✓ Try different browser
  • ✓ Check system memory availability

Selection Issues

Can't Select Points

Problem: Clicking points doesn't select them.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Use Select tool (press V)
  • ✓ Zoom in for small points
  • ✓ Try box selection (click and drag)
  • ✓ Check if shape is locked
  • ✓ Click directly on point (not near)

Box Selection Not Working

Problem: Dragging doesn't create selection box.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure Select tool active (V)
  • ✓ Click on empty canvas and drag
  • ✓ Don't start drag on existing point
  • ✓ Make sure not using other tool
  • ✓ Try clicking away first to deselect

All Points Select at Once

Problem: Can't select individual points.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Click point directly (not shape body)
  • ✓ Zoom in for precision
  • ✓ If entire shape selected - click point specifically
  • ✓ Use Shift+Click to modify selection

Community Issues

Can't Publish Pattern

Problem: Publish button doesn't work.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure logged in
  • ✓ Pattern must have at least one shape
  • ✓ Check internet connection
  • ✓ Try different browser
  • ✓ Check for error messages

Published Pattern Not Appearing

Problem: Pattern not visible in community.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Refresh community page
  • ✓ Check "Publish to Community" is enabled
  • ✓ May take a few moments to appear
  • ✓ Search for your pattern by name
  • ✓ Check your profile page

Can't Like Patterns

Problem: Like button doesn't respond.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure logged in
  • ✓ Can't like your own patterns
  • ✓ Check internet connection
  • ✓ Refresh page and try again
  • ✓ Clear browser cache

Replicate Button Disabled

Problem: Can't replicate community pattern.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Pattern creator may have disabled replication
  • ✓ Ensure you're logged in
  • ✓ Try refreshing page
  • ✓ Download PDF/SVG if available instead

Fabric/Material Issues

Material Mode Not Showing Colors

Problem: Material mode doesn't display fabric colors.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Assign fabrics to all pieces
  • ✓ Ensure material mode is enabled (toggle button)
  • ✓ Check fabric colors are set
  • ✓ Refresh page if colors don't update
  • ✓ Try different fabric colors

Can't Create New Fabric

Problem: Add Fabric button doesn't work.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Ensure in fabric management section
  • ✓ Check browser console for errors
  • ✓ Refresh page and try again
  • ✓ Clear browser cache
  • ✓ Try different browser

Keyboard Shortcut Issues

Shortcuts Not Working

Problem: Keyboard shortcuts don't respond.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Click on canvas first (to give it focus)
  • ✓ Check if text field is active (click away)
  • ✓ Try clicking away from sidebar
  • ✓ Verify correct keys being pressed
  • ✓ Check keyboard language settings
  • ✓ Some shortcuts may conflict with browser

Wrong Tool Activates

Problem: Pressing shortcut activates wrong tool.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check keyboard layout (QWERTY assumed)
  • ✓ Verify not in text input mode
  • ✓ Try clicking canvas first
  • ✓ Refresh page if shortcuts stuck

Browser Compatibility

Features Not Available

Problem: Some features missing or not working.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Use modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • ✓ Update browser to latest version
  • ✓ Enable JavaScript
  • ✓ Enable cookies
  • ✓ Allow localStorage
  • ✓ Enable hardware acceleration for 3D

Mobile Issues

Problem: Editor doesn't work well on mobile.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Use landscape orientation
  • ✓ Zoom/touch may behave differently
  • ✓ Some features are desktop-only
  • ✓ Use tablet for better experience
  • ✓ Consider desktop for complex patterns

Data/Saving Issues

Pattern Won't Save

Problem: Changes don't save.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check internet connection
  • ✓ Ensure logged in
  • ✓ Wait for auto-save indicator
  • ✓ Try manual save
  • ✓ Export as backup
  • ✓ Check browser storage not full

Lost Work

Problem: Changes disappeared.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check auto-save status indicator
  • ✓ Refresh page to load latest save
  • ✓ Check browser back button
  • ✓ Look for pattern in your patterns list
  • ✓ Check if accidentally created new pattern

Pattern Disappeared

Problem: Can't find saved pattern.

Solutions:

  • ✓ Check "My Patterns" in Studio
  • ✓ Search for pattern name
  • ✓ Verify logged in to correct account
  • ✓ Check browser/device used to create
  • ✓ Pattern may be in a different project

Getting More Help

Check Browser Console

See technical error messages:

  1. Chrome/Edge: F12 → Console tab
  2. Firefox: F12 → Console tab
  3. Safari: Develop → Show JavaScript Console

Look for red error messages and note them.

Report Bugs

If you've found a bug:

  1. Note exact steps to reproduce
  2. Check browser console for errors
  3. Take screenshots if visual issue
  4. Report through feedback system
  5. Include browser version and OS

Community Support

  • Check community forums
  • Ask other users
  • Share your experiences
  • Learn from others' solutions

Prevention Tips

Save Often

  • Enable auto-save
  • Manual save before major changes
  • Export backups periodically
  • Keep old versions

Work Incrementally

  • Test changes in preview
  • Save after each major edit
  • Don't make too many changes at once
  • Easier to undo if needed

Use Supported Browsers

  • Keep browser updated
  • Use recommended browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • Test in different browsers if issues occur
  • Clear cache periodically