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.
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
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+Clickto 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:
- Chrome/Edge: F12 → Console tab
- Firefox: F12 → Console tab
- Safari: Develop → Show JavaScript Console
Look for red error messages and note them.
Report Bugs
If you've found a bug:
- Note exact steps to reproduce
- Check browser console for errors
- Take screenshots if visual issue
- Report through feedback system
- 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