How to Use the Rectangular Array Tool for Embroidery Patterns

The Rectangular Array tool is a powerful feature in eXPerience 8 that allows you to quickly create repetitive, grid-based patterns from any selected object(s). This guide will walk you through the process, from basic setup to advanced pattern creation.

Step 1: Select Your Object and Activate the Tool

Before you can use the Array tool, you must first select the object or group of objects you wish to duplicate.

1. Use any of the selection tools to select your desired shape(s).
2. Navigate to the main toolbar on the left and locate the Arrays section.
3. Click on the Rectangular Array tool to activate it. The software will automatically generate a default grid pattern using your selected object.

Step 2: Adjust the Array Properties

Once the array is active, a set of options will appear on the Tool Options Bar at the top of the screen.

• Horizontal/Vertical Copies: Enter the number of rows and columns you want in your grid.
• Spacing: Define the exact distance between each copy, both horizontally and vertically.

Step 3: Make Visual Adjustments with Handles

For more intuitive control, you can manipulate the array directly on the design area using the interactive handles that appear over the pattern.

• Move the Entire Array: Click and drag the handle located on your original object to reposition the entire grid.
• Adjust Spacing:
  • Drag any handle on the first row to adjust horizontal spacing.
  • Drag any handle on the first column to adjust vertical spacing.
  • Drag any other handle (not in the first row or column) to adjust both horizontal and vertical spacing simultaneously.
• Tip: Use Modifier Keys
  • Hold the Alt key while dragging a corner handle to maintain equal horizontal and vertical spacing.
  • Hold the Shift key while dragging to dynamically add or remove copies while preserving the set spacing.

Step 4: Create Advanced Patterns with Mirror and Rotate

You can create more intricate patterns by transforming individual copies within the array.

1. Hover your mouse over any handle in the array. A small pop-up with a rotate icon and a mirror icon will appear.
2. Click the rotate icon to rotate every other copy in the grid.
3. Click the mirror icon to mirror every other copy. This is a quick way to create complex, interlocking patterns.

Step 5: Apply Mirroring Presets

For common mirroring tasks, use the presets available in the Tool Options Bar.

• Mirror Horizontal: Mirrors each subsequent object in the same row.
• Mirror Vertical: Mirrors each subsequent object in the same column.
• Mirror 4 Corners: Creates a 2×2 grid with each object mirrored, ideal for creating symmetrical frames or tiles. You can then increase the number of copies to repeat this 2×2 pattern.
• Align to Work Area: (Available if a work area is defined). This works like the Mirror 4 Corners preset but automatically aligns the four mirrored objects to the center of your defined work area.

Step 6: Use Advanced Options

Before finalizing your array, consider these powerful options:

• Clone Objects: If this option is checked before applying the array, all created copies will be “clones.” This means that if you later edit the nodes of any single object in the array, all the other objects will automatically update with the same change. This is incredibly useful for making design-wide adjustments.
• Reorder Colors: For multi-color designs, checking this option will optimize the stitch sequence to minimize color changes, making the final stitch-out more efficient.

Step 7: Finalize or Change Your Array

• Apply: When you are satisfied with your pattern, click the Apply button on the Tool Options Bar. This will create the individual objects and exit the array tool.
• Select New: If you want to apply the same array settings to a different object, click the Select new button and choose a new base object for the pattern.