How to Use the Array Fill Tool in eXPerience 8

The Array tool in eXPerience 8 allows you to easily fill any object with a repeating Clipart item or a custom design part. This is an excellent way to create complex, patterned fills quickly and accurately.

Follow the step-by-step guide below to master the Array tool and customize your embroidery designs.

Method 1: Filling a Shape with Clipart

1. Select the Object: Click on the target object or shape that you want to fill with a pattern.
2. Access Properties: Navigate to the Properties tab in your workspace.
3. Select Array Type: Locate and select the special fill type called Array.
4. Choose Your Clipart: Once you click on Array, the Clipart library will automatically open. Skim through the library, select your desired element (e.g., a flower), and click Insert.
5. Set Initial Size and Orientation: Click and drag your cursor inside the workspace to define the size and rotation of the Clipart element.

Tip: The way you click and drag in step 5 dictates how the initial pattern is generated. You can always adjust this later, but getting it close to your desired look here saves time!

Method 2: Filling a Shape with Custom Design Parts

You don’t have to rely solely on the Clipart library; you can use elements you’ve already digitized in your workspace.

1. Select Both Elements: Select the design part you want to use as the repeating pattern (e.g., a digitized flower) along with the target boundary shape (e.g., a polygon).
2. Apply the Array: * Option A: Right-click the selection, hover over Array, and choose Create fill from shapes.
   • Option B: Alternatively, you can achieve the same result by clicking the Convert button on your toolbar.
3. The boundary shape will immediately fill with your custom design element in a patterned layout.

Customizing Your Array Pattern

Once your array is generated, you can fine-tune its appearance from the Properties tab.

1. Select the Placement Pattern: The most crucial setting is the Fill option, which dictates the layout style (e.g., Shape fit, Rectangle, etc.).
2. Adjust Layout Parameters: Every pattern fill style has its own unique customization options. For example, if you change the fill to Rectangle, you can adjust:
   • Distance between rows and columns.
   • Start angle.
   • Slant angle.

Tip: Experiment with different Fill types! Depending on the shape you are filling, some placement patterns will look much more natural than others.

Visual Adjustments Using Edit Nodes Mode

For a more hands-on approach, you can adjust the array placement visually using the Edit Nodes tool.

1. Select your arrayed object and enter Edit Nodes mode.
2. Check “Edit Outline” Status:
   • If Edit Outline is enabled, you will edit the boundary shape’s outline just like any regular object.
   • If Edit Outline is turned off, special adjustment handles will appear for the fill pattern.
3. Use the Pattern Handles:
   • Lower Right Handle: Click and drag to control the Horizontal Spacing and the Start angle.
   • Upper Left Handle: Click and drag to adjust the Vertical Spacing and control the Slant angle.

Advanced Array Options

In the Properties tab, you will find several common options to perfect your patterned fill:

• Offset: Pushes the patterned shapes inside or outside the original boundary.
  • Positive values (e.g., 2 mm) push the stitches outside the shape.
  • Negative values bring the stitches further inside the shape’s border.
• Item Rotation: Allows you to control the rotation of the individual elements within the array.
• Trim Shapes: Controls how elements at the borders are handled.
  • Turned On: Elements that hit the boundary line will be cleanly trimmed (partial shapes).
  • Turned Off: Only fully stitched, complete elements will be generated inside the boundary.
• Separate to Objects: If you are happy with the layout but need to tweak individual pieces, click the Separate to objects button. This breaks the array, turning every single copy into an independent object that you can edit, move, or recolor individually.