How to Use the Space Fill Pattern with Array fill

The Space Fill feature in eXPerience 8 is a specialized pattern within the Array fill type. It fills any closed shape with randomly scaled and rotated duplicates of another object, creating an organic, dynamic, and textured embroidery effect.

Prerequisites

• A target boundary shape (the container you want to fill, such as a heart or circle).
• A source object (the element you want repeated inside the target, such as a star, circle, or small motif).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select Both ShapesUsing the Selection tool, select both your source object (e.g., a star) and the target boundary shape (e.g., a heart).Tip: Ensure your source object is drawn at approximately the base size you want before creating the array, as properties will scale relative to this initial size.
2. Apply the Array FillNavigate to the Properties bar on the right side of the workspace. Under the Fill section, click the Array fill type. The target shape will immediately fill with patterned repetitions of the source object.
3. Switch to Space FillWith the array selected, locate the Fill pattern dropdown in the Properties bar and select Space fill. The repeated objects will instantly redistribute into a scattered, random arrangement.
4. Fine-Tune the Placement PropertiesAdjust the following parameters in the Properties bar to customize the density, distribution, and appearance:
   • Scale: Sets the overall size of the repeated objects relative to the source shape (entered as a percentage).
     • Lower percentage: Creates smaller repeats and increases the total quantity.
     • Higher percentage: Creates larger repeats and reduces the total quantity.
   • Spacing: Defines the distance between repeats as a percentage of the source object’s size.
     • Example: Setting Spacing to 40% sets the target gap between items to 40% of the original shape’s dimension.
     • Note: Because shapes are varied in scale and constrained within an enclosed boundary, spacing will automatically balance to fit the area.
   • Rotation: Determines how far repeats can randomly rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise (entered in degrees). Setting this value introduces organic variety so the objects do not face the same direction.
   • Min Size & Max Size: Sets the lower and upper size limits for the generated copies. The software generates elements within this range, scaling upward from the minimum threshold to the maximum threshold to fill negative space efficiently.
5. Separate Objects for Multi-Color Customization (Optional)To apply multiple thread colors or manually edit individual shapes:
   1. Click Separate to objects in the Array properties or contextual menu. This converts the grouped array into individual, editable embroidery objects.
   2. Use the Lasso Selection tool to select specific clusters or sections of the repeats.
   3. Assign different thread colors from the color palette to each selected section.

Useful Digitizing Tips

• Plan for Stitch Order and Trims: When using Separate to objects, review the stitch sequence in the Sequence Manager. You may want to optimize color sorting or reorder adjacent shapes to minimize jump stitches and unnecessary thread trims.
• Keep Source Shapes Clean: Intricate shapes with very high stitch counts or heavy underlay can create bulky embroidery when densely packed. Use simple, low-density motifs for best machine runability.
• Avoid Edge Clipping: If repeats touch or spill over your boundary, slightly reduce the Scale or Max Size, or increase the Spacing value to keep elements neatly inside the design perimeter.