Export Controls

The export section of the interface is designed to facilitate the transfer of your designs out of the pattern generator and into a format suitable for your projects or further processing. This area features a straightforward set of controls: two buttons for selecting the export format and a dropdown menu for adjusting the DPI (dots per inch) of bitmap exports.

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Exporting a pattern, whether as an SVG vector file or a bitmap image, is directly tied to the current state of the preview displayed in the pattern generator. This ensures that the exported file matches the last valid preview, even if it’s not up to date. Notably, patterns incorporating random elements are exported exactly as shown, without undergoing any additional recalculations, preserving the uniqueness of the design as viewed.

  • SVG…: Clicking this button initiates the export process for an SVG file, which maintains the design in a scalable vector format. A subsequent dialog allows you to choose the desired save location and file name for the SVG.

  • Bitmap…: Selecting this option exports the pattern as a PNG or JPEG image, with the resolution determined by the chosen DPI setting. Should this option become unavailable, it typically indicates that the intended bitmap’s size exceeds practical limits. Hovering over the disabled button reveals a tooltip detailing the dimensions of the proposed bitmap export.

  • DPI: This dropdown menu offers several standard DPI settings, enabling you to optimize the bitmap’s resolution for your specific application, whether it be for screen viewing or high-quality printing.