Layer Layout

Pattern Archive has tooling built to support distinct layers on patterns for toggling information, extra parts or decorations on patterns. Rather than uploading multiple copies of the same pattern to have color recommendations, vinyl cutter ready files or optional cuts this all can be added via layers.

Layers are user togglable and what they see is what they get when exporting the file. Thus every element or group of similar elements should live on their own layer.

Layout

Every file requires one layer that is the cut lines(parts) for that pattern. IT MUST ONLY CONTAIN CUTLINES!

Other elements to group on their own layers:

• Optional Cut Lines - Use a 30% gray solid lines
• Paint
• Wire
• Overlay of any type
• Hanging Points
• Reinforcing
• Plating
• Part ID/Glass Recommendations
• Color
• Closed shapes for split cutting

Bundling Elements

Multiple simple elements can be bundled into a "Detail" layer. An example of this would be a pattern with a wire mouth and hanging points, these aren't strictly required to be on their own individual layers. Each element type still needs unique patterns for the legend.

DO NOT bundle the following layers:

• Color
• Optional Cut Lines
• Any layer depicting parts to cut/create

These layers need to be printed individually or disabled for print separately.

Layer Naming

It's best to name the layers with the appropriate name and doing so via your program of choice, though at upload time layers can have a display name set for them seperate from the layer name in the file.

Illustrator

Illustrator saves the layer name to layer ID, nothing special needs to be done.

Affinity

Affinity saves the name of the layer to ID, nothing special needs to be done. Make sure to follow the export guidelines note for Affinity else you will end up with extra layers.

Inkscape

Inkscape does not save layer names as an ID you need to use the Object Properties window with the layer selected to rename the ID within the program, otherwise you can rename them at upload time.