From OptiTexHelpEn

This document introduces the new features and improvements included in OptiTex version 10. Following a summary of the new features, they are detailed separately for the PDS, Marker, Modulate and the 3D Runway applications.

Contents 1 OptiTex Version 10: Summary of New Features 1.1 Overview 1.1.1 New File Structure 1.1.2 New License Architecture 1.1.3 User Interface 2 PDS 2.1 User Interface 2.1.1 Visual Styles And Themes 2.1.2 Reorganized Toolbars 2.1.3 Toolbox 2.1.4 Unified Tool WorkFlow 2.1.5 New Status Bar Messages 2.1.6 Undo/Redo History 2.1.7 Toolbars And Menus 2.1.8 Keyboard Shortcut Customization 2.1.9 New Panes 2.1.9.1 Docking Mode And Position 2.1.10 Preferences 2.1.11 New Merge Style File Window 2.1.12 Properties 2.1.13 View And Selection 2.1.14 New Piece Appearance 2.1.14.1 Line Quality 2.1.14.2 Grading Point Shape 2.2 Zoning 2.3 Style Set 2.4 Import 2.5 Digitize 2.6 Grading 2.7 New Tools And Commands 2.7.1 New Line Direction (F2) Dialog 2.7.2 Dart 2.7.2.1 Reopen Dart 2.7.2.2 Create / Edit / Close Dart By Pivot 2.7.2.3 Arch And Cut Dart 2.7.3 Measure Tool Ruler 2.7.4 Seam Allowance 2.7.4.1 Replicate Seam 2.7.4.2 Match Seam 2.7.4.3 Copy / Paste Seam 2.7.4.4 Recalculate Seam Parameters 2.7.5 Guide Line 2.7.5.1 Guide Line Properties / Set Parallel 2.7.5.2 Delete All 2.7.6 Create New Piece 2.7.6.1 Create A Rectangular Piece 2.7.6.2 Create A Sector/Spiral Piece 2.7.7 Arc Tool 2.7.7.1 New Arc Dialog Options 2.7.8 Baseline/Grainline 2.7.8.1 New Grainline 2.7.8.2 Grainline To Baseline 2.7.8.3 Set Length 2.7.8.4 Set Baseline Perpendicular 2.7.9 Walk Options 2.7.9.1 Walk State And Options Dialog 2.7.9.2 Walk Internal Lines 2.7.10 Invert Selection 2.7.11 Circle By Three Points 2.7.12 Piece From Segment 2.7.13 Circles Tangent 2.7.14 Align Tools 2.7.15 Move Piece On Piece 2.7.16 Multi Vertical Cutting 2.7.17 Create By Offset 2.7.18 Convert Internal Contours To Lines 2.7.19 Move/Rotate Sub-Segment 2.7.20 Text Directions 3 3D Runway 3.1 Animation 3.2 3D Digitizing 3.3 3D Flattening 3.4 NURBS To Polygons Converter 3.5 New Text Label 3.6 3D Manipulation Tools 3.7 Body Measurement/Morphing Dialog 3.8 Anchor Points 3.9 3D Zones 3.10 Style Sets 4 Marker 4.1 User Interface 4.2 Style Set 4.3 New Tools And Options 4.3.1 Cut Down Feature 4.3.2 Bundle Code Numbering 4.3.3 New Splicing 4.3.4 Alternative Start Point 4.3.5 M31- Text Order 4.3.6 Configuration Per Size 5 Modulate 5.1 File Type 5.2 User interface 5.2.1 Test Mode 5.3 New Tools And Options 5.3.1 SQL Database For SDM 5.3.2 Automatic Size Selection 5.3.2.1 Retain Grading 5.3.3 Group Points Tool 5.3.4 Control Point 5.3.5 Angle Dimension 5.3.6 Print Preview 5.3.7 Reference Contour 6 Utilities 6.1 OptiTex Viewer 6.2 Batch Creator 6.3 Fabric Editor/Convertor 6.4 PDS Exporter

[edit] OptiTex Version 10: Summary of New Features

[edit] Overview

OptiTex version 10 presents a significant advance to a more user-friendly pattern design / grading and 3D system, which you will find far easier to operate. It incorporates:

• New File Structure to reduce memory usage and assure forward compatibility and XML connectivity.
• New license management architecture.
• A greatly improved user interface.
• New utilities to speed up the production process and connection between different departments. See Utilities section.
• Additional tools and features to speed up your actions and meet pattern design needs. See the PDS, Marker, 3D Runway and Modulate sections.
• New converters to eliminate data transfer difficulties and increase the flexibility of communicating with various CAD systems.
• A new Online Help site, including software documentation, knowledge base and tutorials, is accessible at the http://help.optitex.com URL.

[edit] New File Structure

• Two new file types (.pds, .mrk) are included in the PDS, Marker and Modulate software.
  • The .dsn and .dsp file types continue to be supported.
• XML connectivity: XML structure files (.pdml, .mrkml) are also supported.
  • Saving as *.mrkml and *.pdml will allow easier access for third party software engineers trying to access OptiTex PDS and Marker files, since they are written in an XML format.
  • MRKML and PDML files can be loaded into OptiTex products as if they were the native format of the product.

[edit] New License Architecture

The new license management architecture handles OptiTex licensing through files. For further details see OptiTex Protection User Guide.

[edit] User Interface

• Redesigned GUI
• New menu customization facilities
• New hot keys
• New docking panes
• Dynamic changes to toolbars

[edit] PDS

[edit] User Interface

[edit] Visual Styles And Themes

You can change the look and feel of the program to match your personal taste.

[edit] Reorganized Toolbars

For a complete list of the reorganized Toolbars and a short description of each tool, see the Toolbars Reference Guide.

[edit] Toolbox

OptiTex version 10 features a new Toolbox, which provides easy access to all the available tools. The tools in the toolbox are categorized according to functionality. Each tool in the toolbox is represented by the tool icon, along with a brief description of the tool's function.

[edit] Unified Tool WorkFlow

The workflow for using tools has been unified. You no longer need to select specific segments or points to get started on using a tool. Simply select the tool and follow the prompts which appear in the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

[edit] New Status Bar Messages

Clearer and more comprehensive tool instruction prompts have been added to the status bar.

[edit] Undo/Redo History

You can undo and redo up to 25 previous actions. You can also view a list of undone actions, which you can then redo using the same method.

[edit] Toolbars And Menus

1. Toolbar chevrons: group tools together according to functionality.
2. Tear off tabs and menus to place them on screen as toolbars.
3. Add a command from a menu to a toolbar.

[edit] Keyboard Shortcut Customization

Define your own keyboard shortcuts for any tool and menu command you wish.

[edit] New Panes

In version 10 of the OptiTex software, you will notice that the look of the screen (GUI) has changed. The icons have been updated, new panes have been added, and you can now easily shift all windows around the screen. Shortcuts are available to open all windows.

[edit] Docking Mode And Position

• The OptiTex version 10 windows and toolbars can easily be shifted around the screen.
• All windows can be either viewed or hidden (auto-hide, floating, visible at all time, closed).
• This feature allows you to “dock” toolbars on the top/bottom/left/right of the main window.
• Windows can be docked and stacked together with other windows to enable multiple tool access without having to open and close each window.

[edit] Preferences

The Preferences window allows you to customize the program to fit your personal working style. Here you can define your screen colors and settings, notches and internal element attributes, font style and sizes, pop-up dialogs you would like to see or hide, and many other personal preferences. The Preferences window is categorized according to functionality, and thus provides easier access to all available preferences. A description panel has been added to this window to describe each field of the Preferences.

[edit] New Merge Style File Window

OptiTex version 10 features a new Merge window which provides a preview of all pieces in the selected style file.

[edit] Properties

The Properties window in OptiTex version 10 replaces the Information window in version 9. The Properties window is dynamic, and changes according to the selected element. Clicking on a dart, button, notch, internal contour or piece, displays the appropriate form of the Properties window, where you can enter the properties of the selected element. A description panel has been added to this window. When you point to any field in the Properties window, a description of the field appears in the description panel at the bottom of the window.

• A Short Form option has been added to the Preferences window to hide the Marker attributes.

[edit] View And Selection

The View and Selection Attributes window replaces the General View Attributes window in version 9, and is accessed using the same key – F10.

• Use this window to define which elements / texts / information you wish to see on your screen.
• A new Lock option allows you to lock specific elements. Locked elements cannot be selected or edited.
• Plotter view options have been moved to the File menu >> Plotter Setup >>General Plotter Attributes window.
• To view the V9 F10 dialog, select SHIFT-F10.

[edit] New Piece Appearance

[edit] Line Quality

Lines have three settings of anti-aliases: high, medium, and low, to give them a crisp or smooth appearance. Choose the Low setting to view any line that is not perfectly horizontal or vertical.

[edit] Grading Point Shape

Grade Points in Version 10 are round.

[edit] Zoning

Zones present a new approach for working on patterns. Since patterns are often altered and corrected, you can now define every part on a master pattern, or Map, as a zone. When the Map changes, the pieces created from it are changed automatically. The geometry is copied from the Map to the pieces created from it, including the contour, internal contour, baseline, grain line, notches, and grading.

[edit] Style Set

The Style Sets option is a new function that allows for multiple orders in one style. Create sub-sets for a single style by selecting only certain pattern pieces, and then changing their fabrics, properties, and quantities without affecting the main style. You can create several 3D draped files in one style, save variations in one style, save self, linings, and contrast fabrics combined with variations in one style, and build multiple marker orders from a single style.

[edit] Import

• The import of DXF, AAMA and ASTM formats has been improved.
• A new option to merge imported data to an existing file has been added.

[edit] Digitize

• A Return to Digitizer option has been added to allow you to edit a piece that was already inserted through the Digitizer.
• A new option has been added to the Digipen to allow digitizing several pieces at the same time.

[edit] Grading

• Table Of Sizes - In OptiTex version 10, you can insert or append more than one size at a time.
• Baseline Grading - an option to grade the baseline has been added.
• Stack By Baseline - an option to stack grading to the baseline has been added.
• Remove Rule Reference - You can remove the rule reference from a piece or several pieces. The grading rule itself will be deleted, but the grading values will be kept.
• Grade Notch Tool - Use this tool to view and edit grading values of a selected notch for each size.
• Reshape Variation Grading - Merge two grading sets (variation grading) into a single set.

[edit] New Tools And Commands

[edit] New Line Direction (F2) Dialog

The F2 dialog has been improved, and arrows have been added to each direction.

[edit] Dart

[edit] Reopen Dart

Use the Reopen Dart tool to reopen a dart that has been closed.

[edit] Create / Edit / Close Dart By Pivot

Three new functions have been added to the Dart tool. You can now Create, Edit, and Close darts by distributing dart intake without disturbing a defined area that is fixed between two pivot points.

[edit] Arch And Cut Dart

Use the Cutting Dart by Arch tool to select an existing dart, arch the selected dart legs symmetrically, and cut the dart out.

[edit] Measure Tool Ruler

When you use the Measuring tool, you can now view the line dimension as you measure.

[edit] Seam Allowance

[edit] Replicate Seam

You can copy the shape of a seam from one piece to another.

[edit] Match Seam

This function allows you to change the shape of a seam contour on one piece to match that of a different piece.

[edit] Copy / Paste Seam

This function allows you to copy and paste a seam from one piece or location, and then paste the seam to another piece or location.

[edit] Recalculate Seam Parameters

This function relates to styles that are seamed and have been imported into OptiTex. Often, the seam allowance must be recalculated before you invoke the Reseam (F6) command.

[edit] Guide Line

[edit] Guide Line Properties / Set Parallel

Set Parallel is a new feature in the Guide Line Properties window,which allows you to set guides that are parallel to a specific segment.

[edit] Delete All

A menu function has been added to allow you to clear all guidelines from your screen. The keyboard shortcut for this feature is Ctrl+Alt+G.

[edit] Create New Piece

[edit] Create A Rectangular Piece

The Create a Rectangular Piece feature has been enhanced. When creating a rectangle, you can now measure the sum of the lengths of multiple segments and create a rectangle according to this sum (useful for developing waistbands, collars, two-piece sleeve cuffs, etc.).

[edit] Create A Sector/Spiral Piece

The Create a Sector Piece and Create a Spiral Piece features have been enhanced. When creating a sector/spiral piece you can now set the lengths of the external and internal curves. The radius then updates accordingly.

[edit] Arc Tool

Using the Arc tool you can reshape two adjacent pieces with one arc.
When using the Arc tool, the Arc dimensions are displayed as you plan your arc.

[edit] New Arc Dialog Options

• Distance - sets the distance from the middle of the selected segment.
• Shift - this value can also be seen when pressing Shift key and shifting the center point. The distance from the original curve's center is marked.
• Contour Reshape - allows you to determine if you wish to set a new internal line or to reshape the selected segment.

[edit] Baseline/Grainline

[edit] New Grainline

A new option has been added to allow you to set an additional grainline. This allows you to use the baseline to grade the pieces and cut the pieces according to the grainline direction.

[edit] Grainline To Baseline

This option allows you to switch between a grainline to a baseline and vice versa.

[edit] Set Length

Use this option to change the length of the Grainline and/or Baseline.

[edit] Set Baseline Perpendicular

This new tool allows you to set the baseline direction perpendicular to a selected segment.

[edit] Walk Options

[edit] Walk State And Options Dialog

Two new options have been added to this dialog:

1. Skip Pleats - You can now skip not only darts, but pleats as well.
2. Set Walking Distance + Keyboard Arrow - Use this option to walk between two pieces which are not the same size.

[edit] Walk Internal Lines

Using the Walk tool, you can walk an internal line to an internal line or an external line to an internal line.

[edit] Invert Selection

Use this feature to select all the pieces that are currently not selected. All currently selected pieces are then deselected.

[edit] Circle By Three Points

Use this new tool to create a circle that runs through 3 selected points.

[edit] Piece From Segment

Use this new feature to create new pieces using a particular contour shape.

[edit] Circles Tangent

This tool calculates the tangent of circles (existing or 'virtual') and draws a line between them. This is commonly used for bag manufacturers.

[edit] Align Tools

Three new align tools have been added:

1. Align Horizontal - Use this tool to align objects horizontally according to a selected point (contour or internal), button, circle, dart tip or notch.
2. Align Vertical - Use this tool to align objects vertically according to a selected point (contour or internal), button, circle, dart tip or notch.
3. Align By Line - Align objects on a selected line or angle between two objects.

[edit] Move Piece On Piece

Use this tool to place a piece above another piece according to selected points. The piece will be rotated if needed to simulate the placement of two pieces sewn together.

[edit] Multi Vertical Cutting

Use this menu option to split an existing piece into several sections.

[edit] Create By Offset

Create a new contour line by off-setting points of an existing contour or segment.

[edit] Convert Internal Contours To Lines

Divide a selected internal contour into equal lines, according to the number of lines, line length and blank length.

[edit] Move/Rotate Sub-Segment

These two new tools allow you to move or rotate a segment without changing a specified sub-segment (a smaller segment).

[edit] Text Directions

You can easily change the direction and location of texts as in Version 10.

[edit] 3D Runway

[edit] Animation

View your garments in motion on a model before the garment is actually sewn. OptiTex provides several mannequins with fit motions to allow you to test the fit of your garments on a moving mannequin. With the animation tools you can create a cache file which includes the model's entire motion fully clothed and produces a video of the animated fully dressed model.

[edit] 3D Digitizing

The 3D Digitizing tool allows you to sketch your design on 3D and receive instant feedback on your 2D production patterns. The sketched objects are visible both on 3D and on 2D on the matching pattern pieces.

[edit] 3D Flattening

OptiTex version 10 features a new set of 3D Flattening tools which enable on-screen transformation of three-dimensional objects' surface into two-dimensional patterns that make up the upholstered object. The new technology allows the user to delineate the target areas of the object on screen and then perform an accurate and fast calculation of the two-dimensional shapes needed for production.

[edit] NURBS To Polygons Converter

OptiTex version 10 features a new converter which transforms NURBS surfaces created in mechanical CAD software to polygonal data. The converter is specially designed for the Automotive and Upholstery industries to enable such users to use the 3D Flattening on their designs.

[edit] New Text Label

Use the 3D Text Tool to add a description or notes which point to a certain spot on the 3D model or cloth.

[edit] 3D Manipulation Tools

New rotation/move/scale 3D piece tools allow you to temporarily alter 3D pieces without changing the 2D pattern pieces.

[edit] Body Measurement/Morphing Dialog

OptiTex version 10 features a new Morphing dialog, which provides easy access to all the available morphs. The morphs/body measurements in the Morphing dialog are categorized according to functionality and type of morph (Basic/Advance/Heights/Shape/Pose). You can also control the display of the measurements on the mannequin.

[edit] Anchor Points

This new option allows you to attach and secure an area of the cloth to a specific location on the 3D model. This feature, which will be fully released in the upcoming service packs, can support the upholstery industry's needs for a binding point between fabrics and static objects.

[edit] 3D Zones

Using the 3D zones, you can define different 3D zones in a single piece. Each 3D zone will have its own 3D attributes, thus enabling simulation of seamless garments, partially fused pieces and uniquely woven fabrics.

[edit] Style Sets

In OptiTex version 10 you can create several 3D draped sets in one style file (PDS file) by creating several style sets. Each style set will contain only the pieces you wish to drape each time. Only the pieces in the currently selected style set will participate in the 3D draping process.

[edit] Marker

[edit] User Interface

• Piece Properties Window - The new Piece Properties window enables faster handling of selection and properties changes, using a new table in which the properties are categorized into groups.
• Preferences - The Preferences window has been redesigned to allow fast and easy search of preferences. A description panel has been added to this window. When you point to any field in the Preferences window, a description of the field appears in the description panel at the bottom of the window.

[edit] Style Set

The new Style Sets function allows for multiple orders in one style. Styles that were redefined in PDS can be imported to Marker using the Open Style File (order) window, when you load a new style file (PDS) that includes different style sets.

[edit] New Tools And Options

[edit] Cut Down Feature

The Cut Down feature allows you to stack different sizes of the same piece together. The purpose is to prevent more pieces from being cut than have been ordered. For instance, on a marker with 2 layers, if pocket A is to be cut once on each size, the Cut Down feature will stack pocket A size 1 with Pocket A size 2.

[edit] Bundle Code Numbering

Version 10 introduces a new feature that allows you to give bundles a global value (as opposed to restart counting the bundles in every size). The Bundle Code number can now be customized in three ways:

1. Reset Bundle number in each size.
2. Don't Reset Bundle number in each size.
3. Display letters instead of numbers.

[edit] New Splicing

Enables you to Display Splicing line on marker and print a report.

[edit] Alternative Start Point

Optimizes cutting the start point using a set of user-defined starting points.

[edit] M31- Text Order

When using the Gerber Cutter labeling system, you can now customize the Label Fields order.

[edit] Configuration Per Size

Configuration per size, such as rotation allowance and flip allowance, is no longer supported, since this feature in version 9 caused confusion.

[edit] Modulate

[edit] File Type

• Modulate version 10 uses the same file type as the PDS (*.pds).
• Reverse compatibility to version 9 CUS files.

[edit] User interface

As with the PDS and Marker, the Modulate has also had a face-lift. The icons have been updated, you can now easily shift all windows around the screen and dock and stack windows together.

[edit] Test Mode

In version 10 the Test Mode is the default; there is no need to hold down the Ctrl key.

[edit] New Tools And Options

[edit] SQL Database For SDM

Use the Smart Data Manager (SDM) to manage mass customization information on an SQL Database server. Using the SDM on an SQL server allows multiple users to create various versions of the same style from multiple computers.

[edit] Automatic Size Selection

This new option integrates parametric variables with grading sizes. The base size is automatically selected and set according to a critical measurement (for instance, Bust).

[edit] Retain Grading

This new option allows you to set first priority for grading values over parametric variables, in cases where there is a conflict between the two. In such cases the variables will change to fit the grading rules.

[edit] Group Points Tool

This is a new option to group or un-group points. The group of points will move together, without the need to define multiple dimensions.

[edit] Control Point

Allows you to define a point as a control point regardless of its non-grading point definition. A control point holds its position as the measurement changes.

[edit] Angle Dimension

You can now set a dimension according to the angle of a selected point.

[edit] Print Preview

You can now display a print preview and browse through the print pages.

[edit] Reference Contour

Use the reference contour to display the initial geometry of pieces before you change their measurements. You can snap to the reference contour and refresh it.

[edit] Utilities

[edit] OptiTex Viewer

The OptiTex PDS Viewer enables you for the first time to view, plot, cut and update the patterns and info used for production on any computer without a license for the PDS software. It enables designers to work with the production departments without having to pay for additional PDS licenses, in a way that enables full transparency in the working process.

[edit] Batch Creator

This simple to use utility allows you to create and run batch sequences for the PDS and the Marker through a user-friendly GUI.

[edit] Fabric Editor/Convertor

The Fabric Editor allows you to create a fabric library by defining fabric parameters. This information can either be gathered from lab test results and then converted to OptiTex standard, or can be entered according to personal preference. The fabric library is used to define fabrics when using the 3D and Animation tools.

[edit] PDS Exporter

PDS Exporter enables you to convert PDS file format and MRK file format into Lectra (.mdl) and Gerber (.zip) native formats.