StitchBuddy HD - File Management

Matthias

I'm considering a major revamp of StitchBuddy HD's user interface on iOS:

There was no standard way to offer file management capabilities when I designed the app years ago: So I created a "gallery view" with options to work with design files like rename, delete, move - including cloud synchronization. Times have changed, and Apple is offering the same look and feel like Files, Numbers or Pages to 3^rd party apps: A common interface to navigate through folders and storage locations, and to perform file operations.

It seems to be a good idea to use this document browser for several reasons:

The interface is already familiar to iOS users from other apps like Files, Numbers, Pages.
External storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, but especially USB drives would be directly accessible in StitchBuddy HD.
Operations like convert or copy could be performed on multiple files.
The app's code base would become much leaner, with less risks of errors or complications.

On the other hand it's coming with some disadvantages as options to customize Apple's document browser are limited:

Existing customers would face a different user interface.
Design properties like size or format version could not be shown in the file list.
Some options would be moved to the design view (e.g. printing, help, In-App purchase).

What is your opinion about this idea? Would you prefer a changed, but standardized user interface with its benefits, but also coming with some compromises? Or do you want to keep the current situation with no need to adjust your way of working? What's on your personal wish list for file management in StitchBuddy HD, and which drawback isn't acceptable?

I'd love to have your view on this one…

Andrea

I have only used the Stitchbuddy to show an embroidery file and retrieve all of its information (size, format, etc). I am very proficient at using Apple Files, Numbers and Pages, so as a newer user of Stitchbuddy I wouldn't have to learn new navigation procedures to expand my knowledge base. But if current users, that also know Apple products feel that the current way is great, I would defer to them.

coolcat

I prefer a standardized user interface

Matthias

Just a quick post to keep you updated:

The last days I dug into the new document browser: It looks really promising, so far I've only identified two draw-backs:

Thumbnails are not generated for files with conflicting file types, e.g. Janome JPX designs as mentioned in this discussion. I raised a "code-support" ticket at Apple, but chances of any resolution are rather low.
In general the design gallery is relying on Apple's thumbnail generator doing its job … if it stalls or breaks file icons will not be populated. Happened once so far and was fixed by restarting the device.

I don't consider these issues as deal breakers, and the benefits are really convincing. Today I was able to implement "multi-scene" support on iPads, so multiple files can be opened in parallel, and e.g. it's much easier to copy / paste between designs…

Matthias

Things are progressing … although there are still many topics to be addressed, the new look & feel already works well. From my perspective quite a leap forward with a lot of improvements. Stay tuned for a beta testing phase, potentially in March - and here are some screenshots to illustrate the new approach:

Design Browser (Beta):

Design Editor (Beta):

Matthias

Just to keep you posted: The development has nearly finished, with some internal tests being performed. Now I will focus on updating the in-app help as well as creating a video tutorial, covering major changes:

Direct access to external storage locations like cloud storage and USB sticks
Standardized / familiar user interface for file management like Files / Numbers / Pages
Batch operations incl. conversion into other embroidery file formats, selecting multiple files and even folders
Split View on iPads supporting parallel windows, e.g. to copy / paste easily between designs

With this video published, StitchBuddy HD will start into its first public beta phase - so now is a good opportunity to make yourself familiar with Apple's TestFlight - if you're interested in exploring the new features and provide feedback…

lid535

I work for a very large sportswear company, thumbnails are of up most importance to use. We are all mac based.

We use your software for viewing and coloring all files, saving them, and using that information to enter into our

system, not really for editing. I have another digitizing program I use for that. For whatever reason in the last week, my version of my software has starting telling me I have a 'trial limitation on designs with 1000 stitches or less'….yet I have a purchased copy. We own several copies. I can't 'save as' a 'stitch file I have colored' correctly.

Matthias

lid535 I appreciate the feedback about the importance of thumbnails: Totally agreed. Were you aware that this post was related to StitchBuddy for iOS? I assume your company is working with the macOS version, which is relying on Quick Look for thumbnails / previews since its first days.

Thumbnails are working pretty well on iOS, but with the mentioned issue regarding .JPX files. The code-level support ticket was answered by Apple, unfortunately they only confirmed the issue with no way to resolve it: Using conflicting file name extensions is just a no-go… We are lucky that the other embroidery file formats are not affected.

With regards to your In-App purchase not being recognized: Please refer to this FAQ article for possible resolutions. Long story short: Deleting and reinstalling the app (with the Apple ID which made the purchase) is the easiest / quickest fix, but on iPads / iPhones the app should only be "off-loaded" (not deleted) to avoid loss of local data.

lid535

Thank you. I will get with my IT dept and see how they downloaded it to my iMac.

Matthias

With StitchBuddy HD 3.3 entering its public beta phase - offering enhanced file management capabilities - I'm closing this discussion. Please refer to this article for details about the new app version on iOS / iPadOS and how to join the test.