Add the ability to have a background image

thmsnhl

I would love to have the option to import an image (JPG/PNG or SVG) to use as a background that I can work on and follow with stitching paths manually.

This would not replace a more advanced SVG import but would at least make it easier to reproduce precise embroidery versions of an original design.

Matthias

Thanks for this suggestion, which is actually already on my todo list. Let me quote myself from an email I sent to a customer a few weeks ago - answering to the same feature request:

Actually importing an image as a background is already on my task list for quite a time: Although my idea was an option to load photos of fabrics for better previews, it could be used to import graphics as guides for „digitizing“ (well, I won’t consider StitchBuddy’s shapes as digitizing capabilities: Still a long way to go). But honestly the task list is pretty long, always growing, and this item doesn’t have the highest priority, so please don’t hold your breath for it. I’m currently focussing on the iOS app, again, but maybe I’ll find more time for the macOS app later this year...

Matthias

I'm just brainstorming the idea of a background image, which could serve two purposes, a better visual representation of designs placed on fabrics, and blueprints for creating shapes. Here's my current approach:

An additional option in StitchBuddy's preferences to select an image. By using the standard "Open" dialog images could be previewed in icon / column view or with Quick Look. After selection the image's file name is shown to indicate the current setting
Options in the "Open" dialog to specify dimensions of the image - required to scale it to real size relatively to the design. These options are shown by default (not collapsed)
Maybe an additional checkbox to select if a single image should be centered, or used as tiles for the whole canvas?
The selected image is copied into the app's container to prevent it from being moved or deleted incidentally.
An additional button to remove / reset the background image.
If the image was deleted from the app's container (not using StitchBuddy's preferences) the file name is shown in red, no background image is used.

I'd like to pick your brain about this feature: Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

Matthias

This new feature is under construction, now, basically following the mentioned approach: An additional dropdown menu was added to StitchBuddy‘s preferences to pick an image, enter its real size and if it should be tiled. The setting is considered on screen and when printing / exporting JPEGs.

I will introduce a corresponding view option, and perform some more tests as this update might be bundled with other internal improvements. Expect a new beta testing in a few weeks time 😉

Matthias

Please refer to this discussion for more information about this feature, including a sneak preview and - in future - details about the beta test.