Open Pattern in Canvas

Created by Sunny Hart, Modified on Wed, 4 Mar at 2:53 PM by Sunny Hart

STEK EDGE • OPEN PATTERNS

Open Patterns in the Canvas: Direct Open vs Canvas List

Open patterns in the canvas either immediately or by collecting multiple patterns (and vehicles) into a Canvas list first.

Purpose: Open patterns in the canvas either immediately or by collecting multiple patterns (and vehicles) into a Canvas list first.

Applies to: STEK EDGE — Vehicle Container / Canvas / Canvas List

Time to complete: Varies (depends on how many patterns you stage)

Audience: Installer

Screens and labels may change slightly as we ship updates.

Why this matters

Problem: Installers often need more than one pattern for a job, and opening patterns one-by-one can be slow and disorganized when you want everything on one film run.
What EDGE improves: EDGE supports two workflows: open a pattern instantly for quick work, or stage multiple patterns in a Canvas list and open them together in one canvas.
Result: Faster prep, cleaner organization, and fewer repeated steps when combining patterns.

What this feature does

What it is: A canvas workflow that supports both single-pattern work and multi-pattern staging using a named Canvas list.
What it helps you do: Combine patterns into one working canvas, including patterns from different vehicles when needed.
What it does not do (optional): Adding patterns to the Canvas list does not automatically arrange cutting layouts. It stages the patterns so you can manage them together.

Videos

Video

Video 1 — Opening Patterns in the Canvas (Add to Canvas)

Covers: Opening a one or multiple pattern from different or the same vehicle on the same canvas.

When to use: When you need to combine multiple patterns of the same or multiple vehicles into one job.

Video

Video 2 — Opening Patterns in the Canvas (Direct)

Covers: Opening a single pattern immediately in the canvas.

When to use: When you need to cut one pattern quickly.

Before you start

You need: A selected vehicle and access to its patterns in the vehicle container.
Recommended: Name the Canvas list early (customer/job/vehicle) so you can keep work organized.
Terms used (optional): Vehicle container = pattern list for a vehicle; Preview = larger view with zoom; Group/Ungroup = set vs individual pieces; Canvas list = staging list; Legend = shows what is loaded in the canvas.

How to use it

Workflow

Workflow A — Recommended for multi-pattern jobs (Canvas list)

Open the Canvas list
Where: Canvas list panel
Do: Open the Canvas list so you can stage patterns.
Expected result: You see a list area where patterns can be added.
Name the canvas
Where: Canvas list → name field
Do: Rename the canvas to match the job (customer name, vehicle, or ticket).
Expected result: The Canvas list shows the new name for easy reference.
Review patterns before adding
Where: Vehicle container → pattern list → Preview
Do: Use Preview to confirm you selected the correct pattern set. Zoom if needed.
Expected result: You can clearly see the patterns before adding them.
Add patterns to the Canvas list
Where: Vehicle container → selected pattern → Add to Canvas
Do: Click Add to Canvas for each pattern you want in the job.
Expected result: The patterns appear inside the Canvas list.
(Optional) Add patterns from another vehicle
Where: Pattern Search → other vehicle → vehicle container
Do: Search a second vehicle and add its needed patterns to the same Canvas list.
Expected result: The Canvas list contains patterns from multiple vehicles.
Open the canvas
Where: Canvas list → Open canvas
Do: Open the canvas after staging all patterns.
Expected result: A single canvas loads with all staged patterns.
Confirm patterns using the Legend
Where: Canvas → Legend
Do: Check the Legend to confirm which patterns are loaded.
Expected result: You can identify each pattern and manage visibility/order if needed.

Workflow

Workflow B — Fast single-pattern work (Direct Open)

Open one pattern
Where: Vehicle container → pattern list
Do: Click Open on the pattern you need.
Expected result: The pattern opens immediately in the canvas.

Tips

Use Canvas list when you plan to cut multiple patterns in one run.
Rename the Canvas list early so you can save and return to it later.
Use Preview before adding to confirm you selected the correct set.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Using Direct Open when you intended to collect multiple patterns → Fix: Use Canvas list + Add to Canvas, then open the canvas once.
Mistake: Adding patterns but forgetting to open the canvas → Fix: After staging, open the canvas from the Canvas list.
Mistake: Mixing patterns without naming the canvas → Fix: Rename the canvas to the job/customer first.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Canvas opens but patterns are missing
Cause: Patterns were not added to the Canvas list (or were opened directly instead)
Fix: Return to the vehicle container, use Add to Canvas, confirm items appear in the Canvas list, then open the canvas again.

Wrap-up

You can now choose the right workflow: open a single pattern immediately for speed, or use the Canvas list to combine multiple patterns (even across vehicles) into one organized canvas. Next, use the Legend to manage what’s loaded before cutting.