Resizing Pattern

Created by Sunny Hart, Modified on Tue, 3 Mar at 9:04 AM by Sunny Hart

STEK EDGE • Canvas

Resize Patterns: Set Exact Width and Height with the Bounding Box

Resize a pattern to an exact width or height using direct input, while controlling whether the pattern keeps its proportions.

Purpose: Resize a pattern to an exact width or height using direct input, while controlling whether the pattern keeps its proportions.

Tool: STEK EDGE (current version) — Canvas → Select tool → Resize (Bounding Box)

Recommendation: Use the lock for proportional scaling. For detailed edge shaping, use Edge Extension or Node Manipulation instead of resizing.

Why this matters

Problem: Dragging to resize can distort shape and makes results inconsistent across installs.
What EDGE improves: Resize Patterns lets you type exact width and height values and preserve proportions with a lock.
Result: Predictable sizing, faster adjustments, and fewer surprises after plotting.

What this feature does

What it is: Resizing controls tied to the pattern’s bounding box (the rectangle around the selected pattern) with width/height inputs.
What it helps you do: Scale up/down by exact values or set a final target width/height while keeping proportions.
What it does not do (optional): It is not meant for detailed fit edits like wrap changes or relief shaping. Use dedicated tools for that.

Videos

Video

Video — Resize Patterns

Covers: Using width/height inputs, the proportion lock, shift distance and resize handles, plus inverse selection.

When to use: When you need controlled scaling or exact target dimensions.

Before you start

You need: One or more patterns opened in the canvas.
Recommended: Keep the lock ON for most resizing. Unlock only when distortion is intentional.
Terms used (optional): Bounding box = selection rectangle; Lock = proportional scaling; Shift Distance = fixed nudge step.

How to use it

Workflow

Workflow A — Recommended (resize with exact input, keep proportions)

Select the pattern
Where: Canvas → Select tool
Do: Click the pattern.
Expected result: A bounding box appears around the pattern.
Turn the lock ON
Where: Lock icon next to width/height
Do: Ensure the lock is closed/active.
Expected result: The pattern keeps its proportions.
Enter a target width or height
Where: Width or Height input
Do: Type the new value you want.
Expected result: The pattern scales evenly and the other dimension updates automatically.

Workflow

Workflow B — Stretch one dimension (use with caution)

Unlock proportions
Where: Lock icon
Do: Toggle the lock OFF.
Expected result: Width and height can be changed independently.
Change one dimension
Where: Width or Height input
Do: Enter the new value for only one field.
Expected result: The pattern stretches in that direction and may distort.

Warning: Distortion is easy to create. Use only when stretching is intentional.

Workflow

Workflow C — Shift Distance + resize handles (quick adjustments)

Set Shift Distance
Where: Shift Distance setting
Do: Choose a step size (ex: 1 mm or inch equivalent).
Expected result: Keyboard resizing uses that increment.
Enable Resize toggle
Where: Resize toggle in selection controls
Do: Turn it ON.
Expected result: Resize handles appear on the bounding box.
Resize using keyboard or drag
Where: Bounding box edges/handles
Do: Nudge by Shift Distance or drag handles.
Expected result: The bounding box changes size (less precise than numeric input).

Workflow

Workflow D — Inverse Select (select everything except the current pattern)

Select one pattern
Where: Canvas
Do: Click a single pattern.
Expected result: One item is selected.
Use Inverse Select
Where: Select tool controls → Inverse Select
Do: Click Inverse Select.
Expected result: All other patterns are selected except the original one.

Tips

Use the lock for most resizing to protect proportions.
Use numeric input when you need exact final dimensions.
For edge extensions or relief changes, use dedicated tools instead of stretching the whole pattern.
Confirm your unit (mm vs inches) before typing values.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Unlocking the lock accidentally and distorting the pattern → Fix: Re-enable the lock and resize proportionally.
Mistake: Dragging to resize when you need precision → Fix: Use width/height inputs.
Mistake: Using resizing to extend an edge → Fix: Use Edge Extension or Node Manipulation.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Pattern looks stretched after resizing
Cause: Lock was OFF and only one dimension changed
Fix: Undo, turn the lock ON, then resize using a single width/height value.

Issue: Resizing is inconsistent between jobs
Cause: Mixed use of dragging vs numeric input or unit mismatch
Fix: Standardize on numeric input and confirm units.

Issue: Inverse Select did not behave as expected
Cause: Multiple items were selected before using it
Fix: Select one pattern first, then run Inverse Select.

Wrap-up

You resized patterns using exact width/height inputs and controlled proportional scaling with the lock. You also learned how Shift Distance and resize handles work for quick adjustments, and how Inverse Select helps you select all patterns except one.