Group and Ungroup Patterns

Created by Sunny Hart, Modified on Tue, 3 Mar at 9:16 AM by Sunny Hart

STEK EDGE • Canvas

Group / Ungroup: Move Patterns Together and Avoid Cutout Misalignment

Group multiple patterns so you can move them together, and ungroup when you need to edit individual pieces.

Purpose: Group multiple patterns so you can move them together, and ungroup when you need to edit individual pieces.

Tool to: Canvas → Group / Ungroup

Cutout caution: Many patterns with cutouts are already grouped (outline + cutout elements). Ungrouping and moving one element can misalign cutouts and cause miscuts. Prefer hiding cutouts during edits.

Why this matters

Problem: Selecting and moving patterns one-by-one is slow and increases mistakes on busy canvases.
What EDGE improves: Group treats multiple items as one unit for fast movement. Ungroup restores individual editing access.
Result: Faster layout and cleaner organization during plot preparation.

What this feature does

What it is: A tool that combines selected items into a group so they move together as one selection.
What it helps you do: Move multiple parts at once and keep related pieces together.
What it does not do (optional): It does not join shapes into one outline. For that, use Merge/Weld.

Videos

Video

Video — Group / Ungroup (Organize patterns + cutout caution)

Covers: Grouping patterns for movement, ungrouping for edits, and how grouping interacts with cutouts.

When to use: When arranging many patterns or moving sets of parts together.

Before you start

You need: Two or more patterns in the canvas.
Recommended: Group patterns after selecting the intended set. Ungroup only when you need detailed edits.
Terms used (optional): Group = move together; Ungroup = edit individually; Cutouts = sensors/emblems/handles/etc.

How to use it

Workflow

Workflow A — Recommended (group for layout, ungroup for edits)

Select multiple patterns
Where: Canvas
Do: Select the patterns you want to move together.
Expected result: Multiple items are selected.
Group
Where: Canvas → Group
Do: Click Group.
Expected result: Items become one group and move together.
Move the group
Where: Canvas
Do: Drag the group to a new position.
Expected result: All patterns move as one unit.
Ungroup for detailed edits
Where: Canvas → Ungroup
Do: Click Ungroup when you need to edit individual pieces.
Expected result: Items become individually selectable again.

Note: Some editing tools are limited while items are grouped. Ungroup to edit, regroup for layout.

Cutouts: important caution

Patterns that include cutouts are often grouped internally (outline + cutout elements). Ungrouping and accidentally moving a cutout can misalign it and cause miscuts.

Workflow

Safer workflow — Hide cutouts, edit, then show cutouts

Hide cutouts
Where: Canvas Settings → Cutouts
Do: Toggle off the cutouts while editing.
Expected result: Cutouts disappear from the pattern view.
Modify the main pattern
Where: Canvas editing tools
Do: Make your shape changes (edge extension, node edits, etc.).
Expected result: The main outline is updated.
Show cutouts again
Where: Canvas Settings → Cutouts
Do: Toggle cutouts back on for final review.
Expected result: Cutouts return for plotting verification.

Tips

Group patterns after selection so you can move them quickly without repeated clicks.
Use the Layer Panel to confirm which parts you are grouping.
Avoid ungrouping cutout patterns unless necessary. Prefer hiding cutouts during edits.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Grouping too early and losing access to editing tools → Fix: Ungroup for edits, regroup after.
Mistake: Ungrouping cutout patterns and shifting a cutout → Fix: Use hide cutouts → edit → show cutouts workflow.
Mistake: Moving only part of a cutout group → Fix: Undo immediately and verify cutout position before plotting.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Editing tools appear disabled
Cause: The pattern(s) are grouped
Fix: Ungroup, perform the edit, then regroup.

Issue: Cutouts look misplaced after edits
Cause: Cutout elements were ungrouped and moved, or toggled after geometry changes
Fix: Undo if possible, redo edits using the safer workflow, then re-enable cutouts.

Wrap-up

You grouped patterns to move them together efficiently and ungrouped them when you needed individual edits. For patterns with cutouts, avoid ungrouping when possible and use cutout toggles during edits to prevent misalignment and miscuts.