Flip and Rotate Patterns

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

STEK EDGE • Canvas

Flip and Rotate: Reposition Patterns with Precision

Flip patterns horizontally/vertically and rotate them by exact angles so you can position parts efficiently for layout and plotting.

Purpose: Flip patterns horizontally/vertically and rotate them by exact angles so you can position parts efficiently for layout and plotting.

Tool to: Canvas → Flip / Rotate

Tip: Use the preset angles or degree input for repeatable results. Re-check margins after rotation to avoid edge miscuts.

Why this matters

Problem: Mouse-only transforms can be inconsistent and slow when you need precise or repeatable placement.
What EDGE improves: Flip and Rotate provide both fast actions and precise degree control.
Result: Faster layout, cleaner nesting, and predictable orientation before plotting.

What this feature does

What it is: Canvas tools for Flip (Horizontal/Vertical) and Rotate (drag + presets + exact input).
What it helps you do: Mirror parts and rotate to the exact angle required for layout or workflow preferences.
What it does not do (optional): It changes orientation, not shape. For fit edits use Node Manipulation or Edge Extension.

Videos

Video

Video — Flip and Rotate (Mouse + preset angles + exact input)

Covers: Flipping horizontally/vertically, rotating by dragging, using presets (±45°, ±90°), and entering exact degrees.

When to use: When arranging parts on the canvas for better film usage or consistent orientation.

Before you start

You need: At least one pattern opened in the canvas.
Recommended: Use guidelines/rulers when aligning rotated parts for accuracy.
Terms used (optional): Flip horizontal = left/right mirror; Flip vertical = top/bottom mirror; Rotation handle = on-canvas control; Degree value = angle shown in the top bar.

How to use it

Workflow

Workflow A — Flip a pattern

Select the pattern
Where: Canvas
Do: Click the pattern you want to transform.
Expected result: The pattern is selected.
Flip horizontally
Where: Canvas → Flip → Horizontal
Do: Click Flip Horizontal.
Expected result: The pattern mirrors left-to-right.
Flip vertically
Where: Canvas → Flip → Vertical
Do: Click Flip Vertical.
Expected result: The pattern mirrors top-to-bottom.

Workflow

Workflow B — Rotate using the rotation handle (mouse)

Enable Rotate
Where: Canvas → Rotate
Do: Click Rotate.
Expected result: A rotation handle appears on/near the pattern.
Rotate by dragging
Where: Rotation handle
Do: Click and drag the handle to rotate.
Expected result: The top menu shows the current rotation degree.
Stop at the desired angle
Where: Canvas
Do: Release the mouse.
Expected result: The pattern stays at that rotation.

Workflow

Workflow C — Rotate with precision (presets + exact input)

Use quick presets
Where: Top menu rotation controls
Do: Click preset angles: 45°, 90°, -45°, -90°.
Expected result: The pattern rotates immediately to the preset angle.
Enter an exact degree value
Where: Rotation degree input
Do: Type the exact angle you want.
Expected result: The pattern snaps to the precise rotation.

Recommendation: Use presets or exact input for repeatable results across jobs.

Tips

Use preset angles for speed and consistency (90° is common for layout).
Use exact input when small differences matter for film fit.
After rotation, re-check margins and safe area placement.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Mouse rotation when you need exact angles → Fix: Use presets or type degrees.
Mistake: Flipping a part that should not be mirrored → Fix: Undo and confirm orientation before plotting.
Mistake: Not checking margins after rotation → Fix: Confirm the pattern stays inside the safe area.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Rotation feels hard to control
Cause: Freehand dragging is sensitive
Fix: Use presets or exact degree input.

Issue: Pattern is slightly off-angle
Cause: Rotation stopped between degrees
Fix: Enter the exact degree value.

Wrap-up

You flipped patterns horizontally/vertically and rotated patterns using both mouse control and precise degree inputs. These tools help you position parts efficiently and consistently in the canvas before plotting.