Tips & Troubleshooting

Something not behaving the way you expected? Start here.

These quick tips answer common questions about working in Pattern Builder and explain a few behaviors that are intentional parts of how the software works.

How do I pan and zoom around the pattern?

You can use your mouse to quickly move around the Builder workspace and get a closer look at your pattern.

Zoom — scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
Pan — click and hold the mouse wheel, then drag to move around the workspace.

Pan and zoom make it easier to work with larger or more detailed patterns without changing the pattern itself.

Why can't I move a thread up or down?

Pattern Builder intentionally restricts some vertical movement to help maintain consistent and accurate thread alignment.

Threads cannot be freely dragged up or down, and the Up and Down Arrow keys are not used to vertically reposition threads. Use the movement and Position tools available for the selected element instead.

Why can't I click Apply Fade?

Fade requires two selected endpoints and enough threads within the selected range to build the Fade using your current settings.

Select the first endpoint, then hold Shift and click the second thread to select the opposite endpoint.

If Apply Fade is still unavailable, adjust the Ratio, Number of Colors, or the selected thread range until the Fade requirements are met.

How do I select multiple objects?

There are several ways to select multiple elements in Pattern Builder:

Shift + Click — add individual objects or threads to your selection.
Marquee Select — click and drag over the center points of the Crosspoints you want to select.
Ctrl + Marquee Select — select Crosspoint centers within an existing pattern without accidentally dragging a Crosspoint while beginning your selection.

Why did my Single Thread move to a slightly different position when I dragged it?

Single Threads snap to the nearest whole coordinate when moved using drag and drop. This is intentional and helps maintain consistent positioning within the pattern.

If you need to place a Single Thread at specific coordinates, use the Position tool on the left tool rail.

What's the difference between Mirror and Inverse?

Mirror creates the reflected counterpart of the selected portion of your pattern on the opposite side while maintaining the correct interweaving and construction.

Inverse keeps the same pattern but reverses its construction order. Think of it as building the same pattern backwards—the thread that was originally placed last becomes the first.

Why don't I see future threads in Pattern Steps?

Pattern Steps show the pattern progressively as it is constructed. Each step displays the pattern through that point in the build. Threads that belong to later stages of construction are not shown until they become part of the instructions.

What is the difference between an .hmpb file and a PDF?

Your .hmpb file is the editable Pattern Builder pattern. Keep this file if you want to reopen the design and continue working with it later.

The PDF is the finished instruction document generated from your pattern and is intended for viewing, printing, or sharing.

I'm modifying a Sample Pattern. How do I keep the original?

Use Save As before making changes you want to keep. This creates a separate .hmpb file and leaves the original Sample Pattern unchanged.

Important Beta 0.9.1 Tip: Save Before Starting a New Pattern

In Beta 0.9.1, clicking New Pattern does not prompt you to save unsaved changes.

Save your current pattern before selecting New Pattern. Pattern Builder does prompt you to save unsaved changes when closing the software.

Still Need Help?

Using the Pattern Builder Beta? Your feedback helps us make Pattern Builder better.

If something doesn't behave the way you expected—or if something is difficult to find or understand—please let us know. Screenshots are especially helpful when reporting an issue.