Pattern making software

[Bob Victor]

The pattern sharing portion of the forum is full of other carvers who create their own patterns. What software is best used to create these patterns? Pattern editor or Pattern sculptor? I'm using Designer 1.87, would I have to upgrade to Designer 3? Can patterns be made from imported images or pictures?
A lot of questions to ask at once, looking to start off in the right direction.
As always, information or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[rmock]

Bob,
We use 1.87 designer to make all of our patterns, and yes patterns can be made from imported images and pics. Depthmaps work really well. alot of times we will search for white or bisque items as they will make great patterns with less clean up. example this plaque was pattered from this picture:

[DocWheeler]

Bob,

I believe that most patterns are made with third-party software like ArtCam - or many others.
Some free or low-priced programs do pretty well, but most of the good ones are expensive.
From what I understand, the learning curve can be both steep and long.

[Dale]

Have you checked out the tutorials under Online tools? There is a ton of good info there.

[DickB]

There must be dozens of ways to make patterns. I use a variety. Most recently I used the Designer 3D tools to make the rubber band gun pattern: http://forum.carvewright.com/showthr...ubber-band-gun

[lvwood1212]

Looking to make a pattern for wheels 1.5 and 7/8 in wheels to cut out on carve wright

[Bob Victor]

I wasn't very clear when I posted my question. After scanning a picture of a camper and doing some minor editing, I imported into designer. I then reduced the background to reveal only the camper. It looked fine at that point, so I saved to favorites. After putting the pattern onto the virtual board the edges are very jagged. I tried several time to reduce or straighten the jagged edges. That's why I was thinking a pattern making software is what is required. Any suggestions on how to smooth the edges? See attachment.

[fwharris]

I wasn't very clear when I posted my question. After scanning a picture of a camper and doing some minor editing, I imported into designer. I then reduced the background to reveal only the camper. It looked fine at that point, so I saved to favorites. After putting the pattern onto the virtual board the edges are very jagged. I tried several time to reduce or straighten the jagged edges. That's why I was thinking a pattern making software is what is required. Any suggestions on how to smooth the edges? See attachment.

Most times that jagged edge is from a low resolution image.

What software other than just designer are you using? Pattern editor, photoshop, etc....

[Bob Victor]

I use Microsoft Digital Image Pro 7. I do try to find high res picture if possible. Would pattern editor be something I should use?

[fwharris]

I am not familiar with image pro but if it has a blur feature that might help to smooth out the rough edges. Also try saving the image as a png file as the png seems to translate better for image imports.

If you have the scanning probe then you have the pattern editor. It does give you a better representation of how the pattern will look in your projects..