generic+software+used+to+design+lace

toc =assess generic software= When assessing the usefulness of general purpose graphic software, pay attention on how lines are drawn. Pixels are of no use. Beziér and splines are constructed of 1 or 2 segments per curve. These segments are controlled by 2 to 4 logical points. It is OK for Torchon, but if you want to adjust a complex stitch or gimp for a more fluent result, you have to move many control points one by one. Even the software especially developped for lacemakers, does not understand the behaviour of threads/pairs between pins and how they could obey the Belgian color code.

Pixels

 * [[image:bitmap.gif width="104" height="94"]] || Bitmap or pixel oriented programs are good for processing photos. But not for scalable drawings. When enlarging pixels become visible, when shrinking dots may disappear. Drawn lines can only be corrected pixel by pixel. ||

Vectors
A more detailed explanation than below can be found at [|about.com].
 * [[image:bezier.gif width="159" height="153"]] || Beziér-line are defined by their end positions and two "magnets". They are scalable without problems and adjustable by moving the endpoints or magnets. ||


 * [[image:knipling.gif width="151" height="149"]] || Knipling somehow combines the "magnets". Therefore you sometimes need more parts to construct a desired line. ||


 * [[image:spline.gif width="323" height="202"]] || Splines are defined just by "magnets". They are less usual. ||

=generic software= [|Susan Lambiris] uses [|**PhotoDeLuxe**]. It has a simpler interface than [|PhotoShop] and often comes with scanners. The plug-in "[|Filter Factory]" is needed for grids. She claims layers are essential. Esther Perry says about PhotoShop: "It knows only grids of 45°. To get another angle, adjust width or height (not both) just before printing. [|Deborah Robinson] sells grids and Torchon elements for **[|CorelDraw]** and other software. She sells also instructions describing how to use CorelDraw to convert a scanned picture or clipart into a Honiton lace design. In the past I used CorelDraw. Good for lace like Rosaline, that only requires lines. For grid laces like Torchon problems arise. The program doesn't know dots (at least in the old version 3.0), small circles could be used in stead. But they have five anchors: centre, top left right and bottom. Usually the wrong one sticks to the grid. This can be overcome with a carefully design library: The basic stitches should carefully snap to one another. Version 3.0 knows only rectangular grids, I don't know about later versions. A great, free vector drawing program is Inkscape, which has been used for designing diagrams for tatting, but could easily be adapted for bobbin lace. There are a lot of tutorials available online also.
 * [|Visio]** also has potentials. Especially if someone develops dedicated stencils. Maybe these quick and dirty samples are an inspiration:

[|Other PC aids for lace and crafts]. - Planet Shoup's [|Free Craft Software] - The book "Let's Draw Lace Pattern with a computer" of [|Etsuko Haraga].