Compare Pattern Previews

Preview comparison overlays a reference on the current pattern so you can inspect changes or compare an external pattern. Capturing a Clab preview and importing a DXF are separate options; each is shown only when available in your workspace.

Capture the current preview

1. Arrange the pieces you want to compare.

2. Click Pin preview for comparison in the preview toolbar.

3. Change your measurements or geometry and compare the result with the captured reference.

4. Open Preview comparison to adjust opacity or hide and show the overlay.

When Current preview is offered, use it to replace the reference with a new capture.

Import a DXF reference

1. Open Preview comparison and select Import DXF.

2. Choose an ASCII .dxf file, up to 2 MB.

3. Review the detected units and piece dimensions. If units cannot be detected, choose the correct unit before continuing.

4. Select the pieces to import. If needed, use Rotate all 90° to turn every piece counterclockwise; this also rotates unselected pieces.

5. Confirm the import and inspect the overlay at the displayed physical scale.

Binary DXF files must first be exported as ASCII DXF from your CAD software. If some contours cannot be read, Clab shows a notice; check the imported pieces before comparing them.

The DXF is a visual reference. Importing it does not convert its pieces into editable Clab pattern pieces.

Adjust the comparison

Use the comparison popup to:

• Select which DXF pieces are visible and enable Show internal lines when needed. Internal lines are initially hidden.

• Change the overlay opacity or use Hide comparison / Show comparison.

• Choose Move reference pieces to align the overlay with your live pattern. Drag a piece near a visible point to snap; hold S to suppress snapping. Arrow keys move a focused reference piece by 1 mm, or 10 mm with Shift.

• Choose Change DXF to replace the file, or Current preview to return to a Clab capture when available.

Press Escape to exit reference movement. Hold Space and drag to pan. Zoom all fits the live pattern and visible reference pieces together.

Clear or keep a comparison

Only one reference is active at a time. Importing another DXF or capturing a new preview replaces it; canceling an import preserves the existing reference.

Clear removes the overlay. References and their positions are temporary and are discarded when you reload or leave the editor. Save a Pattern Version when you need to retain a project state for later work.