Main Menu - Convert

These commands work on objects selected with the Transform Tool (arrow) or in Objects Inspector .

The Convert Menu is accessible only in select/transform mode.

Create Outlines creates outline object from selected solid area like fill, mesh or sfumato object. If object has openings, Studio will create also outlines of openings as a separate objects. Start point of each outline is identical to start point of the corresponding parent solid-fill object or its opening. It is often desirable to place start of outline on the place where solid fill ends. Switch outline to editing mode and use Place Start Point here command from pop-up menu to change the outline start point.

Create Columns from Fill creates complex object composed of columns and connections from selected fill object. It is intended mainly for cases when user uses Auto Column option for fill object and more parameters than provided by Auto Column are needed.

Create Outlines from Mesh .
If mesh is multi-layered , it creates complex object composed of forward and backward outlines from selected mesh object. It is intended for cases when user wants to edit mesh paths manually.

If mesh is single-layered , it creates object composed of outlines and connections. Outlines in this case are single-run (no backward path) and any outline mode like satin stitch, samples, etc. can be applied to them.

Create Separate Outline Elements from Mesh .
This command converts mesh into outline elements. If mesh is multi-layered, resulting outlines have no backward paths and are not arranged into continous sequence. If mesh is single-layered, resulting outlines are arranged into continous sequence completed with connections. This command is intended for those who need to do deeper editing of generated mesh fill.

Create Column from Outlines creates column object from selected outline.

Split Border into Elements creates complex object composed of columns and/or outlines and/or connections from selected outline object. It is intended for cases when the user needs to edit the parts of the predefined border outline (like rope border, for example).

Split Overlock into Elements creates complex object composed of columns and/or connections from selected outline object. It is intended for cases when the user needs to edit the parts of the predefined overlock outline.

Create Fill from Opening creates a new fill object from selected opening in existing fill. Opening must be selected in the Parts Inspector window. This command is intended for situation when user needs to create cover stitches of other color for a hole (opening) in the fill. User should adjust the newly created fill object so that it overlaps the opening underneath, in order to create overlay to avoid gaps in stitching.

Create Fill from Outline creates a new fill object from selected outline objects. If outline is not closed, Studio automatically closes the newly created fill object.

Split Applique into Layers creates separately editable layers from selected applique objects. These layers include following objects: 1. marking stitches - outline object(s), 2. tack-down stitches - column object(s), 3. cover stitches - column object(s).

Left: applique object with all layers. Right: layers moved to the side for better view.

It is important to note that all above commands will duplicate an object and then convert the new object as selected. For example, if the Create Columns from Outlines command is selected, Studio will duplicate the object, leaving the first one an Outline object, and converting the second one to a Column object. 

Next commands are:

• Applique to Column
• Column to Applique
• Column with Pattern to Column
• Column to Column with Pattern
• Column to Outline
• Column to Fill
• Connection to Manual Stitches
• Connection to Outline
• Manual Stitches to Connection
• Outline to Connection
• Outline to Carving
• To Opening (Fill, Mesh or Sfumato solid areas)
• Fill to Sfumato
• Sfumato to Fill
• Fill to Mesh
• Mesh to Fill

Each of them converts objects from one type to other. They do not duplicate objects. Column to Applique joins beginning and end of object, because Applique object must form a closed loop. Functions Column to Outline and Column to Fill convert also Columns with Pattern and Appliques to Outlines and Fills.

Column to Column with Pattern

Column with Pattern to Column

If you have Font Engine module for Embird, command Fill to Mesh can be used to create intricate embroidery lettering from True Type and Open Type fonts.

1. Use Lettering tool to create text
2. Select fill objects and convert them to mesh objects with about command
3. Select converted mesh objects and use Parameters window to set requires mesh style

Please keep in mind that mesh object must be large enough to achieve good-looking mesh pattern.

Special command Areas to Centerline allows to create redwork object(s) from fill or column object(s). Result is a set of outline elements, which have to be combined into single outline object with use of main menu > Build > Outlines > Arrange Outline Parts function. This function is mainly intended for creation of redwork lettering.

Command to Editable Stitches converts stitches in selected vector objects to editable manual stitches. Create any object as a start and then use this function to access and edit individual stitches. This function can be used for precise adjustment of motif fill, for example.