Skip to main content

Hoop canvas and sew timeline

The canvas answers: where is the design on the fabric?

The timeline answers: when does the machine sew each part?

Use both. A pretty final image can still contain bad order, exposed jumps, missing stops, or unsafe density.

Design view​

Design view is for editing source objects. It shows hoop boundaries, safe area, artwork, object outlines, handles, text boxes, and simplified stitch appearance.

Use it for placement, scale, object settings, thread choices, and text edits.

Stitch view​

Stitch view is for machine behavior. It shows the generated or imported needle path, jumps, trims, stops, ties, density, and color blocks.

Use it when:

  • an imported file needs inspection;
  • Design Health reports travel or density risk;
  • the stitch sequence matters;
  • you need to see what the machine will actually do.

Realistic view​

Realistic view approximates thread on fabric. Use it for visual checks, proof images, and color comparison.

It is still a preview. Fabric, stabilizer, needle, thread, tension, and hooping can change the result.

X-Ray view​

X-Ray view shows structure that normal preview hides:

  • density;
  • underlay;
  • travel;
  • trims and jumps;
  • stitch direction;
  • pull-compensation outlines;
  • warning regions;
  • reconstruction confidence when available.

Use it before accepting a fix or exporting a suspicious design.

Timeline​

The timeline shows the sew order. It should expose color blocks, stitch counts, stops, trims, jumps, warnings, and construction notes.

Selecting a canvas object should locate it in the timeline. Selecting a timeline segment should locate it on the canvas. That link is the fastest way to understand an imported file.

Zoom​

Different zoom levels answer different questions:

  • far: hoop fit and color masses;
  • medium: object boundaries and stitch direction;
  • close: stitch paths, joins, trims, and travel;
  • deep: needle points and repair handles.

Do not show every stitch at every zoom. It makes the document unreadable.