File Formats:
All of the patterns on our site are electronic data files. Do not get scared about
that! It just means we have converted the patterns from their paper format,
into an electric format that can be transferred to your home computer via the
Internet. Why? So that you can instantly have your pattern once you
purchase and not pay shipping charges.
The patterns on our site are available in different formats so that you can do different things
with them. Below is a list of the different formats available, and why you might
want to take advantage of one over another. The same pattern can be available
in multiple formats. When a pattern is in your account, you can download any or
all of the different file types depending on your needs.
Available File Types at PatternsOnline.com...
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PCStitch Pattern Files:
These are cross-stitch patterns especially formatted for use with our PCStitch design
software. If you own a copy of
PCStitch,
you can use that software to not only
open and print the pattern, but you can make your own modifications. PCStitch
Pattern Files can also be opened and printed using our
Pattern Viewer software,
which is available Free here at PatternsOnline.com.
This is the standard file type for all cross-stitch patterns on our site. This format
is small, and offers you flexible printout options such as color printing. You can also
determine the scale of the printout, printing it smaller to save paper, or larger for easier
reading.
The example to the right shows the same PCStitch Pattern File displayed in PCStitch (Top)
and the Pattern Viewer (Bottom).
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Pattern Viewer Files:
These files are more generic. They are printout only versions of the
pattern and no modifications can be made. The advantage is that the pattern can
be for any type of craft, and the printouts are the same as those in the original
printed book or leaflet. To open a Pattern Viewer file, you need the latest
version of our
Pattern Viewer
program available FREE here at PatternsOnline.com.
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The icon indicates if the printout will be in Color or Black & White. When
printing these files from the Pattern Viewer, only a color picture is displayed on the screen.
When printed, you receive the chart, instructions, and everything required to complete the project. |
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PCStitch Library Files:
These files are especially for those of you who own our PCStitch design
software. Libraries are a collection of “pieces” that can be inserted into your
own designs. The best way to explain library is with an example. We have a
pattern on our site called “101 Christmas Trees”, and it is available in multiple
formats. As a Pattern File, you to print a single pattern with all the trees. As
a Library, each tree is separate. This makes using the trees in your own pattern
creations a snap!
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PCStitch Stitched Font Files:
These files to are especially designed for those who own PCStitch. There are
many patterns out there of Alphabets, but Stitched Fonts are special. Once downloaded,
you can use them to actually type in words and phrases in your PCStitch patterns. Like
libraries, and example is best used to explain. If an alphabet is downloaded as a PCStitch
Pattern File, you will have one pattern with all the letters, but if downloaded as a Stitched Font,
you can use the font to type in letters. They are great for anyone who owns PCStitch.
The Pattern Viewer software will print a stitched font as a single pattern. But
the best reason to download a file as a Stitched Font is to use it with
PCStitch.
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PCStitch Border Files:
These files to are especially designed for those who own PCStitch. There are many
patterns out there of Borders, but these Border files are unique and easy to use. Once
downloaded, you can instantly add these to a pattern by selecting the Apply Border option from
theBorder menu. Like libraries, and example is best used to explain. If a Border is
downloaded as a PCStitch Pattern File, you will have the pattern of the border and you can add
the design manually within the border pattern, but if downloaded as a Border (.BDR), you can add
the border to any pattern automatically.
Border files can be used only with
PCStitch.
Note: Borders were introduced in version 7 of PCStitch and are not
support by earlier releases.
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