Workshop: model and pattern views

Use the model and pattern views, find drawing objects, and prepare workspace display settings.

These instructions are for Armorsmith Designer 2.1.1.0. Earlier versions, including 2.1.0.10, can show different panels and labels.

Open Workshop to work on a workspace’s model and flat patterns. Earlier guides call this area Pattern or Patterns. Choose a workspace under Workbench → Browse → Workspaces before editing it.

Find your way around

Area	What you use it for
3D model view	Inspect the source model, paint islands, or review formed foam.
Pattern viewport	Edit and arrange the flat pieces you will print.
Pattern layout toolbar	Align, distribute, and rotate pieces on the pages.
Browse → Patterns	Find drawing layers, groups, and shapes in the active workspace.
Edit	Work with the active tool’s controls, including Edit Shape and Edit Foam.
Inspect	Edit selected-object or workspace properties.
Transforms	Enter precise position, rotation, or scale values where available.

For an editable low-polygon model, Workshop shows the model beside its patterns. The paper area can remain hidden for a dense source without pattern content. Display LOD does not automatically make a dense source suitable for every pattern-editing operation.

Choose the right pattern workflow

• Islands mark areas on a source model; their patterns update as you edit those areas.
• Unfold generates an automatic layout from an appropriate model.
• Drawing layers and groups organize shapes, images, and other drafting content.
• Foam patterns start from closed outlines and show a formed 3D design beside the flat cut shapes.

Drawing layers organize content. Foam layers place raised pieces at a physical height above a foam base; they are edited in Edit Foam → Layers.

Show the details you need

Select the workspace, then open Inspect. Use Pattern Appearance for general appearance, Folds & Labels for edge labels and registration marks, Assembly Tabs for tabs, and Paper & Printing for page size, margins, and page numbers.

Hide unnecessary details while arranging pieces, then turn on the information you need for assembly before printing.

Prepare a layout

1. Choose the workspace containing the model or patterns.
2. Generate or edit the required pieces.
3. Arrange them on the paper with the pattern layout tools.
4. Check paper size, labels, and margins in Inspect.
5. Print a measured test page.

For a first exercise, follow Prepare a fitted piece for pattern layout.