Monday, December 5, 2016

ACCUMARK 8.5.108 Models

Versions and data compatibility

The need to exchange data between business partners around the world makes it essential to create data that can be used in different versions of a software application. AccuMark version 8.x (V8) provides tools to create data in either version 8.x or version 7.x structures. Use the General page of Preferences/Options to select the version of PDS in which the data will be created.

There are several new features available in AccuMark PDS version 8.x (V8) that are not compatible with Classic AccuMark or Classic AccuMark PDS version 7.6.6 or earlier, or PDS2000 version 2.0.x. Some items are not supported and will not be preserved if the data is saved in an earlier version of the software. In some cases piece geometry can change shape or notches can move if the data is Order Processed, Plotted or viewed in an earlier version of software. Refer to the PDS/Silhouette User’s Guide or the online help for detail explanations.

Data Conversion at Import and Export

If data is retrieved in one format and exported to another, the rules of conversion apply. For example, if an AccuMark model is opened and saved as a MicroMark style, then, only the information supported in the style file will be saved. Also, if a MicroMark style is opened and saved as an AccuMark style, then, only the information supported in the AccuMark piece file is saved.

When working in PDS version 8.x if the V7 (Disable V8 Functionality) option is selected,

File/Open will display only version 7.x (V7) storage areas. In addition, the functions Save and Save As will save data as version 7.x (V7) data. If the checkbox is not selected, File/Open will display version 7.x (V7) and version 8.x (8) storage areas, and Save and Save As will save data as version 8.x (V8) data.

When the V8 (Enable V8 Functionality) is selected, the Export function can be used to save data as version 7.x (V7) data.

Note: Export data is the only way to move version 8.x (V8) data into version 7.x (V7) storage area.

Open Existing Data Items

Use the Open function in the File menu to open AccuMark models, AccuMark pieces, MicroMark styles, Lectra, Investronica or Assyst styles or ASTM/DXF data, in order to make edits. AccuMark data is stored in user defined storage areas. When a model or style is opened, the pieces are displayed in the Piece Icon Menu at the edge of the work area.

It is possible to open:

• Multiple files at one time; select by holding down the Shift or Ctrl key.

• A file into the current work area or a separate work area.

To open existing data items:

1. From the File menu or tool bar, select Open.

2. Select the drive and folder that contains the data. To do this, click the arrow at the right of the Look in field. AccuMark data is stored in user defined storage areas.

3. In the folder list, double-click folders until the one that contains the desired data is found.

4. In the File Type box, select the desired file format. The information is filtered to display only the type of files selected. For instance, if AccuMark pieces are selected, only pieces are listed.

5. Wildcards can be entered in the File Name field. Type the characters with the * or ? characters and press the Enter key to see the filtered list.

6. To have the data retrieved into a new work area, check the Open Separate Work Area box. Otherwise the pieces, models, or styles are placed in the Piece/Icon menu on the active work area.

7. Select the file and click OK or double-click on the name of piece, model, style, administration sheet, or work area you want to open. Multiple files can be selected using the SHIFT or CTRL keys, or by dragging a marquee box around the desired items.

Customization

Every pattern designer approaches tasks with a set of unique preferences, needs, and experience. Designers familiar with a Windows environment will appreciate the easy access provided by drop-down menus. Those more comfortable in AccuMark or MicroMark environments can make changes to the workspace quickly in the Preference/Options dialog box.

Customizing The Workspace

The amount of space available to work in is determined by the menus, tool bars, and status bars displayed. Each user will set the workspace according to personal preferences. New users probably will choose to work directly from the main menu or tool bar.

Changing Display Options With Screen Layout

Use this function in the View Menu to display a variety of menus, tool bars, and status bars in the main PDS screen. All of the functions on the menu and tool bars can also be accessed using the Main menu.

Customize Display Options:

1. From the View menu, select Screen Layout.

2. Place or remove a check next to the option to be displayed. Changes will take effect as the checkboxes are selected or deselected.

3. Set options for Guidelines and Snap.

4. Click OK to save. To change the screen layout back to the default settings click Reset to Default.

Custom Toolbars

The standard tool bar is made up of buttons that provide easy access to frequently used functions. Each button is marked with an icon that represents a function. New tool bars can be made to meet individual needs. The size of the toolbar buttons can be changed in Screen Layout. Tool bar buttons provide you a quick way to access functions without going through the menus.

To add a button or create a tool bar:

1. From the View menu, select Custom Toolbars.

2. In the upper section of the box, select the name of the menu that has the function that will be added to the tool bar.

3. In the lower section, find the name of the function. Left click on it, hold down the mouse button, and drag the name (which becomes a button) to one of the following locations:

• Next to the standard tool bar.

• Onto the work area.

Note: Either method creates a custom tool bar. A custom tool bar can be docked or left undocked and will be saved when you exit PDS.

4. Click OK to save changes and close the Custom Toolbar box.

To change back to the default settings, click Reset to Saved.

To delete a tool bar button:

1. Right click on the button to be deleted.

2. Click OK.

To delete a custom tool bar:

1. Make sure the custom tool bar is not docked.

2. Click the

button at the top right of its title bar

To change the size of the icons:

1. Select Screen Layout in the View menu.

2. Set Icons to Large.

Customize Workspace for AccuMark

Here is an example of how the AccuMark workspace may be set up.

Setting Preferences and Options

Use this function in the View menu to change the piece display, adjust screen display colors, define plotter information, edit style conversion information, graphics display, font selection, set up paths for storage areas, styles, and importing data.

Preferences/Options has the following pages:

• General Preferences/Options – set basic preferences for your PDS/Silhouette program.

• Color Preferences/Options – set default colors selections, pieces, grading, and text. To make it easier to identify piece geometry in the work area, the default colors of internal and perimeter lines on a piece or a nest of pieces can be changed. Colors for text, prompts, background, and guidelines/grid in the work area can also be changed.

• Plot Preferences/Options – define typical settings for plotting from PDS/Silhouette. • Style Preferences/Options – set preferences for importing or exporting MicroMark styles. These include naming conventions and preferences for notch table, grain line, and grading reference line.

• Paths Preferences/Options – set basic preferences for where PDS/Silhouette finds and stores piece, model, style, and import files. Models, styles, and pieces created in the pattern design workspace are made into markers using either an AccuMark or MicroMark marking/grading system. The environment needs to be setup for either AccuMark or MicroMark.

For example, in AccuMark, storage areas are used for organizing models and pieces. In MicroMark, styles are stored in ADS/Styldir and rule tables in ADS/Gdrldir.

• Draft Preferences/Options – define typical settings for drafting on the Silhouette table from Silhouette

• Display Preferences/Options – set piece display preferences.

• Graphics Preferences/Options – define generic display capabilities as well as display and speed enhancements.

• Font Preferences/Options – set font size for piece icon and work area.

To select options or input values on a page:

1. Click on the appropriate tab at the top of the box:

General, Display, Color, Plot, Style, Paths, Graphics, Draft, or Fonts.

2. Click to add or remove check marks for every option you want.

3. Click a round radio button to select between one or more options.

4. Click the arrow button next to a field to display choices in a drop-down list box.

5. Press the tab key to move between fields, type to enter values.

6. Click Save to save changes.

7. To change back to the default settings, click Reset to Default.

When finished, click OK to close the Preferences/Options box.

Lectra Wilcom

ACCUMARK 8.5.108 Models and Styles