a.2 Grading
I. Overview of Grading
Grading is one of the core procedures in garment pattern‑making. Based on the base‑size pattern, it calculates dimensional changes for each part of other sizes (such as S, M, L, XL) following defined rules to generate complete multi‑size pattern pieces.
Style3D Studio delivers powerful grading capabilities. It supports grading for pattern pieces, graphics, buttons, buttonholes, zippers and many other objects, greatly improving efficiency for multi‑size garment development.
II. Grading Entry & Interface
Operation Path: Home ▶ Grading
Grading Function Entry
Objects supported for grading: pattern pieces, graphics, buttons, buttonholes, zippers, etc.Specific values of each grading point can be viewed and edited in the Property Editor window.
III. Basic Pattern Grading Operations
3.1 Basic Workflow
Operation Path: Home ▶ Grading ▶ “＋” ▶ Add and name sizes
- Click grading points (vertices) on the pattern piece.
- Set grading values for vertices in the Property Editor or using the ↑↓←→ arrow keys on the keyboard.
- Repeat until all grading points are configured.
�Curve‑Point Grading: Activate the Grading tool. Right‑click in empty space of the 2D window and enable Show Curve Points to grade curve points.
3.2 Align Grading by Fixed Reference Point
Grading supports alignment by a fixed reference point, which quickly aligns the X or Y value of grading points to a specified reference point.
Application scenario: Used for grading review. After alignment, verify whether grading increments along one direction are correct and check for line distortion across sizes.
Operation Path: Home ▶ Grading ▶ Right‑click a grading point ▶ Align To
Alignment Options
3.3 Copy & Paste Grading X/Y Values
Operation Path: Home ▶ Grading ▶ Right‑click grading point ▶ Copy ▶ Right‑click target point ▶ Paste
IV. Export Multi‑Size AI File
A new pop‑up window appears when exporting an AI file, allowing users to select single‑size or multi‑size export:
- Single‑size: exports vector paths only for the current size.
- Multi‑size: exports vector paths for all sizes.
- Once multi‑size vector paths are modified, alignment will no longer be available.
Operation Path: File ▶ Export AI File ▶ Multi‑Size
Application scenario: Designers add texture graphics for different sizes (S/M/L) in AI. Multi‑size export outputs full‑size vector files in one go and avoids tedious manual alignment after single‑size exports.
V. Grading for Buttons, Buttonholes and Holes
Description: Supports single‑select / multi‑select grading for buttons, buttonholes and holes; supports grading for buttons along lines (grade vertices only); compatible with importing grading data from ET button files.
Operation Path: Home ▶ Grading ▶ Select objects (buttons, buttonholes, holes) ▶ Edit grading values in the Property panel.
- Ordinary buttons / buttonholes / holes grading — single‑select & multi‑select grading
- Buttons along internal lines — grading along internal lines
VI. Zipper Grading
Description: Zippers support manual and automatic grading.
Operation Path: Assets ▶ Zippers ▶ Select zipper ▶ Property Editor ▶ Tape Length Grading
VII. Graphic Grading
Description: Graphic grading allows users to set parameters individually for each size (S/M/L):
- Scale percentage
- Positioning mode (Center, Left‑Align, Top‑Align, etc.)
⚠️ Note: Graphic grading does not alter the pixel content of the source graphic. It only controls display size and position on the 3D garment surface.
Operation Path: Assets ▶ Edit Graphic ▶ Select graphic ▶ Property Editor ▶ Toggle on Graphic Supports Grading
Position Linkage：
Position linkage means the graphic automatically adjusts its position as the pattern deforms during grading, instead of using fixed absolute coordinates. The graphic maintains its relative position on the pattern (centered, edge‑aligned, etc.). When the pattern stretches or shrinks for different sizes, the graphic shifts and deforms accordingly to preserve visual consistency.
Graphic Grading Modes：
- Percentage: Assign scale percentages for each size (e.g. M=100%, S=90%, L=110%). The graphic scales proportionally. This is the primary and recommended method.
- Dimension: Input the actual physical dimension (cm) of the graphic for a given size; the system calculates the corresponding scale percentage.
Configure Graphic Positioning：
Set positioning modes in the [ Graphic Positioning ] panel:
- Center ☑ On (Recommended): Graphic stays centered on the pattern piece.
- Left / Right / Top / Bottom: Lock graphic edges to pattern boundaries.
- Show Bounding Box: Auxiliary display for graphic coverage.
Grade Graphic by " Following Other Grading Vertices "
After enabling " Graphic Supports Grading ", click the upper‑right corner of the target graphic
in the 2D view and assign a follow‑to vertex. The graphic anchor point can be moved. In the Property Editor you can define relationships between anchor point and follow‑to vertex and lock X‑offset / Y‑offset, so offset values remain unchanged across sizes.
Display Different Graphics per Size (V9.0)
Operation Path: Assets ▶ Edit Graphic ▶ Property Editor ▶ Apply to Single Graded Size Only
Application scenario: Pattern review for styles with different graphics assigned to different sizes.