Digital Design Software
Scroll through this page to find more info on the specialized software and digital design tools available to you through the FTC labs.
COVID-19 NOTE: In order to use the software remotely, please follow the link below. You must download the VMware Horizon Client Software before you can remotely access the software. Follow the directions via the link:
Accessing Optitex Software from Home:
You will be able to access the suite of Optitex software applications (including PDS 19 [main software], Marker, Viewer, Runway, etc.) remotely from home by remotely connecting to a DAAP lab computer virtually.
You must download the VMWare Horizon Software to access the virtual desktops. You can find instructions and download links here:
VIRTUAL DESKTOP LINK
https://www.uc.edu/about/ucit/services/productivity-students/computer-labs.html
This will open a virtual Windows machine with all the software that the DAAP labs have. (The computing power is substantial, but the experience will be affected by network traffic and your internet connection- If you have a weak connection, things might be choppy). You also need plenty of storage and space on your computer to run the program, so make sure that you back up your files and clear as much free space as possible. (Optitex also has a backup folder on the local computer where things can be recovered if necessary)
Wacom Cintiq Pro Workstations
The Wacom Cintiq workstations run on Windows operating systems. Simply login to one of the available workstations with your UC credentials and access all of the specialized software in the FTC labs. The Cintiq tablets are draw-on screens that work with a stylus pen, that can be checked out from FTC staff or from the DAAP Photo Lab. We also have handy express key remotes and stylus pen stands that work with the Wacom Cintiq tablets, which you can also request from FTC team members if you need them.
Here are some helpful video resources and links to get you started using the WACOM Cintiq Pro 24.
Artistic Tips and Tricks from Wacom
How to use a Wacom Tablet Part 1: Setup
How to use a Wacom Tablet Part 2: Photoshop
Lectra Kaledo Suite
Lectra’s modular design software allows for the creation of realistic simulations of printed, woven and knit textiles, accurate technical sketches, and built-in automation for the creation of textile and color specifications. The Kaledo Suite includes Kaledo Print, Kaledo Knit and Kaledo Weave and Kaledo Style software. See the New User training guides for each software below to get started.
Kaledo_Print_New-User_Training_Guide_en_September_28_2017 (1).pdfKaledo_Knit_New-User_Training_Guide_en.pdfKaledo_Weave_New-User_Training_Guide_en_October 4th 2017.pdfKaledo Creating Color Palettes_New-User_Training_Guide_en_Februrary_28_2017.pdfOptitex Pattern Design Software (PDS19)
INTRO
Optitex Pattern Design Software (PDS) version 19 includes both PDS 2D and PDS 3D within the same software interface. PDS 2D is a pattern making software that allows you to seamlessly create digital patterns and produce pattern sizing while eliminating hundreds of manual steps in the design-development process. PDS 3D is a set of 3D tools that display virtual samples in an innovative 3D digital environment that allows you to fashion your garment and make quick alterations at the click of a button, powered by photorealistic rendering for a true-to-life visualization and enables you to measure and simulate fabric based on its physical and visual properties.
TRAINING + SUPPORT
Online video-based training for the Optitex software is available for free to UC Fashion students for 1 year from activation date through the www.learn.optitex.com platform. You must request access to the training platform by emailing the an FTC lab team member to get signed up. You will then receive a username and password for the Optitex Learn Platform
Optitex also offers webinars, tutorials and live support as part of our university licenses.
Support: https://optitex.com/support/
Optitex Help Center: https://help.optitex.com/
Artistic Digitizer Embroidery Design Software
The Artistic Digitizer software can be found on the desktop computer by the Embroidery machines in the Textile Innovation Lab. The software is used to convert your vector based artwork or in to stitches or start from scratch to create embroidery design files that the embroidery machines can process. The software has the ability to create color separations, you can modify the stitch type, density, create realistic 3D digital renderings of your embroidery designs and prepare your files for stitching.
Working files are .DRAW files. Save these editable versions so that you can modify your design later.
Embroidery files should be exported as .JEF files for the embroidery machine. You can export these from the Artistic Digitizer software or save the .JEF file onto a thumb drive and pull it up on the embroidery machine console when you are ready to stitch.
05.a-Canvas-Overview_PC_Mac-dc-(1)-(3).pdfCricut Design Space
All Cricut machines come with Design Space, our free, easy-to-learn design software. It’s cloud-based so you can access your files from any device, any time. Start on your phone, continue on your laptop, and even work offline – all without breaking stride.
The Cricut Design Space for PC/Mac User Manual is available as a downloadable PDF for easy printing. The User Manual can be downloaded by sections individually. View the Canvas Overview section and watch the videos in the playlist to get started.
https://learn.cricut.com/design-space-for-beginners
You can also download the Cricut Design Space app for your phone or tablet in the App Store.
Bring your own Cricut-brand materials- These can be purchased at craft stores or online. https://design.cricut.com/
Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe Creative apps allow you to design any graphic that you can imagine with apps and services for photography, design, video, web, UX, and more.
https://helpx.adobe.com/support/creative-cloud.html?promoid=NGWGRLZ4&mv=other
You can also sign into your creative cloud account for tutorials and forums to help you design and create almost anything.
Your LinkedIn Learning account (accessible through the UC libraries is also a great resource for learning and support tutorials and videos for digital drawing, technical design and a number of other applications to help support your design.