Overview
The Print to File function saves each 2D pattern piece as a full-scale image or PDF. Use it for downstream design work or as true-dimension plotted output.
Print to File enhancements in Version 2025.3
Available in VStitcher 2025.3 and newer
We have enhanced the Print to File workflow to support the export of PDF files optimized for sublimation printing.
Added support for 300 DPI graphics, ensuring high-resolution output suitable for print production.
Implemented CMYK color mode, aligning exports with standard print requirements.
Enabled support for custom color profiles, guaranteeing that the selected profile is correctly embedded and preserved in the exported PDF for accurate color reproduction.
Fully reviewed and aligned the color pipeline with Adobe’s color management system, eliminating color conversion approximations and ensuring consistent, predictable results across tools.
How to Use Print to File
Go to File > Print to File.
In the Export 2D Patterns dialog, choose a File Format and select options as needed.
Click Export, enter a file name, and choose a save location.
Click Save.
A folder per colorway is created.
Each selected piece is saved inside that colorway’s folder.
Example: If you export four pieces in the colorway Blue with the file name Shirt, the folder Blue contains:
Shirt-1-.jpg
Shirt-2-.jpg
Shirt-3-.jpg
Shirt-4-.jpg
File Format Options
PDF with Textures – PDF with baked textures (not editable).
PDF (Vectors Only) – Editable PDF; keeps vector shapes, artwork, and trims.
Images – Exports JPEG, PNG, BMP, or TGA.
Preview & Piece Info
The preview window includes checkboxes to print extra information (e.g., shape name, file name, size) on each piece. These are off by default.
The following image shows a PDF file with relevant information printed on the piece, including shape name, file name, and size.
Color Mode
This is only applicable for Version 2025.2 and newer.
RGB
CMYK
Image Resolution
72 DPI – faster, lighter files.
300 DPI – higher quality, recommended for screen print.
Tips:
Higher DPI increases export time.
For best results, ensure source textures match or exceed the chosen DPI.
If you want to use the output as a screen print, it is recommended to use 300 DPI.
Include Options
Choose what elements to include in the output:
Fabric Materials – Adds fabric textures (not in Vector PDF).
Option to Extend Fabrics over Allowance.
Fabric Color – Uses diffuse fabric color as fill (Vector PDF only). If disabled, uses Allowance color.
Seam Materials – Adds seam materials (not in Vector PDF).
Internal Lines – Includes internal lines.
Artwork & Trim (Vector Only) – Vector artworks and trims (Vector PDF only).
Option to Show out of Piece Elements.
Artwork and Trim (Images) – For image exports, options include:
Draw rulers
Hide rulers on centered artworks
Show out-of-piece elements
Allowance – Adds seam allowance areas.
All Sizes – Exports multiple sizes; option to nest.
Export Inside View – Adds inside artwork view.
Export All Pieces in a Single File – Creates a combined file of all pieces.
Colorways – Select which colorways to include. Each gets its own folder.
Patterns – Choose specific pattern pieces to include.
If unsliced cut marks are found, a warning appears. Convert them to slices (with seam allowance) in VStitcher before exporting. For more information, refer to Slicing a Piece.
Save As Type
PDF with Textures / PDF (Vectors Only): default is PDF.
Images: default is JPEG; can also select PNG, BMP, or TGA.