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Using the PMP Demo

You'll find Hands-On Practice challenges on many of the Academy pages. In many cases, you'll be instructed to use the free PatternMaker Pro demo software to complete them. This page tells you how to get going in the demo quickly.

  1. Open your browser and go to the PatternMaker Pro Demo.
  2. Select File > New Draft from the menu at the top.
  3. Enter a Draft Name. You can use the practice name provided, if you wish.
  4. Select a Draft Unit. Select the unit you are most comfortable with. The practice instructions will have the information for millimeters and inches.
  5. Optional: Memorize this Draft. The practice instructions will tell you if this should be selected.
  6. Optional: Available Sets. The practice will provide specific instructions, if this is to be used.
  7. Select Open Draft.

Now you are ready to begin your practice exercise. Remember this is just to reinforce your learning and is intended to be fun. Don't stress out and enjoy yourself.🙂

warning

The new draft will not be saved to your machine until you do something to it. The Version number must be higher than 0 to be saved initially.

Importing Assets​

Some exercises include downloadable assets, such as SVG draft files, that you can load directly into the demo. Importing these starting files saves time and lets you jump straight into practicing the specific technique being taught.

To import an SVG file into PatternMaker Pro:

  1. Click the link in the exercise to download the SVG file to your computer.
  2. Create a new Draft (see above).
  3. In the Demo select File > SVG > Import PMP SVG and locate the file on your computer. The draft will open in the workspace and you're ready to go.

Your Work is Saved​

The PatternMaker Pro Demo works very much like the paid program. All of the work you do is saved to your local computer browser storage. This means that your work will remain accessible over time, so the practice challenges can build on prior work and using the Academy doesn't become tedious and boring by repeating the same things.

This also means that you should attempt all of the practice exercises, because you may need the results in the future.

warning

Since drafts are stored in your browser's local cache, clearing your browser data or using Private/Incognito mode will erase saved practice drafts.

Memorization​

In some cases, the instructions will ask you to check the Memorize this Draft box. This will enable you to recall your draft using a different measurement set. You don't have to redraft your patterns, you'll just recall them to save time and reduce errors. You can learn all about this process in the PatternMaker Pro Manual Memorization page.

Measurement Sets​

You may be asked to upload and then select a Measurement Set. The instructions will provide a link to a CSV file with measurements for a model. All you need to do is upload that via the Import Measurement Sets option in the demo and it will then be available for selection when starting a new draft. You won't have to manually enter measurements as you work, they will all be available as you need them.