Downloads and file licences

What you are trying to accomplish

Choose the right output, pass the safety checks, understand the licence attached to that file, and keep an actual copy of every file you need.

Downloads and file licences are separate from editable-project storage. A generated PDF, SVG, or ZIP is an output, not an editable PatternForge project.

Why it matters

A beautiful export can still be unsafe if its true size, page choice, line meaning, or print settings are wrong. Exported files can also display different watermark and licence labels depending on the account tier when they were generated. The current File licence and Terms—not a plan name or a clean-looking file—define usage rights.

PatternForge does not promise that download history stores portable copies of every generated file. Keep the actual downloaded files in storage you control.

Step by step

Prepare the pattern

1. Finish every blocking item in Pattern Check. Confirm true size, closed outlines, meaningful piece names, line meaning, grain or fold direction, cut quantities, seam decisions, and defined seam relationships.
2. For two or more pieces, open Arrange for Print. Choose the paper actually loaded in the printer—US Letter or A4—then separate overlaps and keep every piece on printable pages.
3. Keep Include markings on when the pattern depends on grainlines, fold lines, darts, notches, labels, or saved measurements.
4. Use Export and choose an outcome:
   • Print at home for tiled pages to tape together.
   • Send to a copy shop for a full-size page.
   • Save a digital copy for a printable PDF.
   • For other design software for a true-scale SVG.
   • Sell this pattern for the Premium seller ZIP after every blocking check passes.
5. Use More formats only when you understand the raw format and paper choice.

Pass the download and print checks

1. If the pattern is not ready, use each offered fix. Export anyway creates a file marked DRAFT that may be the wrong size; it is not confirmed safe to print or cut, and selling remains blocked.
2. Create or sign in to an account when the download gate appears. Email verification may be required for downloads; editing can continue while you verify.
3. After downloading a tiled PDF, print at 100% / Actual size. Turn off Fit to Page, Shrink to Fit, and similar scaling.
4. Print and measure the check bar before printing or cutting the full pattern. It must match the value printed in the file.
5. Save the actual downloaded file somewhere you control, then reopen it before relying on it.

Understand the licence

1. Read the watermark and licence label shown in the download confirmation and inside the generated file. Those labels can vary by account tier.
2. Do not infer permission from the presence or absence of a watermark. Read the current File licence and Terms before using, sharing, or selling an export.
3. Confirm that you own the source pattern or otherwise have permission to digitize and distribute it. A PatternForge account cannot grant rights in somebody else’s design.
4. For an instruction booklet’s custom buyer licence, use language reviewed for your business and jurisdiction. PatternForge does not provide legal advice merely by offering presets or a text field.

What success looks like

• Pattern Check and print layout contain no unresolved safety issue.
• The chosen file format matches the intended outcome.
• The printed check bar measures exactly as stated before fabric is cut.
• The file’s watermark, branding, DRAFT state, and licence line match the current File licence and Terms.
• You retain the actual downloaded file and original source images independently.

Common problems and recovery

The PDF prints too small or too large

Stop before cutting. Reprint at 100% / Actual size, disable all fit or shrink options, confirm the selected paper size, and measure the check bar again.

The page joins or clips are wrong

Return to Arrange for Print and select the paper actually being used. Fix overlaps and confirm all pieces sit on printable pages before exporting again.

The file says DRAFT

Return to the listed preflight items and repair them. A DRAFT label is an intentional warning, not a cosmetic watermark to remove.

The download gate asks for an account or verification

Complete the stated account step. Your local editing work remains available while the download is waiting.

A file shows a watermark or a restricted-use label

Read the licence inside the file and the current Terms. Do not remove or crop product markings, and do not treat a plan name or clean appearance as legal permission to sell.

A seller ZIP lacks instructions

Add and enable the instruction booklet, or deliberately export pattern files only. Check the ZIP contents before giving it to a customer.

A downloaded file is not available on another device

Download history is not universal file hosting. Transfer the actual file through storage you control. Remember that the transferred output is not an editable PatternForge project.

Quick safety check

Before distributing a file, confirm:

• The project passed its independent true-size check.
• The correct Letter, A4, copy-shop, or SVG output was chosen.
• The print check passes at 100% / Actual size.
• The file is not an unintended DRAFT.
• The watermark, brand, and licence line match the current File licence and Terms.
• You possess the actual exported file and original sources outside the app.

Related tools and next step

Review saving and resuming projects, exporting and printing at actual size, and the status of project cloud sync. Always use the current File licence, Terms, and pricing page as the source for current account and usage rules.