Skip to main content

Import a reference image

Use a reference image when you want to digitize a picture by hand: you place it on the canvas at the size you will sew, then draw your shapes over it. It is not stitched: it's just a guide, so you can hide or delete it when you're done.

  1. File → Import → Import reference image…, or click Import in the tool rail's Automation group and pick Reference image from the chooser. You can also drag an image file onto the canvas and choose Use as reference image (see below).
  2. Pick an image. Supported types: PNG, JPEG, WebP, GIF, BMP, and SVG (an SVG is turned into a flat picture when used as a reference).
  3. Place reference image opens, so you choose the size before the image lands rather than resizing it afterwards.
Example: tracing a pet sketch for a 100 mm patch
  1. Import the scanned sketch and, in Place reference image, set Width to 100 mm with Keep proportions on.
  2. Leave Opacity around 70% so your shapes stay readable on top.
  3. Lock the image, then trace the outline with the Pen and the fur bands with satin columns.
  4. Hide the reference to check the stitches on their own.

Choosing the size​

The dialog previews the image against your hoop and offers:

  • Width and Height in millimetres, with Keep proportions on by default so the image can't come in stretched.
  • Fit the hoop: scale it so it fills your hoop on its longer side.
  • Its own size: use the size the file declares, with no scaling.
  • Opacity, defaulting to about 70%.

If the image is bigger than the hoop, Boldbobbin says so: that's fine for tracing, but the part outside the hoop can't be stitched.

Adjust it afterwards​

Select the image and its name, placement, and opacity (as a percentage) appear on the essentials bar; the Properties panel has the same controls. Lock it so you don't nudge it while drawing over the top. In the Layers panel it's tagged "ref".

A large photo is kept at a reduced resolution, which is plenty to trace over and keeps your .vemb small. Since the reference is never stitched, this does not affect your design.

Then trace it​

Draw over the reference with the Pen, shapes, or satin columns. When you're done, hide or delete the reference layer.

Dropping a picture asks what it is for

As of v1.3.2, a picture dropped onto the window opens Import picture:

  • Auto-trace into stitches opens Auto-Trace with the picture already loaded.
  • Use as reference image places it as described on this page.

File → Import → Import reference image… never asks. For cross-stitch, use Import as cross-stitch from the Auto-digitize chooser.