Using iWeaveIt's new file manager

Version 4 of iWeaveIt brings a major change on how pattern files are handled. IOS is moving toward a true file management system and iWeaveIt has adopted that approach. It is highly recommended that you read about the IOS Files App in the IOS 12 User Guide for iPhone or iPad. This guide is available for free in iBooks (now calle Books). Search for IOS guide. It is found on page 164 of the iPad guide and on page 191 of the iPhone guide.

The new version 4 of iWeaveIt User Guide provides a detailed explanation on how to use the file manager within iWeaveIt. Those pages can be found in this excerpt from the iWeaveIt User Guide,  iWeaveIt File Management

iWeaveIt's file management will continue to grow with IOS in the future.

 Getting Started

A sample pattern is built into the iPad so that you have something to initially play with.

1. Edit the treading. Touch the threading will display a larger edit grid for the treadling.
2. Start in Mark mode (icon). Click on squares to pick the shaft and the color.
3. The current color shows in the color ribbon. Change the mark color by picking a different square. When you now select a shaft number you will get that color.
4. To change just the color, click on just the color in the column of the thread.
5. If you are at the end of the threading sequence you can add new threads. In the middle of the sequence you will just change the color.

 Having difficulty selecting in the threading and treadling edit

A swipe with your finger is used for both scrolling and for selecting thread cells. To distinguish, the select uses a long press and then the swipe. Hold your finger on the cell for about half second, then move it slightly to see the red selection rectangle. Sometimes you hold it and expect to see the selection but don’t. Remember to move your finger slightly after holding to start the selection rectangle. It may take a little practice.

 Printing doesn’t work

Iphone and iPad use an Apple technology called “AirPrint”. You need a printer that supports this technology. See article from Apple, IOS: AirPrint 101. Manufacturers are coming out  with many printers that support this technology so there are many inexpensive printers.  Read the labels on the box to make sure the new wireless printer supports “AirPrint”.  You may need to download an update from the printer manufacturer.  I had to do this.

  ICloud doesn’t work

iWeaveIt now requires IOS 11 as it needed to handle the new security in IOS file management. It is also using the new IOS file manager. This file manager easily handle file in IOS iCloud.  Turn it on in the IOS settings, turn on iCloud drive and turn on iCloud for iWeaveIt.

How do I transfer files to my weaving software on Windows or on Macintosh.

I find the most convenient way of transferring files between the different computers is to use email. Its very easy. From iWeaveIt, pick export and then pick email. Send the file to yourself and then open it on your other computer. Likewise if you send a wif file to yourself and open it on the iPad, you will see an iWeaveIt icon that allows you to directly open the file in iWeaveit.

Limitations on the number of shafts and treadles

The iphone has a very small screen and the iPad screen is also fairly small compared to a laptop or a desktop screen. The biggest restriction though is our fingers. With no mouse we must use our fingers to manipulate things on the screen. It’s pretty cool to do this but our fingers are relatively large and require large squares for editing. Editing threading and treadling actually works the best in portrait mode. You have more space. This is not such an issue on the iPad. The number of shafts and treadles is based on the size of the phones. The larger phones can handle upto 12 shafts. The iPad can only edit up to 24 shafts and 32 treadles 

Even with these limitations some people have difficulty using their fingers for the editing. They may have long finger nails or just aren’t as steady as they used to be. If you are having difficulty you might consider getting a stylus. There are several on the market and the linked article from MacWorld reviews many of them.

So the limitations are a factor our physical attributes (finger) and the physical screen size.

More Questions

If you don't see an answer to your question here, email me. sallyb@weaveit.com