Step & Repeat Tool

The Step & Repeat tool duplicates artwork across an area in a controlled pattern. Choose a repeat type, spacing, and offsets, then define either a Fill Area (final output size) or an exact number of Repeats. You can also pick a Colorway, apply a drop (half‑step) horizontally or vertically, and fine‑tune the start position.

When to use it

• Continuous textile patterns with precise drops and returns.
• Fill a defined output size with repeated tiles.
• Generate a fixed grid (X by Y repeats) with set gaps.
• Offset the first tile to align with fabric or installation requirements.

Open the tool

1. Open the Workflow Editor.
2. Add or select the Step & Repeat step.
3. Click Configure.

Setup dialog – Static tab

Colorway

Applies the named colorway to each placed part before repeating.

Fill size

• Fill Area — Define the final output size. When selected, Output Width and Output length are active; repeat counts are ignored.
• Repeats — Define the number of tiles horizontally and vertically. When selected, Horizontal repeats and Vertical repeats are active; output width/length are ignored.

Fields in Fill size

• Output Width / Output length — Finished size when using Fill Area.
• Horizontal repeats / Vertical repeats — Repeat counts when using Repeats.

Offset and drop

• Horizontal/Vertical offset — Starting position of the first tile from the top‑left.
• Horizontal/Vertical spacing — Gap between tiles.
• Repeat Type — Pattern path: Straight; Horizontal/Vertical Step; Horizontal/Vertical Return; Returned Jump (H/V); or H&V Returned.
• Drop — Drop % uses numerator/denominator; Drop size uses an absolute mm offset. If Drop size is set, it overrides the fraction.

Variable tab

Every field can be driven by variables. Type “{” to insert a key. Variables include: Colorway, Repeat Type, Output Width/length, Horizontal/Vertical repeats, Horizontal/Vertical spacing, Horizontal/Vertical offset, Drop numerator/denominator, Drop size.

How it works

1. Reads Colorway, Repeat Type, offsets, spacing, and either a Fill Area size or Repeats count.
2. For each part, sets the design rectangle and applies Step & Repeat settings.
3. If Repeats are used, output size is computed from tile, spacing, and repeat type; otherwise, the specified Output Width/length are used.
4. Updates the part’s Source Rect to the resulting output size and stores the repeat pattern for downstream steps.
5. Re‑indexes pages so the repeated layout renders in order.

Tips & Best Practices

• Use Drop % for half‑/third‑drops; use Drop size when a fixed mm offset is required.
• Output size and Repeats are mutually exclusive — set only one pair.
• Add small spacing as gutters for cutting or sewing.
• Use offset to align the first tile to fabric edges or a registration mark.

Summary

Step & Repeat builds precise repeat patterns with control over type, spacing, offsets, and drops. Define a finished fill area or an exact number of repeats, apply a colorway, and the tool writes the pattern into the job for consistent output downstream.