Using Split Block

There are many uses for the different Split Block functions. In this tutorial we will show how Split Text To Characters can be used to make this design run more efficiently.

Example

In this example you have the name Virginia.  The object list shows that the i's will sew the leg and the "dot" at the same time.

In this case where there are 3 i's would be more efficient if we stitches all the base letters, and then came back and dotted the i's. If you were only going to stitch this one or two times, it wouldn’t be worth the time to edit the file to sew the most efficient way. However if you were going to sew this pattern many times, The time savings would add up

Text is created as a group, In order to edit it at the character level, you must first un-group it. This process is called "Split Text to Characters.

First we need to split text to characters.

1. Select the Block Edit mode
2. Click ANY letter in word
3. Select Modify > Split >Text to Characters

Letters are generally created with the Branch function. This also acts as a Group action, You need to split this group apart in order to separate the dot on the i from the lower leg part. This action is called Split Block to its Branches.

Next, while still in the block edit mode,

4. Click each letter i and split it to its branches as follows.
5. Select Modify > Split >Split Block to its Branches

The image below shows that the "dots" of the letters i are in blocks 2, 6 , and 9

Activate the Select mode from the  Main Toolbar by clicking the Select Icon

In the Object list, Click block 2 (hold the Ctrl key on the keyboard) then click  blocks 6 and 9, hi-lighting these 3 blocks indicating they are selected

Right Click any of the 3 select blocks, Select Reorder>To End of Design

This sequence will provide a much more efficient design as all of the letters , being connected, will stitch without a trim, while the i's will be dotted at the end with trims between each.