Creating Multilayer Patterns

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What is a multilayer fold?

Multilayer folds are book folds that are cut and folded to multiple depths to create a stunning 3d effect. Multilayer patterns are color-coded to show you which layer each fold belongs to.

Creating multilayer patterns

To create a multilayer pattern, you’ll need a Wunderfold Pro subscription. A pro subscription comes with a ton of other benefits as well. Patterns are made like all Wunderfold patterns, by loading an image into the software, with one difference: Each layer of the pattern is represented by a color, so you’ll need to use a multi-colored image to create a multilayer pattern. This works the best when your image is an SVG or PNG, that contains well-defined, solid shapes.

A good image takes very little work to turn into a multilayer pattern. Follow these steps to begin your multilayer pattern:

1. Go to https://wunderfold.art/app to start a new pattern.
2. Load in your prepared image.
3. From the Cut/Fold Mode box, choose Multilayer.

That’s it! Wunderfold will use the colors in the image to determine which layer each fold belongs to. You can also edit the layers, as well as edit the individual cuts just like in other patterns. But if you’re satisfied with the results, there’s no need to change anything. You can proceed to mark your book using the Ruler tab, or create a PDF of your pattern by clicking the Export button on the Print/Export tab.

Layer colors

Your multilayer pattern can have up to seven folded layers. Each layer is assigned a color, and each part of the image is assigned to the layer that is the closest match to one of these colors. Because of this, it’s best if the layers in the image match your layer colors.

By default, Wunderfold uses these seven colors for layers:

• Black (#000000)
• Red (#ff0000)
• Green (#00ff00)
• Blue (#0000ff)
• Cyan (#00ffff)
• Magenta (#ff00ff)
• Yellow (#ffff00)
• White (#ffffff)

These are the default colors because they are the colors with the most contrast between them, and Wunderfold’s method for assigning layers works best with these colors. However, if you are using an image that you can’t edit, you can also set the colors of each layer to match the colors in your image by clicking the Edit Layers button below the Cut/Fold Mode box.

To change a layer color, click the Edit button next to any layer, then click the color to change it.

Editing layers

Each layer has different traits that can all be edited:

• Layer Code - The letter that is printed next to the numbers in the pattern
• Layer Name - A name/description for the layer. This is printed in the layer key at the beginning of the pattern when that option is selected.
• Layer Color - This determines which colors from the image will be assigned to this layer. It is also the color of the layer on the printed pattern.
• Position - Each layer can be moved up or down using the up/down arrows. This only affects the order that the layers are printed when printing the layer key.

Exporting a pattern

Multilayer patterns can be exported both in Table and Graph format. It is a matter of personal preference which one to use. There are two export options that are specific to multilayer patterns:

Include Layer Key

This option will print a table with the layer colors and names at the top of your pattern. These can be edited before exporting with the Edit layers button. You can include depths or colors in the name – it’s up to you. Here’s an example from the front page of a pattern with Include Layer Key checked:

This option separates the cut points by layer, so you can easily mark one layer at a time. If you prefer to complete one layer on all pages before starting the next one, you might prefer this options. Patterns will need more pages this way.

Multilayer folding techniques

The fastest way to complete a multilayer pattern is to pre-score each page to the depth of each layer that you’re using on that page before cutting. Then mark and cut all the cuts, and finally, fold each tab to the correct depth. This technique works well with both graph and table style patterns. This will be covered in more detail in a future tutorial. Keep an eye out on the Wunderfold Youtube Channel for a folding tutorial video.