Introduction
Learning Clo3D is not easy. In this post, I'll share with you the steps needed to learn Clo3D fast.
But first, a little backstory...
My first exposure to CAD was when I was studying fashion design in college. I remember my first impression of CAD was a program called Gerber.
The instructor showed us his screen with a black background and some light-colored lines in the shape of a basic skirt pattern. I immediately thought it looked like something used by NASA and so I was intrigued, to say the least.
We studied basic drafting in our previous semester using pencil, paper, and rulers, but this was software. As the millennial that I am, I was hooked. Or perhaps it was the techie/gamer in me. To make this story short, let's fast forward a little.
I'm at my second job after college working in fashion, and I'm once again reunited with CAD. I hadn't heard of Optitex at that time so I didn't know there was CAD pattern-making software that included 3D pattern-making.
3D CAD programs like Optitex simulate 2D patterns in a 3D environment. After working in that role for a few years, I learned the benefits of working in 3D are numerous. I write about those at length in other posts, so I won't delve into them here. Just know that the price of the previously mentioned software I mentioned are *ahem* a lil pricey. You can look them up, but the prices aren't listed on their site.
When I stumbled upon Clo3D and saw its capabilities, I was immediately expecting a hefty price tag. You can go to clo3d.com and see the pricing is remarkably affordable. So much so that it allows smaller brands, freelancers, and independent contractors to afford the tools to bootstrap their businesses without breaking the bank and yet, this is still CAD software capable of pattern making in 2D, exporting, grading marking and so much more.
Ok so we know Clo3D is the bee's knees, but how do you actually learn?
How to Learn Clo3D
Step 1: Study the Layout
Just like driving a car, you need to know where the gas pedal is and where the buttons and windows are located. Get acquainted with the workspace so you know your way around.
Step 2: Understand the 2D tools
Once you know the general layout, get familiar with some of the tools. No, you don't need to learn all of the tools all at once. You won't use every tool every time you use the software anyway. You just need the basics. Know how to move pattern pieces, lines, and draft. Also if you need to do manufacturing, learn how to export patterns to .dxf format.
Step 3: Learn how to work in 3D
The program's setup is a split screen; the 3D window is on the left, and the 2D window is on the right. You may need some practice getting oriented with the viewpoints. Spend some time arranging the pieces around the avatar so you can get comfortable with the 3D space. You can use practice files for all of this.
Step 4: Get Detailed
Clo3D is quite intuitive compared to other cad software programs. It has many built-in templates and drag-and-drop capabilities, and if you hover over many of the icons you can learn more about each button. That being said, if you want to learn the software, it helps to have someone to guide you through it.
If you thrive in an online course environment I invite you to take a look at my course. It's beginner-friendly and self-paced, and you get instant access to all the modules. You are free to take the lessons in any order, but they are arranged in the suggested order.
You can check off the lessons you've completed so it keeps track of where you left off. Everything I've discussed in this blog and more is covered in the course. Plus many sample files with guided practice videos. https://www.digitechdesign.com/learn-clo3d
Step 5: Practice
Just start somewhere and practice. Remember, your first few designs probably won't be masterpieces, or maybe they will! Either way, you need to put some time in to practice what you have learned.
Helpful Tips
If you want to learn Clo3D fast, I highly suggest you get good at using hotkeys. Hotkeys, aka shortcut keys, are the fastest way to initiate a tool.
Not all of the tools have hotkeys, but most of the important ones do. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a hotkey cheat sheet I liked online. They were hard to see and didn't include the format I wanted.
Not only did I want the hotkeys shown on a keyboard, but I also wanted them color-coded by type and viewable as a list in their respective categories.
Maybe I'm extra, but if I'm going to print and hang something on my wall so I can see it every day, it's got to look good too :P
I'm sharing my hotkey tool kit with you so you can print it out and use it, too!
About the author:
Ellie Wilcox is the founder and CEO of Digitech Design, which helps entrepreneurs with apparel design and development. Providing services in 3D renderings created in Clo3D based on cad patterns and sewn prototypes. Ellie started working in fashion and production in 2011 and has implemented 3D samples since 2016. Using 3D reduces the number of physical prototypes to get to market and lessens the fashion industry's carbon footprint.