# Creating patterns

## Starting &kapp;

When starting &kapp; you will be presented with a blank canvas of the default size. This is also the case when selecting File New. The default sizes can be set in the pattern properties dialog by enabling the set as default checkbox.

If the default size is not suitable for your planned pattern, you can use the File Properties dialog to change it. Adjust the values as required and after clicking on OK, the pattern will be resized to suit.

## Importing Images

&kapp; allows you to import an image. A dialog will be displayed that previews the image based on the default import options.

The initial size of the pattern will be based on the default pattern size.

Options for importing allow you to change the floss scheme used and to limit the number of colours. You can also change the scaling to reduce or enlarge the final pattern.

Checking the Use fractionals checkbox will enable the use of fractional stitches to give more detail for any given pattern size.

## Scanning Images

Scanning is basically the same as importing images, except that the source is different. Initially you will be shown the standard KDE scanner dialog. When scanning is complete the procedure is then the same as importing images.

## Background Images

You can insert an image as a background to the editor window. This is useful if importing the image is not desirable or gives poor results.

The image is normally scaled to cover the entire pattern grid. This may not be suitable, therefore you can use the select tool to select an area that you want to cover and then select the Pattern Fit background to selection. This will rescale the image to fit within the selected area. You can continue doing this until you are happy with the result, even after you have started adding stitches.

There is no limit to the number of times you change the background. Therefore you are not limited to just the one background per pattern.