ExactFlat 2026 for Rhino 3D Tutorials | 3D to 2D Pattern Making

Rhino Basics

Learn the essential Rhino tools and concepts needed to work effectively with 3D models in ExactFlat.
When it matters: A basic understanding of Rhino makes it much easier to prepare, edit, and organize models before flattening them in ExactFlat.

Step 2 of 22 — Correcting Model Orientation

Set the model to the correct orientation so that ExactFlat can work with it properly.
When it matters: Correct orientation is important when defining pattern pieces, grain direction, seams, and other downstream operations.

Step 4 of 22 — Object Check

Check the imported model for objects and geometry that may affect the pattern-making process.
When it matters: Identifying problems early helps prevent errors later in the flattening workflow.

Step 6 of 22 — Creating the Mesh

Create the mesh that ExactFlat uses to calculate the transformation from 3D geometry to a 2D pattern.
When it matters: The mesh is fundamental to producing accurate, controlled flattened patterns.

Step 8 of 22 — Adaptive Remesher

Use the Adaptive Remesher to create an optimized mesh based on the geometry being flattened.
When it matters: A better mesh can improve flattening performance and accuracy, particularly on complex geometry.

Step 10 of 22 — Set the Global Seam Allowance

Define a default seam allowance that can be applied across the pattern.
When it matters: Setting a global allowance provides a fast starting point for production-ready pattern edges.

Step 12 of 22 — Edge Highlights and Strain Analysis

Use edge highlights and strain visualization to evaluate the flattened pattern and how the material is behaving.
When it matters: Strain analysis helps determine whether a pattern can accurately represent the 3D form and where deformation occurs.

Step 15 of 22 — Arranging Pattern Pieces

Arrange the flattened pattern pieces into an organized layout.
When it matters: Proper arrangement makes patterns easier to review, export, and prepare for material cutting.

Step 19 of 22 — Adding Piece Tags

Add identifying information to individual pattern pieces.
When it matters: Tags help operators identify, organize, and correctly assemble pieces during manufacturing.

Step 21 of 22 — Adding a Grain Line

Add a grain line to indicate the intended orientation of the pattern on the material.
When it matters: Grain direction can affect appearance, strength, stretch, and fit, making it important for material placement.

ExactFlat Options

Explore the main ExactFlat configuration options and customize how the software behaves across the pattern-making workflow.
When it matters: Use these settings to tailor ExactFlat to your preferred workflow, materials, and production requirements.

ExactFlat Optimizer

Configure the ExactFlat Optimizer to account for material behavior and spring effects during pattern optimization.
When it matters: This matters when the material's physical properties cause the flattened pattern to change shape or size.

Notch Manager

Create, manage, and customize notches used to align pattern pieces during assembly.
When it matters: Notch management becomes important when producing patterns with repeatable, consistent assembly requirements.

Pattern Edge Manager

Create and manage the edges that define how pattern pieces are constructed and finished.
When it matters: Use it when different edge types, seam allowances, or construction treatments are required across a pattern.

Export Profile Editor

Create and manage export profiles that control how ExactFlat pattern information is written to output files.
When it matters: Export profiles are useful when patterns must consistently conform to the requirements of different downstream CAD or cutting systems.

Step 1 of 22 — Importing a File

Learn how to bring a 3D model into ExactFlat and prepare it for pattern development.
When it matters: This is the starting point for converting an existing 3D design into a 2D pattern.

Step 3 of 22 — Changing the Display Mode

Learn how to change the way the 3D model is displayed while working in ExactFlat.
When it matters: Different display modes make it easier to inspect geometry, select objects, and understand the model.

Step 5 of 22 — Setting Up the Layers

Organize the model using layers to keep geometry and pattern-making information manageable.
When it matters: Good layer organization becomes increasingly important as models and pattern projects become more complex.

Step 7 of 22 — Define the Pattern Pieces for Flattening

Identify and define the individual areas of the 3D model that will become pattern pieces.
When it matters: This establishes exactly what will be flattened and how the finished pattern will be divided.

Step 9 of 22 — Check the Mesh Normals

Verify that the mesh normals are correctly oriented before flattening.
When it matters: Incorrect normals can cause unexpected results during flattening and should be corrected before proceeding.

Step 11 of 22 — Flatten the 3D Pieces

Convert the 3D pattern pieces into their corresponding 2D shapes.
When it matters: This is the core 3D-to-2D operation that turns the digital 3D design into usable pattern pieces.

Step 13 of 22 — ExactFlat Pre-Flatteners

Learn how ExactFlat Pre-Flatteners prepare challenging 3D geometry before the main flattening operation.
When it matters: Pre-flattening can improve results when working with complex or highly curved surfaces.

Step 14 of 22 — Optimize the Patterns

Optimize the resulting 2D patterns to improve their shape and suitability for production.
When it matters: Optimization is useful when the initial flattened result needs refinement before cutting or manufacturing.

Step 16 of 22 — Cutting Pattern Pieces

Prepare pattern pieces for cutting and connect the digital pattern to supported cutting workflows.
When it matters: This is where the digital pattern begins moving from design into physical production.

Step 17 of 22 — Apply Pattern Edges

Apply and configure the edges that define the final pattern-piece boundaries.
When it matters: Pattern edges control how pieces will be cut and assembled, making them critical for production patterns.

Step 18 of 22 — Adding Alignment Notches

Add notches to pattern pieces to identify matching locations during assembly.
When it matters: Notches make sewing and assembly faster and reduce errors when joining multiple pieces.

Step 20 of 22 — Trace Objects to the Flattened Pieces

Transfer selected objects or reference geometry from the 3D model onto the corresponding 2D pattern pieces.
When it matters: This allows important design details to remain associated with the pattern after flattening.

Step 22 of 22 — Export and Import the .DXF File

Export finished ExactFlat patterns as DXF files and import them into other CAD or manufacturing systems.
When it matters: DXF provides the bridge between ExactFlat's digital pattern-making workflow and downstream production processes.

Adaptive Remesh

Learn how to control the Adaptive Remesh process, including basic and advanced settings, statistics, and piece information.
When it matters: These controls are especially useful when you need greater control over mesh quality and flattening performance.

Notch Template Editor

Create reusable notch templates and manage the notch configurations available for pattern development.
When it matters: Templates are particularly useful for standardizing notches across projects and reducing repetitive setup.

Pattern Edge Template Editor

Create reusable templates that define how pattern edges should be configured.
When it matters: Templates save time and improve consistency when the same edge treatments are used repeatedly.

Learn ExactFlat 2026 for Rhino 3D in less than 4 hours