How to Export Your Cross Stitch Pattern as a PDF
How to Export Your Cross Stitch Pattern as a PDF
Co-Founder & Lead Developer
A great cross stitch pattern deserves a great printout. Exporting your pattern as a PDF gives you a clean, print-ready document you can reference at your stitching station, share with friends, or archive for future use. Here is how to get the best results.
Why Export as PDF?
PDF is the standard format for cross stitch patterns, and for good reason:
- Print quality. PDFs maintain crisp lines and symbols at any print size, unlike screenshots or JPEGs that blur when enlarged.
- Universal compatibility. Every computer, tablet, and phone can open a PDF without special software.
- Multi-page support. Large patterns that span multiple printed pages stay organized in a single file.
- Archival quality. A PDF looks the same today as it will in ten years, making it ideal for saving your patterns long-term.
Symbol Charts vs. Color Charts
Most pattern PDFs include two types of charts:
- Symbol charts use black-and-white symbols to represent each thread color. They are easier to read when printed on a standard printer and are the preferred format for most stitchers.
- Color charts display the actual thread colors in each cell. They give a quick visual sense of the finished design but can be harder to read when colors are similar.
The best PDFs include both. StitchCraft generates patterns with a symbol chart for stitching and a color reference image so you can see the overall design at a glance.
Print-Ready Settings
Turn Any Photo Into a Cross Stitch Pattern
- Accurate DMC color matching
- Track progress stitch by stitch
- Export print-ready PDF charts
iPhone & iPad
Before exporting, check a few settings to ensure the best print quality:
- Paper size. Choose A4 or US Letter to match your printer and region.
- Grid lines. Make sure grid lines are visible and dark enough to read. Light gray lines often disappear on budget printers.
- Bold lines every 10 stitches. This standard grid division makes counting much easier and reduces mistakes.
- Color key. Always include a color key listing each DMC thread number, symbol, and stitch count.
Page Layout Tips
Large patterns will span multiple pages. Good layout practices include:
- Overlap rows and columns between pages so you can match sections easily
- Number each page and include a page map showing which section of the pattern each page covers
- Keep the color key on a separate page so it is always accessible without flipping back and forth
Exporting from StitchCraft
StitchCraft makes PDF export simple. Once your pattern is ready, tap the export button and choose PDF. The app automatically formats the pattern with symbol charts, a color key, page numbers, and overlap guides. You can print immediately or save the PDF to your Files app for later.
Download StitchCraft from the App Store to create and export professional cross stitch pattern PDFs in minutes.