1. Edit: Drag control points. Dbl-click to delete. Turn off Edit Mode for safe-viewing. 2. Auto-Trace: Upload a photo, then click Trace to extract the outline automatically. 3. Tools: Use Flat for straight edges, Curve for arcs, and Center for a grip hole.
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About the Rib Designer
Welcome to the Raining Dogs & Tools Suite, a core part of the PotteryTech system. This application is specifically built for ceramic artists to design custom pottery ribs and scrapers.
Auto-Trace (Photo to Shape)
Extract an outline directly from a photograph of your pot.
Click Ref to upload a photo with a clean, contrasting background.
Adjust the Sensitivity Slider (next to the trace button) if the edge is noisy. Drag left for higher sensitivity, right for sharper contrast.
Click Trace to automatically generate the rib profile.
Flat Edge & Curve Tools
Clean up jagged edges by snapping points together.
Flat Edge: Click this tool, select a starting point, and then an ending point. The app will delete the mess in between and draw a perfectly rigid, straight line (great for reference edges).
Smooth Curve: Click this tool, select a starting point, and then an ending point. The app will bridge the gap with a single, flowing mathematical curve.
Grip Holes & Centered Holes
Add finger grips to your rib design.
Center Hole: Calculates the exact middle of your shape and drops a perfectly aligned grip hole.
Custom Hole: Click this tool, then click anywhere on the canvas to place a freehand hole.
Editing: While in Edit mode, drag the center of a hole to move it, or drag the edge of a hole to resize it. Double-click to delete.
Smoothing & Symmetry
Smooth: Softens harsh angles. Use the slider next to it to control the strength, then click the button repeatedly to gently relax the curves.
Auto-Symmetry: Mirrors the left side of your design to the right side, creating a perfectly balanced, symmetrical rib.
Lock Points: Click this tool, then click any point to freeze it. Locked points will ignore the Smoothing tool, protecting sharp corners.
View & Precision Controls
Dimensions & Lock: Set your exact physical dimensions (Width, Height, Thickness). Enable the Lock icon to keep the aspect ratio perfect while scaling.
Clean View: Turn on Clean to hide the grid, control points, and dashed lines to see exactly what the final profile looks like.
Dimensions Overlay: Turn on Dims to see a live bounding-box measurement over your shape while you edit.
Template Management
Built-in & Custom: Use the dropdown to select standard shapes. When you make a great rib, hit Save to add it to your custom list.
Backup & Restore: Click Manage to download a JSON backup file of all your custom ribs, which you can restore later or move to another device.
Exporting for 3D Printing & CAD
Edge Profiles: Choose between Flat, Chamfer, Round, or Taper before exporting an STL. The tool mathematically builds your chosen scraper edge for the final 3D file.
3D Text Embossing: Type a name or label into the Text box. The engine calculates perfect 3D voxel text, embeds it into the rib, and raises it above the surface so it prints as a beautiful, raised label merged seamlessly with your STL.
STL: Automatically pulls your 2D drawing into a solid, watertight 3D printable object based on your Thickness, Edge Profile, and Embossed Text. Drop this straight into Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio!
SVG & DXF: Save 2D vector files or CAD sketches for importing into professional CAD software. You can also re-import SVGs later using the Import button.
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Manage Custom Templates
Your custom ribs are saved in your browser's local memory. You can download a backup file to keep them safe, or restore them to a different device.