Key takeaways
- Connected 2D and 3D work: CLO brings pattern creation, editing, and 3D simulation into one desktop environment, so designers can assess pattern changes on digital avatars as they work.
- Drafting and grading tools: CLO includes Pattern Drafter functionality, automated point of measure (POM) calculations, and formula-based grading. The draft does not establish a common test standard for comparing grading performance, so teams should assess these tools against their own workflows.
- Material and fit review: CLO simulates garments using fabric properties, pattern dimensions, and avatar measurements. Fit maps help identify areas of strain, while material digitization options include CLOFAB and the zFab hardware system.
- Production handoffs: CLO supports DXF export, vector PDF output, BOM exports, nesting calculations, and Adobe Illustrator pattern imports, helping teams carry digital development into production.
Bi-directional 2D-to-3D synchronization across pattern suites
The connection between a flat pattern and its 3D drape is central to digital garment development. When a pattern maker adjusts a dart, seam, or armhole curve, seeing the effect on a simulated garment can make it easier to review the change before moving on to a physical sample.
CLO brings 2D pattern creation, pattern editing, and 3D simulation together in one desktop environment. Pattern geometry and the simulated garment can be worked on side by side, allowing teams to evaluate adjustments on digital avatars as they develop a style. CLO-SET complements this workflow with connected tools for collaboration, review, and product asset management.
Drafting and size grading: evaluating parametric tools and avatar workflows
CLO combines pattern development and grading tools with a 3D workspace, giving technical designers ways to work through pattern adjustments and inspect their dimensions without relying solely on paper pattern nests. The draft’s documented capabilities include Pattern Drafter tools for generating parametric patterns, an automated point of measure (POM) calculator, and formula-based grading edits across multiple fields.
Users can also apply irregular grading deviations and review pattern dimensions within the application. Nesting layouts support fabric-consumption estimates and cost calculations. These functions can be useful when a team wants to connect pattern decisions with practical questions about size ranges and material use.
Grading rules and fit standards vary by brand, so it is worth testing the tools against the measurements and exceptions a pattern room uses in practice. The available information here does not establish a shared benchmark for comparing grading performance across different systems.
Fabric physics simulation and stress-tension diagnostic maps
A 3D garment’s drape depends on the material properties assigned to its pattern pieces. Simulating a heavy wool coat and a lightweight knit, for example, calls for different fabric inputs. Fit diagnostics can then help a team spot areas that may need a closer look.
CLO calculates drape and fit using defined physical fabric properties, pattern dimensions, and avatar measurements. Fit maps display garment strain in relation to the fabric’s physical limits, helping pattern makers identify areas of excessive pull. CLO also supports GPU-accelerated soft-body simulation, CLOFAB material data, PBR texture imports, and hardware-based material digitization with the CLO zFab Kit, which includes the zFab Cutter, Draper, and Scanner.
As with any digital simulation, the usefulness of the result depends on the quality of the fabric data and the way the garment is reviewed. Teams can use CLO’s material and fit tools to assess a digital sample and identify questions to resolve before physical sampling.
Technical design onboarding, digital sample markup, and review workflows
Introducing 3D CAD into an apparel workflow involves more than learning the design tools. Teams also need a practical way to review digital samples, share feedback, and connect virtual assets with existing development processes.
CLO connects desktop design with collaboration workflows through CLO-SET. Teams can use it to review 3D garments, manage colorways, and share virtual assets while keeping desktop CAD work in the design environment. Within CLO, designers can place graphics using numeric inputs, use Sketch on Avatar tools to turn 3D concepts into 2D pattern outlines, and calculate fabric consumption from nesting layouts.
These tools give teams a basis for reviewing a garment digitally and communicating design decisions. As with any new workflow, onboarding should reflect the team’s existing review steps and the level of detail pattern makers and other reviewers need.
CAD interoperability, file exchange, and production export
Digital sample development is most useful when patterns can move into the next stages of a team’s workflow. File compatibility and clear production documentation can help connect virtual development with physical sampling and cutting.
TABLE / Scroll horizontally for all columns →
| CLO workflow area | Documented formats and outputs |
|---|---|
| Pattern and asset import | Adobe Illustrator (AI), DXF, PDF, PBR textures, OBJ, VRM |
| Pattern and production export | DXF, vector PDF, BOM, OBJ/USD |
| Additional workflow support | Nesting calculations, fabric-consumption estimates, and cost calculations |
CLO can import vector patterns from Adobe Illustrator and export DXF files for downstream workflows. It also supports vector-preserving PDF pattern files and BOM data. Nesting calculations can be used to estimate fabric consumption and average per-garment costs.
Teams should confirm that the specific file formats, pattern details, and production information they rely on are supported in their own handoff process. That check helps ensure a digital pattern is ready for the next step, whether it is review, sampling, or production.
Comprehensive apparel CAD comparison matrix
This overview brings together the CLO capabilities described above, from pattern development and simulation to review and production handoffs.
TABLE / Scroll horizontally for all columns →
| Evaluation area | CLO capabilities described in this article |
|---|---|
| 2D and 3D workflow | Pattern creation and editing alongside 3D simulation |
| Drafting and grading | Pattern Drafter, automated POM calculations, formula-based grading |
| Fabric and fit review | Physical fabric properties, CLOFAB data, fit maps, GPU-accelerated soft-body simulation |
| Production handoffs | DXF, vector PDF, BOM, Adobe Illustrator pattern import, nesting calculations |
| Review and collaboration | CLO-SET for collaboration, review, colorway management, and virtual asset sharing |
Frequently asked questions
Can 3D apparel software help identify pattern issues before physical sampling?
It can help teams review pattern geometry on digital avatars before fabric is cut. In CLO, pattern adjustments can be assessed alongside the 3D drape, and fit maps can help highlight areas of strain for further review.
How can a team review grading digitally?
CLO includes automated POM calculations, formula-based grading inputs, and nesting layouts. These tools let pattern makers work with grading rules and inspect pattern pieces digitally. Teams should check the results against their own size specifications and fit standards.
Can designers preview the drape of different fabrics?
CLO simulates garments using defined physical fabric properties, pattern dimensions, and avatar measurements. Assigning appropriate material properties can help teams compare how different fabrics behave in a digital sample. CLO also supports CLOFAB material data.
Can CLO bring sketch and pattern work into the same workflow?
CLO supports Adobe Illustrator vector pattern imports and includes Sketch on Avatar tools that can convert 3D concepts into 2D pattern outlines. This provides a way to bring visual design work into pattern development.