Can separate columns be joined in DS?

[MJ]

I'm trying to see if it's possible to "join" two columns in DS? (regular, not Pro)
So if you have 2 columns next to each other (end to end) can you somehow join them to make one column?
Thanks!

[Greenwing]

Move the exit point of the first to the end nearest the other and the entrance of the second to the same place. If the color is the same they will sew without stopping.

I know you can do this in DS.
All levels

[Mama Kass]

I have also wished that there was a way of combining elements so that the could be dealt with as a single element. The only other things that I have come up with, in addition to what Jerome suggested, is to "group" the items so that when one is selected they both/all are selected hence any property change is made to the whole group. The other thing I have done, if they no longer need to be in wireframe editing mode, is to copy and paste them into another project file, expand them (hence joining them together), then copy and paste them back into the original project. The rest of the design remains in wireframe with only the combined elements expanded. What works for you will depend on why you wanted to combine them to begin with.

[Juli in Kona]

try changing the two columns to a regular area - whatever that is called , sorry, I'm having a senior moment - then combine then and then change it back to a column. Not nice, but I think this will work.

Juli in Kona

[MJ]

Thanks for the responses! Yes, I have used the entrance/exit method and the grouping method, but was hoping for an actual combining of the columns. I see when I go to "Operations" that there is a "Change Element Type" but it's not available in the regular DS version. Also the "Combine Elements" is also not available in DS. Is this how it can be done in DS Pro+ ?
To give the reason: I opened a design that I originally digitized in PEDesign--a ribbon-shaped border for a large patch made of wide satin stitches. Opening it in DS split it up into many "pieces". I didn't want to have to digitize it all over again in DS, so I was just wondering if it was possible to turn it back into one piece.

[Juli in Kona]

I don't think it will matter at all. Sew it out and see what happens. This always happens when going from other formats to OFM. But it will sew out just the same.

I always get the highest version of software because I know from experience that I will want to do something available only in the top most expensive version. I am always pushing the limits.

Juli in Kona

[MJ]

I was going to purchase the upgrade to Pro+ and left a voicemail message saying this, and no one ever returned my call!

[MJ]

Yes, I have already stitched it out and it was ok, but I really wanted to edit it more extensively in DS and just wanted to see if it was possible to make it all one element.

[Juli in Kona]

Editing a PES design or most any other format in DS is pretty hard. Just may as well start from scratch. I have used the designs as just a picture to digitize on top of and then delete the original. This is probably faster than trying to edit the original. And you end up with a totally editable ofm design. And I admit that the more complicated the design, the harder it is to copy.

JMO
Juli in Kona

[Wishes]

Dear MJ
Call Melco back and type in Mike Gentry name to get his direct line. Leave the message there. He is at an event in AZ this week-end and I will see him tomorrow and tell him to check for your call.
Margaret

[MJ]

OK, Margaret, thanks! I left a message for him (it said his name was Mark Gentry, not Mike?)
And thanks Juli too -- yes, you're right, it's more complicated trying to work on a .pes and should just be made from scratch on DS. I'm kind of just trying to see what all I can do with DS and with my version of DS to see what all is or is not possible. I've used PE Design for 10 years and have so much already done on it! I know I'm in between two worlds here and trying to figure out which way to go. LOL

[Mama Kass]

"Change Element Type" is a very handy feature that I use quite often. I have DS Pro+, albeit a very old version, and don't have anything labeled as "Combine Elements." Where did you see this? I'm still learning after using DS for a number of years. While looking for "Change Element" I discovered that I can add one design to another that I am working on without opening the new one by using the "Insert File" option. ...Nothing to do with what you're asking about, but a helpful tidbit.
Juli, were you talking, in your first post, about converting an expanded object into wireframe elements? I have used this if I'm desperate, but it can turn one small piece into dozens of wireframe elements - which is what it sounds like happens when you try to convert your PES files into OFM files.

[Juli in Kona]

Combine is under "Objects" but I think you have to have two touching elements selected for it to show or not be grayed out. Very handy, that tool.