Block Editor
Block Editor: Modular Layouts
Assemble blocks with snapping grids, constraint-aware transforms, and live fabric previews.
Updated
Nov 14, 2025
Read time
22 min
Journey
Advanced focus
Why the Block Editor matters
Blocks power almost every QuiltLab experience: they become templates, quilt sections, or entire shop listings. A precise block avoids gaps later in the pipeline, so this guide leans into measurement accuracy, snapping, and reusable components.
Before you start
Import swatches as linked assets instead of flattening them. Linked assets keep the color tokens live, which lets the Quilt Editor propagate palette tweaks across an entire quilt.
Layout foundations
- Pick a grid preset (Traditional, Diagonal, Diamond).
- Set units in inches, centimeters, or pixels—the inspector converts all stored measurements automatically.
- Toggle magnetic snapping (
M) to nudge shapes in exact fractions (⅛, ¼, ½).
Precision shortcuts
- Duplicate with offsets
- Alt + Drag
- Rotate 45°
- Shift + R
- Mirror horizontally
- Shift + H
- Cycle alignment modes
- Ctrl/Cmd + Arrow
Align to selection, artboard, or guides.
Component libraries
- Save any selection as a component (⌘ + Shift + K). QuiltLab stores fills, masks, transforms, and metadata like difficulty ratings.
- Use Nested Components for motifs that repeat across rows.
- Detach a component copy when a single instance needs custom tweaks.
Components inherit the same access permissions as their parent project.
Fabric + physics preview
Toggle the Fabric Preview rail to see how thickness, drape, and seam allowance change your block. The simulation uses cached physics so you get real-time feedback without a render farm.
Accuracy tip
Enter seam allowance once per project. The block editor uses it everywhere: grid math, cutting diagrams, and BOM exports.
Export + share
- Export to Quilt Editor as-is or convert to a Swatch Library entry.
- Generate SVG/PDF cutting plans with automatic seam allowance callouts.
- Send a read-only preview link to collaborators. It expires automatically after 30 days unless you pin it.
Keep exploring
Ready to orchestrate full quilts? Jump to the Quilt Editor guide for scene-level tips, intelligent layout suggestions, and print prep workflows.