ArahWeave vs Artlandia SymmetryWorks

ArahWeave is textile design software for dobby and jacquard weaving, with fabric simulation based on thread pattern, weave structure, density, yarn composition, and yarn color. It can simulate fabric at actual size and supports double-fabric decomposed editing, thread-pattern generation, automatic long-float correction, and crêpe weave generation. Color tools use CIE Lab-based colorimetry and can simulate overprint, chiné, ikat, seersucker, raised finishes, and wrinkles. The Weft Blanket tool combines samples with different patterns in one file for weaving without stopping the loom. ArahWeave supports major industrial dobby and jacquard loom formats and can save cards ready for weaving. DobbyPro and JacquardPro editions add XML import and export for ERP interfacing. The software runs natively on Linux; the maker also describes Mac support and Windows use through Linux virtualization. The free demo can save images but not ArahWeave projects, while ArahPaint works fully. Personal Edition costs €2,500, paid once; Selvedge Edition costs €3,850, paid once. Both include one year of support and updates.

Artlandia SymmetryWorks is an Adobe Illustrator plug-in for building repeat patterns on Windows and macOS. Editing a motif updates its linked pattern immediately. Pattern tools include one-click creation, interactive editing, replicas, multi-replicas, repeat systems, and templates. It works with Illustrator symbols, compound shapes, blends, and raster images, and patterns can be saved as Illustrator swatches. Version 6 adds counterchange symmetry operations and editable color reversal. The LP edition adds LivePresets, which update objects filled with SymmetryWorks patterns. Supported repeat styles include shift, drop, brick, half-drop, rotational, spiral, mosaic, check, and kaleidoscope among others. Version 6.5 supports Illustrator CS6 through CC 2025; the store lists 6.5 for CC 2023 and later, with versions 6 and 5 for older releases. Prices range from $124.50, paid once for the student download to $399, paid once for the LP shipped version.