ArahWeave vs neoTextil

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.

neoTextil is a package of Adobe Photoshop plug-ins for textile design professionals, available on Windows and macOS. Its modules address color separation, color variants, pattern repeats, and visual previews. nT Masquerade automatically separates colors and exports designs as multichannel files. nT Colorations creates variants from owned or imported color libraries and supports RGB, CMYK, and LAB. nT Step&Repeat makes horizontal or vertical repeats, with settings that can be adjusted in real time. nT Virtual Vision simulates designs on environments, models, or objects for catalogs and product presentations. Buyers can choose the complete package or individual modules, and the maker offers a free 30-day trial; pricing is available on request. Listed operating systems are Mac OS X 1.9 or higher, including Big Sur, and Windows 7 or higher. Supported Photoshop versions are CC 64-bit, CC 2015, CC 2015.5, CC 2017, and CC 2018. The minimum equipment listed is 4 GB RAM and a 500 GB hard drive, with 16 GB RAM recommended. Support includes weekday phone service, email responses within 24 hours, and remote or on-site help.