NedGraphics Dobby vs PAD System

NedGraphics Dobby is desktop CAD/CAM software for designing, simulating, and producing dobby woven textiles. It handles complex and compound weaves, including double cloth, and can analyze fabric scans to create reproductions. Designers can view weave structures with virtual samples in real time, create virtual fabric samples, and print from 3D View. Libraries cover yarns, weaves, warp and weft arrangements, harness setups, and peg plans; a yarn generator, multiple yarn-measurement standards, unlimited color variations, vector editing, seamless repeats, and complex mirror repeats support design work. Dobby produces specifications for printing or Adobe PDF export, plus standard text files for database and PLM imports. Loom exports include Staubli, Dornier, Picanol, Sulzer-Ruti, Vamatex, Tsudakoma, and Blue Box Picanol .des. Supported dobby-machine conversions are bundled without extra conversion licenses or fees. Picanol DES conversions support multiple weft insertions for one weft-color yarn. Dobby Advanced adds Pegplan Sequence controls for repetitions and cycle structures. Pricing is available by request.

PAD System is apparel-industry software for pattern design, grading, marker production and digitizing. Its cloud offering combines PAD Pattern, PAD Marker and Auto-Nesting. Users can open, create and edit pattern files and work with pattern design, grading and marker-making tools; the cloud service also supports communication and sharing for designers and teams. Listed formats include DXF, Gerber, Lectra, Illustrator, HPGL and ANSI, with additional export formats including Excel, DXF-AAMA, DXF Basic, TIIP, Text and Eastman. The company says its products are compatible with standard digitizing tables, plotters, plotter cutters and scanners. PAD System 8.0 has an open architecture for third-party plugins or add-ons. The maker’s wiki lists version 8.0.3, released in June 2026, with a self-contained nesting engine and Vietnamese language support among its changes. The Basic plan is $15 a year and includes 20 pattern pieces and 3 sizes; Standard is $45 a year with unlimited pattern pieces and sizes. Both list grading, MTM, marker design, digitizing and format support. A free trial is available.