PAD System vs PatternMaker

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.

PatternMaker is Windows CAD software for viewing, generating, editing, drafting and grading garment patterns. Its maker describes versions for home sewers, professional pattern makers and designers. Pattern macros can generate patterns from body measurements and style selections, while Grading Studio creates graded patterns and lets users save and reuse grading data. The Basic Viewer opens, views and prints pre-made patterns and includes three custom-fit patterns; on Windows-compatible printers or plotters, it can print full-size patterns with alignment marks for multi-page output. Professional Studio can save files as .dxf, and the FAQ says the software supports AutoCAD DXF as well as its own format, which cutting-machine software cannot read. PatternMaker is strictly 2-D CAD, not intended for 3-D fitting or draping. A free Basic Viewer is available. Paid versions listed include Deluxe Editor at 110.00 USD once, Professional Studio at 420.00 USD once, MacroGenerator at 450.00 USD once and Grading Studio at 1250.00 USD once. The FAQ says only CAD tools programs have a 30-day limit; free patterns can remain on the user's computer indefinitely.