Compare Updated 2026-07-26
Pattern-making software compared
Pixie Space is free browser-native 2D drafting for fashion pattern makers, and the start of a design-to-production path that now includes a 3D fit test. Below, how it stacks up against the open-source tier and against the enterprise stacks factories pay for.
Both bespoke fit and graded sizing live on the same canvas. The relations model carries either workflow.
At a glance
| Software | Price | Runs on | DXF / AAMA | Sizing | 3D simulation | Local files | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixie Space | Free drafting | Browser | Round-trip both | Coming via Pixie Warp: straight from POMs, no grade rules | Yes: Pixie Hologram fit test, in the browser | Yes | Everyone wanting free browser drafting with DXF / AAMA round-trip |
| Seamly2D | Free (GPL) | Desktop | Partial DXF, no AAMA | Auto from formulas | No | Yes | Indie designers comfortable with formula-first authoring |
| Lectra Modaris | Quote only | Desktop | Yes | Grade rules; some parametric tooling in higher editions | Add-on | Yes | Mid-to-large apparel factories using a full Lectra production pipeline |
| Gerber AccuMark | Quote only | Desktop | Yes | Grade rules | Add-on | Yes | Mid-to-large apparel factories using the Gerber stack (now part of Lectra) |
| OptiTex PDS | Quote only | Desktop | Yes | Grade rules | Yes | Yes | Apparel brands wanting integrated 2D / 3D garment simulation |
| Tukatech | From $19 / mo | Desktop | Yes | Grade rules | Add-on | Yes | Small-to-mid apparel shops wanting subscription-priced CAD |
Directional guide as of 2026-06-15. Features, editions, and pricing vary by plan, region, and product version. Tukatech publishes a list price; Lectra, Gerber (now part of Lectra), and OptiTex require sales contact for current quotes. Sizing-approach descriptions reflect each vendor's public documentation.
Pixie Space for pattern making
Free browser-native drafting for pattern makers. Draft blocks the way you already do, round-trip AAMA markers with production partners running Lectra, Gerber, or OptiTex, and keep your geometry intact across the chain.
- DXF, AAMA, and pspace round-trip.
- 14 relation kinds carry the geometric ties on your blocks.
- Print and plot to scale at 1:1 for full-size patterns, with multi-page tiling and registration marks for tape-together printing at home.
- Sewing and placement on the canvas: draw sewing between pieces yourself or let Gravity auto sew and Gravity auto place propose the assembly, then correct it.
- Generation magic pencil: a freehand stroke becomes a clean pattern edge.
- Pixie Hologram, live now, sews the pattern together and drapes it on a 3D body at true size: a fit test before you cut.
- Pixie Warp (coming) grades any pattern directly from a POM spec table, with no grade rules to author, driven by the same relations that shape the pattern.
- Pixie Kaleido (coming) nests your pieces into a cutting marker.
- Local files by design. No installation, and no account to draft.
Common questions
Is Pixie Space a free alternative to Seamly2D?
Pixie Space runs in the browser with no install. Seamly2D is a desktop application. Both are free to draft in. Pixie Space rounds-trips DXF and AAMA, with a native pspace format, and prints or plots to scale at any ratio.
Can Pixie Space replace Lectra Modaris, Gerber AccuMark, or Tukatech?
For 2D drafting and DXF or AAMA round-trip, yes. No sales call, no per-seat license, no install. Open the app, draft your blocks, exchange AAMA with production partners. Pixie Hologram, the 3D fit test, is live now: sew the pattern on the canvas, by hand or with Gravity auto sew, and drape it on a body at true size. Pixie Warp for grading and Pixie Kaleido for marker making are coming.
Does Pixie Space read AAMA files?
Yes. AAMA DXF is one of the native round-trip formats, alongside generic DXF and pspace.
Can Pixie Space grade patterns across sizes?
Not today. Pixie Space is currently a free browser drafter that round-trips DXF and AAMA. Pixie Warp (coming) grades any pattern directly from a POM spec table, with no grade rules to author, driven by the relations that shape the pattern. Pixie Hologram for the 3D fit test is live now; Pixie Kaleido for marker making is coming.
In enterprise pattern CAD, sizing goes the other way: the pattern is stored as coordinates, so a pattern maker authors grade rules point by point to resize at all.
Do I need an account to use Pixie Space?
Not to draft. Open the app and start drawing; your work stays on your machine, yours to keep, share, or send when you choose. Plugins and companion applications, such as Gravity auto sew and Pixie Hologram, ask you to sign in with Google. Even then nothing you draw is stored on a server.
Open Pixie Space
Draft a block, send a DXF, exchange AAMA with the factory. Free, no signup.
Open Pixie Space →Curious where Pixie Space sits at the kernel level? See the 2D CAD comparison.
Seamly2D, Lectra, Modaris, Gerber, AccuMark, OptiTex, and Tukatech are trademarks of their respective owners. Pixie Space is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these companies.