After a 40 year hiatus of doing cross stitch and needlepoint, I have come back to it. I'm 72 and really enjoying using charts and doing needlepoint . I discovered Good Reader and am amazed at what it can do. Thank you for such a good explanation. I like to work by colour so I try to find the colour on the highlighter tool that is similar to the colour I am using. I just fill in the stitches as I go so I can remember what I have done. After seeing your video, I plan to try the arrow to mark the general area that I am using so I can find my place easier. This whole internet thing is so amazing. I love it.
I found the advantage of using the pen tool to daub a circle in each square rather than the highlight tool is if you close the app and come back to it and have made a mistake in your highlighting, you have to "Really Delete" everything one square at a time. If you do it with the pen tool, you can use the eraser tool and erase the mistake at any time. It is quite a advantage when working with very large patterns. I usually mark my fabric with an air erase marker because I have a hard time seeing. This lets me mark what I have marked on my fabric, then ease it quickly ad mark it off as I stitch it. I agree, Good Reader is the best handwork app I have. Thanks for te tutorial!
I now have both apps and I have already imported my files, I am not the most tech savvy person and thanks to you I did it, no more running out of ink in the printer. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me.
Angie Auger That is my absolute pleasure Angie - it's not so hard when someone shows you how, is it? Just remember that some PDF files can't be highlighted, because the program reads it as an image and not text.... in those cases, you'll need to use the pen tool and just draw, or spot, the highlights. Not as enjoyable, in my opinion, but in most cases the highlight tool works fine. Happy stitching :) x
+Judy Richardson Congratulations Judy... that's fantastic! I hope you have loads of fun filling it up with apps and all sorts of stitching goodies :) x
Thank you for the video that highlights some of the uses of good reader. I came across you because a stitching friend advised me to watch your video on parking threads, something I wanted to learn. I saw the video about good reader and decided to purchase it. I just uploaded it on my iPad.
+Lyn Nalett That's awesome Lyn! I wish I had chance to play around with it a little more before doing the video, but I was eager to share with everyone because I knew how helpful it would be. It's quite an involved app, with loads of features, but I wouldn't be without it now. Take care and happy stitching :) x
Hi Carolyn , love this program, have an iPad but bought iPad mini just for my cross stitch charts. The first chart worked wonderful when I followed your video, but second chart would not work with the abc highlight, so I tried the freehand highlight on 9pt and this worked well covered each stitch, plus you can also draw a line up or down. Hope this helps others if they have same problem I had
Eleanor Hall Hi Eleanor, I've actually come across the same issue and used the same tool to do the highlighting. Thanks for pointing it out though. Hope you're still enjoying the program and it's making stitching a little easier for you :) x
hi, I don't have an iPad but I thought what a good idea using that method seemed to be so I have got my chart on my kindle and its amazing how much better it is than following large charts. Thank you Carolyn for the tutorial which helped me find a better, faster way to read charts :)
shelagh cassidy That's fantastic - I'm so glad to have lead you in the right direction :) I love zooming in on the chart and giving my eyes a rest for awhile :) Happy stitching xx
Carolyn, thanks so much for this lovely video, it was so helpful! I have watched many of your RUclips videos, and wanted to comment, but couldn't figure out how to---until I found another video that explained it! It figures, LOL! Thanks for all the great info!
Thanks Jeri, I appreciate your comment and the effort you went to for making it :) RUclips videos and Google have become my best friends..... they have taught me a lot over the past year lol! Happy stitching :) x
Great demo, thanks! I decided to stitch my full coverage patterns on the diagonal, and thanks to your video I was inspired to try moving the "line" annotation and found I can set it anywhere I want by dragging the ends of the line to my starting and ending points. It creates a perfect diagonal! With other apps I have to do my best to draw the diagonal line freehand. I can barely draw a stick figure and it was taking me 3-4 tries to get it even close to where I wanted it, and not too crooked. No thanks! Goodreader is much easier to use.
+Terry Brady Thank you so much Terry! It was still all quite new to me, and I felt like I wasn't doing the best job at it.... but I just needed to share it with everyone asap. I wouldn't be without this app EVER! Take care and happy stitching :) x
I love this and need to get out of the dark ages of stitching and join the new world! I have an android tablet now so I need to find something I can use. Thanks for doing this, you explain everything so well :)
I was in the dark also until this year - what a great invention! Sales of highlighters will surely be suffering lol! I don't have an android, so I'm not sure which app you would use for that, but you could try Foxit, GoodNotes?, or PDF Reader? Some other ladies have done similar tutorials, so maybe there's one to suit you. Good luck :) Happy stitching :) x
This is AWSOME ! I'm a needlepointe and hate to use paper for those customer stitch guides this app it perfect !!! Great tutorial as well I'm so exited this will be a grate help to me. Thanks you !
Valerie Madar You're very welcome. Sometimes we see these apps and are a little apprehensive about trying them in case we don't like them (especially one's we have to buy!). So if ever I purchase something that I think will be useful to someone in the stitching community, I plan on showing what it does. If only apps had their own RUclips video advertising their product..... now that would be good! Hope this app makes life easier for you. Happy stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo I did get the program and have up loaded my Customer stitch guides for my needlepoint canvases. You are correct I was a bit apprehensive but the cost is well worth it. I'm working on my piece this weekend and LOVE that I have my iPad with me so I can follow the stitch guide...thank you again for showing this.
You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. There are a few different apps out there that do similar things, but so far I've stuck to this one as it suits my needs best. It was a little harder to navigate at first - hence the need for doing a video, but I feel it's definitely worth the purchase. Happy stitching :) x
Emily Chadwick Thanks Emily - it has a lot of benefits, especially for those of us who are older and our eyes need a little more help (you have many more years before that will happen to you!).Happy Easter to you and your family :) x
Thanks Carolyn, I really think I will have to investigate Goodreader, I've always been a pencil and paper stitches, but I think this will be worth a try, especially now I know I can back up my stitching sessions. I am starting my first HAED (it's called "walk as one") soon, wish me luck! :) you never know I might even try and upload a vid to youtube, and pics to instagram! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks??!!
Oooh best of luck with your first HAED! The charts can be quite daunting, especially the amount of pages! If you do, please send me your RUclips and Instagram details - I'd love to follow your progress. My Mum is 76, she has a laptop, an iPhone and an iPad. I taught her to use Facebook and even Snapchat! She loves being able to keep up with the rest of the family and see what we're all doing. Anyone can be taught, just sometimes it takes a bit more practise ;) Happy stitching :) x
Thanks Diana, I thought that way was probably possible, although I'm uncertain of the legalities of that so I didn't want to mention it. Happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much for this video, i now have the app on my ipad (for anyone else in the UK it sells for £2.99). I had your video playing on my laptop and download and explored the app on my ipad as you went through it, so very helpful. I wasn't sure how this would work for me as i have always stitched from paper charts but i figure its time to get with the times, especially as my eyesight is not what is was, even more so now it is winter. And thanks for the link to the primitive hare free pattern, it was the first one i added to my folders (I even copied your folder names!)
Thanks so much Claire - I'm so happy you like it. The app does so much, and I know I've only just touched the surface. I'll try and do an update video when I can show a bit more. Our poor eyes strain so much with the stitching, it's nice to help them along a bit with reading the pattern :) Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for sharing this. I am going to try and play with it again. I wasn't sure about everything the first time i tried it. I'm also going to try and sync the dropbox.
You're very welcome! I remember when I first tried it, I was like "Woah", what do I do now! Once I found the help screen and read what to do, it wasn't so bad. There's a heap more options to explain, which I'm slowly discovering, so I'll try and do another update video with extra stuff I've learnt. Good luck, and if you need any help just let me know :) Happy stitching :) x
For a Mirabilia chart for example: do you scan it in to a PDF and then send it to Dropbox to open it in GoodReader? I generally do charts that are not available online - paper copies purchased at local shop or through mail. Seriously considering purchase, but I would like to know!
This is an old video - but hopefully you will see this question:) Is it possible to search for a symbol and then highlight all of the ones it found? Thanks!
I purchased this app for my iPad Mini after watching your video a few weeks ago and am quite pleased with it! Sadly, I've discovered it doesn't work on all PDF charts. I have a digital subscription to Just Cross Stitch magazine and it doesn't work for those. Each time I try to highlight, it gives an error that there's no text beneath my finger. I checked the troubleshooting pages on the GoodReader website and it says that if the PDF is set up from image files that the highlighter won't work. I just thought I would pass along the information in case others run into the same issue. For those types of PDF charts, I'm using PDF-notes instead. It's not quite as pretty as GoodReader when highlighting, but it will work with image-based PDF files.
TheDailyMel Yes I've had the same issue. You can still use the app, but instead of using the highlighter option, use the pen tool instead. It looks like a squiggly line. You can alter the thickness of the line (I use 5 point) and also the opacity. It's not as neat looking when you mark off the chart, but it still gets the job done. One good thing about the pen tool, is you can mark the chart off in any direction, unlike the highlighter which is only horizontal. I appreciate you passing on the information..... thank you :) Happy Stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo I hadn't even thought of trying the pen option in GoodReader! I already owned PDF-notes prior to purchasing GoodReader, so I just gave it a go. I'll definitely have to try the pen feature as I really prefer the interface of GoodReader. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you so much for showing the black work pattern at the end, I have just purchased the app and it kept coming up with the no text under finger and I was annoyed it wouldn't work but thankfully your video showing the pen tool is working great! i just increased the size to make the dot bigger! Thank you!
I really appreciate the time you've taken to make this video Carolyn. I love the idea of making the symbols so much bigger, but my main worry is what if the ipad crashes or dies completely, right in the middle of a very complicated piece. Is there a way of backing up the work say to a pc each day, maybe via dropbox, or would all the highlighting disappear?
That's a really good question. I just tested it and you can upload files back to dropbox (or the server you choose), this includes copies that you have highlighted. I used this app for most of the year to complete my dragon and although the app crashed a couple of times within that year, all changes were automatically saved before it did so. I'm glad I now know this too, so thanks for asking! Happy stitching :) x
Gillmae My husband just told me that you can also set Dropbox up to automatically upload any changes that you make to files that are linked to Dropbox. I haven't done this as yet... but he uses Dropbox a lot and thinks it's pretty awesome ;)
Thank you for your tutorial. As a novice computer user and avid cross stitcher, I was able to comprehend how this app works on the iPad mini. This would make it so much easier for me to mark my charts instead of ruining the originals with highlighter marking. I am seriously considering the purchase of an iPad and am waffling about whether or not a mini would be sufficient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Happy stitching!!
Cindy Weigle Thanks Cindy. Another viewer had your dilemma and she opted for the mini and is so happy she did. I also use the mini for my charts as it's small enough to sit on the top of my frame while I stitch. I use the regular iPad to watch FlossTube and that sits to the right of me. My iPad takes so much longer to charge than my Mini (possibly because it's an older model). The best thing about the mini (in my opinion) is it's a perfect size for travelling - lightweight and not too cumbersome. I guess it really depends on how else you plan on using it, and whether you'd benefit more from a slightly larger screen. When I have trouble deciding I tend to do a Google review and then I make my mind up from there. Hope this helps :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo Thank you for getting back to me and for your input on this. I am going to go ahead and purchase an iPad mini shortly. The convenience of having it available to use right next to my cross stitch and being small enough to travel with, since I always take my cross stitch projects with me, has me sold on this. I really enjoy your videos and look forward to seeing more of them. Your projects are absolutely beautiful and your advice on different things has really streamlined the way I work on my own projects now. I am in the process of setting up my dmc stash using the photo boxes and smaller zip loc bags. Makes it so easy to find what I need.
Cindy Weigle That's awesome Cindy - I'm so happy to help with any advice I can to make stitching more enjoyable (and transportable!). I have so many more videos to make..... just need to find more time in my day ;) Happy stitching :) x
I am so sorry to bother you but I have watched many goodreader videos and can not find a answer to my problem. When I go into goodreader and use the highlight tool when I click on a symbol it frames it with the select picture (those two dots opposite of each other so you can highlight lots of text or a little bit of text). I can not seem to be able to just play bingo. Lol. Could you point me to the place to solve my problem? I tried help but it doesn't what to play with me. Joni aka Grandsew
+Grandsew B Hi Joni, I think I know what's wrong. With GoodReader there are different options when you do a short click and a long click. I think you are possibly doing the long click which is then giving you that little box you described above. To play bingo (lol) you need to do a short click (just tap the page, don't hold your finger on it) on the page and a menu will pop up on the right hand side. Select the 5th tab down (the letters abc surrounded by a white box)..... this is the highlight tool. You will then be able to customize how you want it to look at the very top of the page... colours, opacity etc. If you need further help, just let me know :) x
I use te write tool, select any size for the pen, select your color and tap on the share it will make a circle. Set your opacity at 25-50%. It works great for me. If you want to get rid of it, use te eraser tool.
Hi Carolyn, I’ve never used a digital device for my patterns. I’m old school and just photocopy them and then use a highlighter. Is this program easy to use for beginners and how do you upload your charts to it? I’m also in Australia 🇦🇺 so I find all your videos great, especially when it comes to pricing. Thanks for sharing.
I was very impressed with this app. I am having a problem using the highlight feature. It works well on the written instructions. But when I try to highlight in the cross stitch pattern the app is unable to read text. My pattern is scanned in a PDFs format. What I missing to get that great feature of highlighting the cross stitch box? 🤔
I don’t know if you mentioned it, but as you were highlighting the stitches you worked, it appeared that all of that same symbol was highlighted all over the pages. So, is that a feature also? Does it help you find all the same symbol so you don’t miss any?
Thank you for your video. I just purchased the app but I’m not very good at setting up. I usually make my own charts and not sure how I can download them to this app.
Love this app idea (especially the zoom in feature) I have a number of paper charts how do I get those on the app? Do i have to photograph them then upload that or what, sorry I’m not very tech savvy
Nay's Cross Stitch Needles Thank you. This app has so many options, and I've probably only barely touched the surface on some of it's functions. If you need any help with it, please let me know ;) x
Hi. Thanks for your vid. I've downloaded 2 apps that allow me to mark my cross stitch charts. Both are free and so easy to use. Taken to echarts like a duck to water. No more printed charts!
+Tracey Swift Awesome Tracey! I wouldn't be without digital charts now... just love being able to enlarge the charts when I'm feeling a bit tired and the eyes don't want to co-operate :) Happy stitching :) x
Also been spreading the word about the apps to the cross stitch groups. Best thing I have taken to using the apps for my crochet and knitting projects. Marking off the rows.
I love using this for my digital charts. I will say that the Frosted Pumpkin charts do the same as Save the Stitches. The app won't highlight, or at least it didn't work on my Once Upon A Time sampler. Otherwise It works great!
I managed to get mine to work with my Clouds Factory app, which is similar. I'll have another look at it this afternoon (currently 9:30am here, and I have to go to work) and see if I can figure out what I did. I'll reply later when I have an answer for you. Happy stitching :) x
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. As soon as I opened the file, I did a long tap and then selected Main Menu, then the highlight button. It asked for a backup copy and I said yes. I selected the highlight button on the side straight away, and it worked. It still won't work on my Save The Stitches Blackwork, because it doesn't recognise me wanting to highlight a line within a box (it reads no text under finger). Hope this helps :) x
Hi Carolyn, I'm thinking of getting the good reader app, but can scan your patterns to your computer and download them to good reader. I'm only asking as I just bought quite a big pattern from eBay its on 8 A4 sheets of paper. Love your videos you got me back into cross stitch again
+spareclaire Yes absolutely! I recommend using a free program called Dropbox. Scan your charts, then upload them to Dropbox. When you open GoodReader you can then access Dropbox and download them straight into files on the app. I have a tonne of charts in my Dropbox file and there is still heaps of room left. There is a help menu on GoodReader which will tell you how to do it step-by-step, but if you need additional help, please feel free to let me know. Best way to contact me for a quicker response is via Facebook. Take care and happy stitching :) x
Hi Carolyn, I have GoodReader and have watched your video. When I try to highlight one symbol the highlight extends along the entire row. I've tried to magnify the image and tap on one symbol to highlight it but, again, the entire row is highlighted. This happens whether I'm using my finger or a stylus. Help!
Hi Carolyn. When I 'bingo' dab my chart symbol, it's only highlighting a portion of the box, not the full square like on yours - do you know what I could be doing wrong?
I figured out how to highlight the cell in a cross stitch chart. From the Main menu you have to select the ABC highlight. Then when you click on a cell, it will be highlighted. Took a while to discover this.
Great video, very helpful. I recently started cross stitching after a 20 year break. There has been changes in the last 20 years. When you purchase a paper pattern or kit do the companies typically give you the ability to download the pattern?
No Petrina, PDF charts need to be purchased that way. I tried photographing a few charts so I could highlight them but I couldn't get it to work. The app is purely a PDF viewer, so I'm pretty sure the chart needs to be in that format for alterations to be made...... I could be wrong though! Hope this answered your question... Happy stitching :) x
Hi, I just bought the GoodReader app for £3.99 but when I go into a file and zoom then try to click on a square it doesn't bring up a menu at all, long or short tap? Help
Hi. I’ve just gotten my first HAED chart on GoodReader. How do you find symbols ? I figured out “copy” but can’t work out where to do search for that symbol. Can you help? Thanks.
Could you tell me if with this program you can edit. So I can put the pages next to each other like when I would glue them together. Thank you for your help and for the nice videos.
+Linda Lugten Ummm that I'm not sure of. I know the program has a lot of functions - many of which I don't need, so I tend to use the same functions each time I stitch. I don't think it will allow you to edit the images, like you would with a photo editor (cropping for example). If the help screen doesn't have any information on it, you can also try sending them an email... they were very quick to reply to me when I sent them one. Sorry I can't be of more help than that. :) x
Thank you for the very informative video. I have several cross stitch books that have patterns I would like to use this app to stitch , how do I go about doing this ? Do I need to scan them in to a computer first or can I just photograph them with my I pad and then transfer them to the app? Any suggestions would be much appreciated ! Thanks , Karen
Hi Karen, photographing the charts doesn't seem to work (at least, not when I tried it). I think you can scan them onto the computer as a PDF file and then upload them that way, but you'll need to check the legalities of that first as I'm still unsure. I know we're allowed to make a working copy but as far as changing a paper copy to an electronic copy - I can't advise you on.... sorry. Obviously I don't want to get myself into trouble for telling people it's ok, so I'll leave it up to your own judgement. Hope this helps ;) x
Thanks for the informative video. I was wondering if goodreader allows you to search a specific symbol and then it would "highlight" where all those symbols are on a page? I have heard of a pdf app that can do that. Reader on windows 8 can search but it doesn't search the exact symbol. If you click a square and click copy then when you paste it into the search function if gives you a different symbol like a . or a I etc and some of the symbols show as the same letter so you will end up with it highlighting about 3 different symbols on the page instead of just one. Hope that makes sense.
That's a great question Monique, and I have actually tried to find this function myself. There is a search button on the chart page, but it doesn't seem to do what I want. I've actually just sent them an email asking if this is possible, so hopefully they'll get back to me with an answer. If/when they do, I'll definitely let you know. Thanks for watching, and happy stitching :) x
I've been using Goodreader for a while, but have now decided I want to try add a paper chart to it so I can use it for that. Do you know if there is any way to do this? I've tried to scan the chart as readable text but it doesn't recognise the symbols.
Corrie Berry Hi Corrie! You need to scan the chart and change it to PDF format. Some charts are readable after that, others are not. Many of the charts I scan in are not readable, so you're not doing anything wrong - it's how the program sees the chart. If it doesn't recognise the symbols the only way to highlight the chart is to use the freehand pen tool.... After pressing main menu - it is the little squiggly line at the bottom. Although it won't highlight a perfect square, you can just dab to use circles to cover your symbols (the circles can be altered in size and opacity, just like the highlight option), or you can hold your finger down and highlight long lines, either upwards or downwards. I hope all this makes sense, it's never easy typing instructions. :) x
I took mine to a printing company and for about 2 UK pounds, got a hard copy (A4, A3, A2 etc) and a pdf file. The pdf file I then imported to GoodReader and from there I can edit it.
Can anyone help me? I cannot highlight on the pattern. The pattern was original scanned n then made to a PDFs file n placed in Dropbox. I can do under things but not the highlight mode. States no text under finger. Is it the file that's wrong?
No. with scanned patterns, it may not recognize the rows as symbols, so you will have to use the pen tool and dab as Carolyn demonstrates on the Blackwork pattern at the end of this video.
Hi Carolyn, I have watched your video and decided to try this app for my cross stitching. I have found that it won't highlight the letter symbols. I have all these white spaces on the chart even though I have tried to highlight them. Can you give me any advice?
+Janine Smith Hi Janine, some charts that are uploaded are viewed by the app as pictures, and therefore won't allow you to use the highlight option. You can, however, use the pen tool and mark the chart manually. I know this isn't as nice and neat as being able to highlight the entire box, but for these particular charts it's really the only option. The pen tool is on the main menu bar and looks like a backward S on an angle, and is situated under the eraser tool. You can still set the colours, opacity and size for the pen tool so it's still handy to use. I hope this helps :) x
hi again carolyn, I am using the good reader app for iPad too...but as with your blackwork journey, when I try to use the highlight tool it says..'no text under finger', and yet the particular chart I am using does use letters as well as symbols....can't understand why it won't let me highlight...I have to dab which isn't always ideal...is there no way around this? thanks in advance...:o) ps. I did scan it in as a pdf and not a picture.
+sassygal2007 Hi sassygal2007, I have copied and pasted this reply as I get asked often: Some charts that are uploaded are viewed by the app as pictures, and therefore won't allow you to use the highlight option. You can, however, use the pen tool and mark the chart manually. I know this isn't as nice and neat as being able to highlight the entire box, but for these particular charts it's really the only option. The pen tool is on the main menu bar and looks like a backward S on an angle, and is situated under the eraser tool. You can still set the colours, opacity and size for the pen tool so it's still handy to use. I hope this helps :) x
+Carolyn Mazzeo thanks carolyn....I am doing it that way, just not as neat and wondered maybe if I'd missed something!....thanks for getting back to me...happy stitching!! hugs x x
+Carolyn Mazzeo Is there any way you can recommend which charts will be good for highlighting for example which websites you use to get your free charts or does it depend on the particular chart itself? X
+Lisa Nolan Hi Lisa, I have copied and pasted this reply as I get asked often: Some charts that are uploaded are viewed by the app as pictures, and therefore won't allow you to use the highlight option. You can, however, use the pen tool and mark the chart manually. I know this isn't as nice and neat as being able to highlight the entire box, but for these particular charts it's really the only option. The pen tool is on the main menu bar and looks like a backward S on an angle, and is situated under the eraser tool. You can still set the colours, opacity and size for the pen tool so it's still handy to use. I hope this helps :) x
I just downloaded the app, I opened the pdf of my chart and tried to highlight something to test it out. Error message comes up saying there is no text there. It doesn't recognize each individual box. It just sees it as one big picture. Going to have to try and figure it out later when I recharge my iPad.
Veronica Shannon Hi Veronica, I've wondered this myself so I googled it. On their online manual this is what it said: I can't select a text to copy or to highlight itSome PDF files contain scanned images that look like text, but they're not, they're actually pictures. You need to have a real text defined in a PDF file to be able to select it. So I guess it all depends on the image that's being scanned and how the program reads it. When this happens to me, instead of using the highlight button, I use the pen tool and I can still draw over the symbols to mark them off.I hope this helps. BTW you may find reading the online manual helpful as I've only mentioned a few of the functions this program does on my video.goodreader.com/index.html Hope this helps ;) x
Veronica Shannon Carolyn Mazzeo if you look at the icons on the side, you'll notice the squiggly line at the very bottom. it's the "freehand" icon (like an S on its side). this allows you to mark your file any which way you want. once you click on it, you can change a) the color, b) the diameter of the brush (0.5pt to 9pt), and c) the opacity (25, 50, 75, 100%). picking any opacity less than 100% will give you a nice highlighter effect. and by using the freehand tool you can highlight both text or image files in any direction (up, down, diagonal, dot, whatever). of course, because it's freehand, your line might not be as perfectly straight as the actual highlighting tool but it works. :D
+melicia vang You can use this app for reading patterns/charts, as long as you're able to convert them into a PDF format for the program to be able to read it. Hope that helps :) x
Anyone else have problems with the app crashing when viewing your pdf's? I had my cross stitch pattern scanned so I could put it on good reader, but every time I try to zoom in the app crashes.....
MusicInTheRain It's happened to me a few times but considering how often I use it compared to how often it crashes, it's not really an issue for me. Maybe try sending them an email and see what they suggest? Sometimes other apps can interfere - maybe try closing down anything else you're not currently using and see if that helps.
Does anyone have problems trying to highlight individual symbol squares on their cross stitch patterns? Frequently I will touch a particular symbol on the pattern and another altogether different symbol adjacent to my intended symbol will also change color. Often two or more other squares. I’ve practiced many times and been very careful-even used a stylus, and it does the same thing. It is a pdf pattern. Thank you!
+Elerose Smith Yes you can Elerose.... I simply scan them and transfer them to a program (Dropbox) for easy transferring. You can email them too, I believe, but I haven't done that so I'm unsure of the process. Hope that helps :) x
Great tutorial!! I had no interest in using an app for my charts but I think you may have just changed my mind... great now I need an ipad :) I had a highlighter "accident" on my Once Upon A Time sampler. My 5 year old said he "accidentally" made a mark. Thankfully it was only small and I was able to cover it up with another fleur de lis. I was too scared to try to wash it out since it was hand dyed fabric. And now I have another getting into things, he is only 1 but he is much more mischievous than his brother ever thought of being so I could really use that app right about now. haha
Thanks! I know what you mean! I don't have younger children to blame highlighter errors on..... I manage to do that all by myself lol! I got one on Blue Dragon and couldn't cover it up as it was outside the stitching area - but it will get covered by the framing... thankfully! I used to spend a fortune on highlighters... now I can use that money for charts/fabric instead!..... that's a good selling point to convince hubby! I have another great use for an iPad too - I discovered this week, while stitching on my black fabric...... if I put it on my lap, with the chart side up, the light filters through the holes in my fabric making it soooooo much easier to stitch. There you go - 2 ideas to put forth in your bid to convince someone to buy you one! :))))) Also great for watching RUclips videos on while you stitch :) I actually have an iPad and an iPad Mini. The iPad I bought years ago, and I use it mainly for RUclips watching. The mini I won in a competition, and it's become my Cross Stitch Bible. On it I have all my digital cross stitch files, my cross stitch apps and everything else I need cross stitch related. It's a handy size for travel too :) xxx
Carolyn Mazzeo Wow good for you winning and iPad Mini!!!! I am most definitely going to have to look into getting one :) And I can totally see how it would help stitching on black fabric, you are resourceful!! haha
+Annie Rubyslipperz Hi Annie - you can photocopy charts from magazines & books and save them as PDF files, then upload them to GoodReader. Just be aware that sometimes doing this, the program reads the chart as a picture and only allows manual marking and not the box highlighting that I showed. Still completely do-able though :) x
Hi there! I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to highlight or find certain symbols as I'm cross stitching. I cross stitch one color at a time and I would like to have a program that will tell me where on the chart every stitch is of the same symbol. Thanks for your help !
+Jeffrey Checo Hi Jeffrey! I actually contacted GoodReader and asked them to incorporate this function as I would also find it very helpful. They said they would look into it, and I haven't heard back since. I think there may be other similar type apps that have this function, but I don't know what they are called and because I haven't personally used them, I can't recommend them. If I do happen to find such an app, or see another stitcher recommending one... I will mention it in a video for everyone. Sorry I couldn't be of more help than that, but I promise I will keep my eyes and ears open. Happy stitching :) x
Yes I know... that's disappointing. I'm sure there would be something equivalent for Android out there, but I only have Apple products so I don't know. Happy stitching :) x
After a 40 year hiatus of doing cross stitch and needlepoint, I have come back to it. I'm 72 and really enjoying using charts and doing needlepoint . I discovered Good Reader and am amazed at what it can do. Thank you for such a good explanation. I like to work by colour so I try to find the colour on the highlighter tool that is similar to the colour I am using. I just fill in the stitches as I go so I can remember what I have done. After seeing your video, I plan to try the arrow to mark the general area that I am using so I can find my place easier. This whole internet thing is so amazing. I love it.
I found the advantage of using the pen tool to daub a circle in each square rather than the highlight tool is if you close the app and come back to it and have made a mistake in your highlighting, you have to "Really Delete" everything one square at a time. If you do it with the pen tool, you can use the eraser tool and erase the mistake at any time. It is quite a advantage when working with very large patterns. I usually mark my fabric with an air erase marker because I have a hard time seeing. This lets me mark what I have marked on my fabric, then ease it quickly ad mark it off as I stitch it. I agree, Good Reader is the best handwork app I have. Thanks for te tutorial!
I now have both apps and I have already imported my files, I am not the most tech savvy person and thanks to you I did it, no more running out of ink in the printer. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me.
Angie Auger That is my absolute pleasure Angie - it's not so hard when someone shows you how, is it? Just remember that some PDF files can't be highlighted, because the program reads it as an image and not text.... in those cases, you'll need to use the pen tool and just draw, or spot, the highlights. Not as enjoyable, in my opinion, but in most cases the highlight tool works fine. Happy stitching :) x
Angie Auger w
Thank you so much! I just downloaded the app and it is going to totally transform my stitching life. Super easy to use!
I have only just found this tutorial. Its brilliant. I have bought the app! Thank you.
So excited!!! Hubby just got me an iPad Air 2 and I just downloaded the Goodreader app!!! Can't wait to stitch from it!! Thanks for the tutorial!!
+Judy Richardson Congratulations Judy... that's fantastic! I hope you have loads of fun filling it up with apps and all sorts of stitching goodies :) x
Absolutely brilliant tutorial. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. Very much appreciated.
You're very welcome Dot - glad you enjoyed it!
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for the video that highlights some of the uses of good reader. I came across you because a stitching friend advised me to watch your video on parking threads, something I wanted to learn. I saw the video about good reader and decided to purchase it. I just uploaded it on my iPad.
+Lyn Nalett That's awesome Lyn! I wish I had chance to play around with it a little more before doing the video, but I was eager to share with everyone because I knew how helpful it would be. It's quite an involved app, with loads of features, but I wouldn't be without it now.
Take care and happy stitching :) x
Awesome tutorial. I have had this app for awhile, but never played with it like you did.... Going to go give it a try now. Thank you so much.
Happy to help Dee - hope you find some extra ideas that make stitching easier.
Happy stitching :) x
Wow, I see this video is from 2015, but it’s still awesome info. Thanks!
Hi Carolyn , love this program, have an iPad but bought iPad mini just for my cross stitch charts. The first chart worked wonderful when I followed your video, but second chart would not work with the abc highlight, so I tried the freehand highlight on 9pt and this worked well covered each stitch, plus you can also draw a line up or down. Hope this helps others if they have same problem I had
Eleanor Hall Hi Eleanor, I've actually come across the same issue and used the same tool to do the highlighting. Thanks for pointing it out though.
Hope you're still enjoying the program and it's making stitching a little easier for you :) x
hi, I don't have an iPad but I thought what a good idea using that method seemed to be so I have got my chart on my kindle and its amazing how much better it is than following large charts. Thank you Carolyn for the tutorial which helped me find a better, faster way to read charts :)
shelagh cassidy That's fantastic - I'm so glad to have lead you in the right direction :) I love zooming in on the chart and giving my eyes a rest for awhile :)
Happy stitching xx
Carolyn, thanks so much for this lovely video, it was so helpful! I have watched many of your RUclips videos, and wanted to comment, but couldn't figure out how to---until I found another video that explained it! It figures, LOL! Thanks for all the great info!
Thanks Jeri, I appreciate your comment and the effort you went to for making it :) RUclips videos and Google have become my best friends..... they have taught me a lot over the past year lol!
Happy stitching :) x
Great job explaining this app! I totally understood it. Now to find something similar for Androids. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you liked it. I'm sure there must be something similar for Android. Hope you can find it.
Happy stitching :) x
Great demo, thanks! I decided to stitch my full coverage patterns on the diagonal, and thanks to your video I was inspired to try moving the "line" annotation and found I can set it anywhere I want by dragging the ends of the line to my starting and ending points. It creates a perfect diagonal! With other apps I have to do my best to draw the diagonal line freehand. I can barely draw a stick figure and it was taking me 3-4 tries to get it even close to where I wanted it, and not too crooked. No thanks! Goodreader is much easier to use.
Thank you! Thank you! Your tutorial was informative and easy to follow. I love using my GOOD READER.
+Terry Brady Thank you so much Terry! It was still all quite new to me, and I felt like I wasn't doing the best job at it.... but I just needed to share it with everyone asap. I wouldn't be without this app EVER!
Take care and happy stitching :) x
I love this and need to get out of the dark ages of stitching and join the new world! I have an android tablet now so I need to find something I can use. Thanks for doing this, you explain everything so well :)
I was in the dark also until this year - what a great invention! Sales of highlighters will surely be suffering lol! I don't have an android, so I'm not sure which app you would use for that, but you could try Foxit, GoodNotes?, or PDF Reader? Some other ladies have done similar tutorials, so maybe there's one to suit you. Good luck :)
Happy stitching :) x
This is AWSOME ! I'm a needlepointe and hate to use paper for those customer stitch guides this app it perfect !!! Great tutorial as well I'm so exited this will be a grate help to me. Thanks you !
Valerie Madar You're very welcome. Sometimes we see these apps and are a little apprehensive about trying them in case we don't like them (especially one's we have to buy!). So if ever I purchase something that I think will be useful to someone in the stitching community, I plan on showing what it does. If only apps had their own RUclips video advertising their product..... now that would be good!
Hope this app makes life easier for you.
Happy stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo I did get the program and have up loaded my Customer stitch guides for my needlepoint canvases. You are correct I was a bit apprehensive but the cost is well worth it. I'm working on my piece this weekend and LOVE that I have my iPad with me so I can follow the stitch guide...thank you again for showing this.
Valerie Madar Yay! I'm so glad you love it :))))) x
Yes I love the program makes it a lot easier for me, especially when I travel, so happy to have watched your video, thank you
Eleanor Hall Thanks Eleanor, it's a great program!
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much for this video. Very clearly explained. I was unaware of this app. It will really help my "older" eyes!
You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. There are a few different apps out there that do similar things, but so far I've stuck to this one as it suits my needs best. It was a little harder to navigate at first - hence the need for doing a video, but I feel it's definitely worth the purchase.
Happy stitching :) x
Thanks for this! I still am not sure about using the iPad for stitching, but I'll have to give it a try with this app! :) Very useful instructions! xx
Emily Chadwick Thanks Emily - it has a lot of benefits, especially for those of us who are older and our eyes need a little more help (you have many more years before that will happen to you!).Happy Easter to you and your family :) x
Happy Easter to you and your family too! :) x
Emily Chadwick :))
Thank you for showing this what a great option. Now to convince hubby I need an I-pad lol
HUGS
Patty BC Canada
Haha! Maybe I should do a video on why Cross Stitchers need iPads..... lol
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Happy stitching :) x
Thanks Carolyn, I really think I will have to investigate Goodreader, I've always been a pencil and paper stitches, but I think this will be worth a try, especially now I know I can back up my stitching sessions. I am starting my first HAED (it's called "walk as one") soon, wish me luck! :) you never know I might even try and upload a vid to youtube, and pics to instagram! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks??!!
Oooh best of luck with your first HAED! The charts can be quite daunting, especially the amount of pages! If you do, please send me your RUclips and Instagram details - I'd love to follow your progress.
My Mum is 76, she has a laptop, an iPhone and an iPad. I taught her to use Facebook and even Snapchat! She loves being able to keep up with the rest of the family and see what we're all doing. Anyone can be taught, just sometimes it takes a bit more practise ;)
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you. I found this so easy to follow. I have down loaded the app and am getting ready to use this tool later today. :)
Nicola Rooney Thanks for letting me know :) I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy stitching :) x
Great video Caroline! You can scan printed patterns into pdf files and then you can highlight everything.
Thanks Diana, I thought that way was probably possible, although I'm uncertain of the legalities of that so I didn't want to mention it.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much for this video, i now have the app on my ipad (for anyone else in the UK it sells for £2.99). I had your video playing on my laptop and download and explored the app on my ipad as you went through it, so very helpful. I wasn't sure how this would work for me as i have always stitched from paper charts but i figure its time to get with the times, especially as my eyesight is not what is was, even more so now it is winter. And thanks for the link to the primitive hare free pattern, it was the first one i added to my folders (I even copied your folder names!)
Thanks so much Claire - I'm so happy you like it. The app does so much, and I know I've only just touched the surface. I'll try and do an update video when I can show a bit more. Our poor eyes strain so much with the stitching, it's nice to help them along a bit with reading the pattern :)
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much! Can’t wait to get started!!
Thank you for sharing this. I am going to try and play with it again. I wasn't sure about everything the first time i tried it. I'm also going to try and sync the dropbox.
You're very welcome! I remember when I first tried it, I was like "Woah", what do I do now! Once I found the help screen and read what to do, it wasn't so bad. There's a heap more options to explain, which I'm slowly discovering, so I'll try and do another update video with extra stuff I've learnt.
Good luck, and if you need any help just let me know :)
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you, thank you. It was a great learning video.
You're very welcome Deb.
Happy stitching :) x
For a Mirabilia chart for example: do you scan it in to a PDF and then send it to Dropbox to open it in GoodReader? I generally do charts that are not available online - paper copies purchased at local shop or through mail. Seriously considering purchase, but I would like to know!
This is an old video - but hopefully you will see this question:) Is it possible to search for a symbol and then highlight all of the ones it found? Thanks!
I purchased this app for my iPad Mini after watching your video a few weeks ago and am quite pleased with it! Sadly, I've discovered it doesn't work on all PDF charts. I have a digital subscription to Just Cross Stitch magazine and it doesn't work for those. Each time I try to highlight, it gives an error that there's no text beneath my finger. I checked the troubleshooting pages on the GoodReader website and it says that if the PDF is set up from image files that the highlighter won't work. I just thought I would pass along the information in case others run into the same issue. For those types of PDF charts, I'm using PDF-notes instead. It's not quite as pretty as GoodReader when highlighting, but it will work with image-based PDF files.
TheDailyMel
Yes I've had the same issue. You can still use the app, but instead of using the highlighter option, use the pen tool instead. It looks like a squiggly line. You can alter the thickness of the line (I use 5 point) and also the opacity. It's not as neat looking when you mark off the chart, but it still gets the job done. One good thing about the pen tool, is you can mark the chart off in any direction, unlike the highlighter which is only horizontal.
I appreciate you passing on the information..... thank you :)
Happy Stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo I hadn't even thought of trying the pen option in GoodReader! I already owned PDF-notes prior to purchasing GoodReader, so I just gave it a go. I'll definitely have to try the pen feature as I really prefer the interface of GoodReader. Thanks for the tip!
TheDailyMel Happy to help. If you have trouble finding it, I think I showed where it was on the video.... Good luck! :) x
Thank you so much for showing the black work pattern at the end, I have just purchased the app and it kept coming up with the no text under finger and I was annoyed it wouldn't work but thankfully your video showing the pen tool is working great! i just increased the size to make the dot bigger! Thank you!
I really appreciate the time you've taken to make this video Carolyn. I love the idea of making the symbols so much bigger, but my main worry is what if the ipad crashes or dies completely, right in the middle of a very complicated piece. Is there a way of backing up the work say to a pc each day, maybe via dropbox, or would all the highlighting disappear?
That's a really good question. I just tested it and you can upload files back to dropbox (or the server you choose), this includes copies that you have highlighted. I used this app for most of the year to complete my dragon and although the app crashed a couple of times within that year, all changes were automatically saved before it did so.
I'm glad I now know this too, so thanks for asking!
Happy stitching :) x
Gillmae My husband just told me that you can also set Dropbox up to automatically upload any changes that you make to files that are linked to Dropbox. I haven't done this as yet... but he uses Dropbox a lot and thinks it's pretty awesome ;)
Thank you for your tutorial. As a novice computer user and avid cross stitcher, I was able to comprehend how this app works on the iPad mini. This would make it so much easier for me to mark my charts instead of ruining the originals with highlighter marking. I am seriously considering the purchase of an iPad and am waffling about whether or not a mini would be sufficient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Happy stitching!!
Cindy Weigle Thanks Cindy. Another viewer had your dilemma and she opted for the mini and is so happy she did. I also use the mini for my charts as it's small enough to sit on the top of my frame while I stitch. I use the regular iPad to watch FlossTube and that sits to the right of me. My iPad takes so much longer to charge than my Mini (possibly because it's an older model). The best thing about the mini (in my opinion) is it's a perfect size for travelling - lightweight and not too cumbersome. I guess it really depends on how else you plan on using it, and whether you'd benefit more from a slightly larger screen. When I have trouble deciding I tend to do a Google review and then I make my mind up from there.
Hope this helps :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo Thank you for getting back to me and for your input on this. I am going to go ahead and purchase an iPad mini shortly. The convenience of having it available to use right next to my cross stitch and being small enough to travel with, since I always take my cross stitch projects with me, has me sold on this. I really enjoy your videos and look forward to seeing more of them. Your projects are absolutely beautiful and your advice on different things has really streamlined the way I work on my own projects now. I am in the process of setting up my dmc stash using the photo boxes and smaller zip loc bags. Makes it so easy to find what I need.
Cindy Weigle That's awesome Cindy - I'm so happy to help with any advice I can to make stitching more enjoyable (and transportable!). I have so many more videos to make..... just need to find more time in my day ;)
Happy stitching :) x
I am so sorry to bother you but I have watched many goodreader videos and can not find a answer to my problem. When I go into goodreader and use the highlight tool when I click on a symbol it frames it with the select picture (those two dots opposite of each other so you can highlight lots of text or a little bit of text). I can not seem to be able to just play bingo. Lol. Could you point me to the place to solve my problem? I tried help but it doesn't what to play with me. Joni aka Grandsew
+Grandsew B Hi Joni, I think I know what's wrong. With GoodReader there are different options when you do a short click and a long click. I think you are possibly doing the long click which is then giving you that little box you described above. To play bingo (lol) you need to do a short click (just tap the page, don't hold your finger on it) on the page and a menu will pop up on the right hand side. Select the 5th tab down (the letters abc surrounded by a white box)..... this is the highlight tool. You will then be able to customize how you want it to look at the very top of the page... colours, opacity etc.
If you need further help, just let me know :) x
I use te write tool, select any size for the pen, select your color and tap on the share it will make a circle. Set your opacity at 25-50%. It works great for me. If you want to get rid of it, use te eraser tool.
Hi Carolyn,
I’ve never used a digital device for my patterns. I’m old school and just photocopy them and then use a highlighter. Is this program easy to use for beginners and how do you upload your charts to it? I’m also in Australia 🇦🇺 so I find all your videos great, especially when it comes to pricing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Carolyn for your help , it is much appreciated! Karen R
You're very welcome Karen, if there's anything else - just let me know :)
Happy stitching :) x
Love this video. It helps me so much. I do have a question. How do you unhighlight a saved document
I was very impressed with this app. I am having a problem using the highlight feature. It works well on the written instructions. But when I try to highlight in the cross stitch pattern the app is unable to read text. My pattern is scanned in a PDFs format. What I missing to get that great feature of highlighting the cross stitch box? 🤔
I don’t know if you mentioned it, but as you were highlighting the stitches you worked, it appeared that all of that same symbol was highlighted all over the pages. So, is that a feature also? Does it help you find all the same symbol so you don’t miss any?
Thank you for your video. I just purchased the app but I’m not very good at setting up. I usually make my own charts and not sure how I can download them to this app.
Thanks for the tutorial on this app! I'm thinking of starting to cross stitch. How do you find downloadable patterns?
Love this app idea (especially the zoom in feature) I have a number of paper charts how do I get those on the app? Do i have to photograph them then upload that or what, sorry I’m not very tech savvy
Great tutorial! I was using it differently & haven't really liked it.... I think I need to re try it again :)
Nay's Cross Stitch Needles Thank you. This app has so many options, and I've probably only barely touched the surface on some of it's functions. If you need any help with it, please let me know ;) x
This is so interesting! I am strictly a paper chart girl right now, but this might be my future :)
McKenzie
Gotta love technology McKenzie ;)
Happy stitching :) x
Hi. Thanks for your vid. I've downloaded 2 apps that allow me to mark my cross stitch charts. Both are free and so easy to use. Taken to echarts like a duck to water. No more printed charts!
+Tracey Swift Awesome Tracey! I wouldn't be without digital charts now... just love being able to enlarge the charts when I'm feeling a bit tired and the eyes don't want to co-operate :)
Happy stitching :) x
Also been spreading the word about the apps to the cross stitch groups. Best thing I have taken to using the apps for my crochet and knitting projects. Marking off the rows.
What is the other app you refer to?
Are you using GoodReader for IPad (which is what I have) or GoodReader Pro? I don’t see a “Help” button and some other buttons.
I can’t find what she refers to either. Must need to purchase the $80 version. Crap!
I love using this for my digital charts. I will say that the Frosted Pumpkin charts do the same as Save the Stitches. The app won't highlight, or at least it didn't work on my Once Upon A Time sampler. Otherwise It works great!
I managed to get mine to work with my Clouds Factory app, which is similar. I'll have another look at it this afternoon (currently 9:30am here, and I have to go to work) and see if I can figure out what I did. I'll reply later when I have an answer for you.
Happy stitching :) x
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. As soon as I opened the file, I did a long tap and then selected Main Menu, then the highlight button. It asked for a backup copy and I said yes. I selected the highlight button on the side straight away, and it worked.
It still won't work on my Save The Stitches Blackwork, because it doesn't recognise me wanting to highlight a line within a box (it reads no text under finger).
Hope this helps :) x
Hi Carolyn, I'm thinking of getting the good reader app, but can scan your patterns to your computer and download them to good reader. I'm only asking as I just bought quite a big pattern from eBay its on 8 A4 sheets of paper. Love your videos you got me back into cross stitch again
+spareclaire Yes absolutely! I recommend using a free program called Dropbox. Scan your charts, then upload them to Dropbox. When you open GoodReader you can then access Dropbox and download them straight into files on the app. I have a tonne of charts in my Dropbox file and there is still heaps of room left. There is a help menu on GoodReader which will tell you how to do it step-by-step, but if you need additional help, please feel free to let me know. Best way to contact me for a quicker response is via Facebook.
Take care and happy stitching :) x
Hi Carolyn,
I have GoodReader and have watched your video.
When I try to highlight one symbol the highlight extends along the entire row. I've tried to magnify the image and tap on one symbol to highlight it but, again, the entire row is highlighted. This happens whether I'm using my finger or a stylus.
Help!
Hi Carolyn. When I 'bingo' dab my chart symbol, it's only highlighting a portion of the box, not the full square like on yours - do you know what I could be doing wrong?
I figured out how to highlight the cell in a cross stitch chart. From the Main menu you have to select the ABC highlight. Then when you click on a cell, it will be highlighted. Took a while to discover this.
Linda Baughan it keeps telling me that I have no text under finger.
Hi Carolyn, can you pick a symbol and it will highlight all those symbols in the entire chart that need to be stitched?
I have this same question for an ipad
Love your project help, would you know if the knit app would work for cross stitch like this app does ?, thanks Mary Ann
I use a kindle fire tablet
Which you had used your LEFT hand to see what key you were clicking on.
Great video, very helpful. I recently started cross stitching after a 20 year break. There has been changes in the last 20 years. When you purchase a paper pattern or kit do the companies typically give you the ability to download the pattern?
No Petrina, PDF charts need to be purchased that way. I tried photographing a few charts so I could highlight them but I couldn't get it to work. The app is purely a PDF viewer, so I'm pretty sure the chart needs to be in that format for alterations to be made...... I could be wrong though!
Hope this answered your question... Happy stitching :) x
Is that a year or do you have to pay that monthly
Hi, I just bought the GoodReader app for £3.99 but when I go into a file and zoom then try to click on a square it doesn't bring up a menu at all, long or short tap? Help
Do you still use this app or is there another that operates in the same fashion. I am not finding it in the App Store
Hi. I’ve just gotten my first HAED chart on GoodReader. How do you find symbols ? I figured out “copy” but can’t work out where to do search for that symbol. Can you help? Thanks.
Could you tell me if with this program you can edit. So I can put the pages next to each other like when I would glue them together. Thank you for your help and for the nice videos.
+Linda Lugten Ummm that I'm not sure of. I know the program has a lot of functions - many of which I don't need, so I tend to use the same functions each time I stitch. I don't think it will allow you to edit the images, like you would with a photo editor (cropping for example). If the help screen doesn't have any information on it, you can also try sending them an email... they were very quick to reply to me when I sent them one.
Sorry I can't be of more help than that. :) x
Thank you for the very informative video. I have several cross stitch books that have patterns I would like to use this app to stitch , how do I go about doing this ? Do I need to scan them in to a computer first or can I just photograph them with my I pad and then transfer them to the app? Any suggestions would be much appreciated !
Thanks , Karen
Hi Karen, photographing the charts doesn't seem to work (at least, not when I tried it). I think you can scan them onto the computer as a PDF file and then upload them that way, but you'll need to check the legalities of that first as I'm still unsure. I know we're allowed to make a working copy but as far as changing a paper copy to an electronic copy - I can't advise you on.... sorry. Obviously I don't want to get myself into trouble for telling people it's ok, so I'll leave it up to your own judgement.
Hope this helps ;) x
Thanks for the informative video. I was wondering if goodreader allows you to search a specific symbol and then it would "highlight" where all those symbols are on a page? I have heard of a pdf app that can do that. Reader on windows 8 can search but it doesn't search the exact symbol. If you click a square and click copy then when you paste it into the search function if gives you a different symbol like a . or a I etc and some of the symbols show as the same letter so you will end up with it highlighting about 3 different symbols on the page instead of just one. Hope that makes sense.
That's a great question Monique, and I have actually tried to find this function myself. There is a search button on the chart page, but it doesn't seem to do what I want. I've actually just sent them an email asking if this is possible, so hopefully they'll get back to me with an answer. If/when they do, I'll definitely let you know.
Thanks for watching, and happy stitching :) x
I've been using Goodreader for a while, but have now decided I want to try add a paper chart to it so I can use it for that. Do you know if there is any way to do this? I've tried to scan the chart as readable text but it doesn't recognise the symbols.
Corrie Berry Hi Corrie! You need to scan the chart and change it to PDF format. Some charts are readable after that, others are not. Many of the charts I scan in are not readable, so you're not doing anything wrong - it's how the program sees the chart.
If it doesn't recognise the symbols the only way to highlight the chart is to use the freehand pen tool.... After pressing main menu - it is the little squiggly line at the bottom. Although it won't highlight a perfect square, you can just dab to use circles to cover your symbols (the circles can be altered in size and opacity, just like the highlight option), or you can hold your finger down and highlight long lines, either upwards or downwards.
I hope all this makes sense, it's never easy typing instructions. :) x
Hi Carolyn I cannot find Goodreader for IPad on my IPad Apps Store
what if you have a chart all that comes with project on you. iPad?
I took mine to a printing company and for about 2 UK pounds, got a hard copy (A4, A3, A2 etc) and a pdf file. The pdf file I then imported to GoodReader and from there I can edit it.
Is it works with every pattern?
How do you select a symbol to find it elsewhere in the chart?
Can anyone help me? I cannot highlight on the pattern. The pattern was original scanned n then made to a PDFs file n placed in Dropbox. I can do under things but not the highlight mode. States no text under finger. Is it the file that's wrong?
No. with scanned patterns, it may not recognize the rows as symbols, so you will have to use the pen tool and dab as Carolyn demonstrates on the Blackwork pattern at the end of this video.
Hi Carolyn, I have watched your video and decided to try this app for my cross stitching. I have found that it won't highlight the letter symbols. I have all these white spaces on the chart even though I have tried to highlight them. Can you give me any advice?
+Janine Smith Hi Janine, some charts that are uploaded are viewed by the app as pictures, and therefore won't allow you to use the highlight option. You can, however, use the pen tool and mark the chart manually. I know this isn't as nice and neat as being able to highlight the entire box, but for these particular charts it's really the only option. The pen tool is on the main menu bar and looks like a backward S on an angle, and is situated under the eraser tool. You can still set the colours, opacity and size for the pen tool so it's still handy to use. I hope this helps :) x
hi again carolyn,
I am using the good reader app for iPad too...but as with your blackwork journey, when I try to use the highlight tool it says..'no text under finger', and yet the particular chart I am using does use letters as well as symbols....can't understand why it won't let me highlight...I have to dab which isn't always ideal...is there no way around this? thanks in advance...:o) ps. I did scan it in as a pdf and not a picture.
+sassygal2007 Hi sassygal2007, I have copied and pasted this reply as I get asked often:
Some charts that are uploaded are viewed by the app as pictures, and therefore won't allow you to use the highlight option. You can, however, use the pen tool and mark the chart manually. I know this isn't as nice and neat as being able to highlight the entire box, but for these particular charts it's really the only option. The pen tool is on the main menu bar and looks like a backward S on an angle, and is situated under the eraser tool. You can still set the colours, opacity and size for the pen tool so it's still handy to use. I hope this helps :) x
+Carolyn Mazzeo
thanks carolyn....I am doing it that way, just not as neat and wondered maybe if I'd missed something!....thanks for getting back to me...happy stitching!! hugs x x
+Carolyn Mazzeo Is there any way you can recommend which charts will be good for highlighting for example which websites you use to get your free charts or does it depend on the particular chart itself? X
When I looked for this app I couldn’t find it in the App Store idk why
Would this work for knitting chart work?
Guess I’m confused how do I get a pattern on GoodReader
Can you scan a paper chart into this app
i just downloaded this app and it said something about no text under my finger?? but my pattern was in there?? anyideas
+Lisa Nolan Hi Lisa, I have copied and pasted this reply as I get asked often:
Some charts that are uploaded are viewed by the app as pictures, and therefore won't allow you to use the highlight option. You can, however, use the pen tool and mark the chart manually. I know this isn't as nice and neat as being able to highlight the entire box, but for these particular charts it's really the only option. The pen tool is on the main menu bar and looks like a backward S on an angle, and is situated under the eraser tool. You can still set the colours, opacity and size for the pen tool so it's still handy to use. I hope this helps :) x
we can't see because the hand is in front.
I just downloaded the app, I opened the pdf of my chart and tried to highlight something to test it out. Error message comes up saying there is no text there. It doesn't recognize each individual box. It just sees it as one big picture. Going to have to try and figure it out later when I recharge my iPad.
Ok I just watched the end of your video. Do you know why some patterns let you use the highlight function and others don't?
Veronica Shannon Hi Veronica, I've wondered this myself so I googled it. On their online manual this is what it said:
I can't select a text to copy or to highlight itSome PDF files contain scanned images that look like text, but they're not, they're actually pictures. You need to have a real text defined in a PDF file to be able to select it.
So I guess it all depends on the image that's being scanned and how the program reads it. When this happens to me, instead of using the highlight button, I use the pen tool and I can still draw over the symbols to mark them off.I hope this helps. BTW you may find reading the online manual helpful as I've only mentioned a few of the functions this program does on my video.goodreader.com/index.html
Hope this helps ;) x
Veronica Shannon Carolyn Mazzeo if you look at the icons on the side, you'll notice the squiggly line at the very bottom. it's the "freehand" icon (like an S on its side). this allows you to mark your file any which way you want. once you click on it, you can change a) the color, b) the diameter of the brush (0.5pt to 9pt), and c) the opacity (25, 50, 75, 100%).
picking any opacity less than 100% will give you a nice highlighter effect. and by using the freehand tool you can highlight both text or image files in any direction (up, down, diagonal, dot, whatever). of course, because it's freehand, your line might not be as perfectly straight as the actual highlighting tool but it works. :D
What was the name of the program?
Can I use this app for embroidery sew machine
+melicia vang You can use this app for reading patterns/charts, as long as you're able to convert them into a PDF format for the program to be able to read it. Hope that helps :) x
How do you get a chart on your free
Does anyone still use this in 2021 and do you like? Some of the reviews were not great but those were sort of old.
Anyone else have problems with the app crashing when viewing your pdf's? I had my cross stitch pattern scanned so I could put it on good reader, but every time I try to zoom in the app crashes.....
MusicInTheRain It's happened to me a few times but considering how often I use it compared to how often it crashes, it's not really an issue for me. Maybe try sending them an email and see what they suggest? Sometimes other apps can interfere - maybe try closing down anything else you're not currently using and see if that helps.
Does anyone have problems trying to highlight individual symbol squares on their cross stitch patterns? Frequently I will touch a particular symbol on the pattern and another altogether different symbol adjacent to my intended symbol will also change color. Often two or more other squares. I’ve practiced many times and been very careful-even used a stylus, and it does the same thing. It is a pdf pattern. Thank you!
hmm looked up Good Reader for android and its a program to read books, files, etc. nothin like what I see in this video.
Thank you so much
+spareclaire My pleasure :) x
How do you get accesses key can't get on to the app
+pamela taylor I'm sorry Pamela, I don't understand your question? I'd love to help you - can you please clarify what you need to know?
Can you add hard copy patterns that you have already purchased?
+Elerose Smith Yes you can Elerose.... I simply scan them and transfer them to a program (Dropbox) for easy transferring. You can email them too, I believe, but I haven't done that so I'm unsure of the process.
Hope that helps :) x
Elerose Smith
Thanks.
Great tutorial!! I had no interest in using an app for my charts but I think you may have just changed my mind... great now I need an ipad :) I had a highlighter "accident" on my Once Upon A Time sampler. My 5 year old said he "accidentally" made a mark. Thankfully it was only small and I was able to cover it up with another fleur de lis. I was too scared to try to wash it out since it was hand dyed fabric. And now I have another getting into things, he is only 1 but he is much more mischievous than his brother ever thought of being so I could really use that app right about now. haha
Thanks! I know what you mean! I don't have younger children to blame highlighter errors on..... I manage to do that all by myself lol! I got one on Blue Dragon and couldn't cover it up as it was outside the stitching area - but it will get covered by the framing... thankfully!
I used to spend a fortune on highlighters... now I can use that money for charts/fabric instead!..... that's a good selling point to convince hubby! I have another great use for an iPad too - I discovered this week, while stitching on my black fabric...... if I put it on my lap, with the chart side up, the light filters through the holes in my fabric making it soooooo much easier to stitch. There you go - 2 ideas to put forth in your bid to convince someone to buy you one! :)))))
Also great for watching RUclips videos on while you stitch :)
I actually have an iPad and an iPad Mini. The iPad I bought years ago, and I use it mainly for RUclips watching. The mini I won in a competition, and it's become my Cross Stitch Bible. On it I have all my digital cross stitch files, my cross stitch apps and everything else I need cross stitch related. It's a handy size for travel too :)
xxx
Carolyn Mazzeo Wow good for you winning and iPad Mini!!!! I am most definitely going to have to look into getting one :) And I can totally see how it would help stitching on black fabric, you are resourceful!! haha
Khristine Doiron I'm sure you'd love it.
I'm good at justifying my needs :)
what about scanning a design that is in a magazine or a book? =)
+Annie Rubyslipperz Hi Annie - you can photocopy charts from magazines & books and save them as PDF files, then upload them to GoodReader. Just be aware that sometimes doing this, the program reads the chart as a picture and only allows manual marking and not the box highlighting that I showed. Still completely do-able though :) x
Has anyone found a comparable android app?
Hi there! I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to highlight or find certain symbols as I'm cross stitching. I cross stitch one color at a time and I would like to have a program that will tell me where on the chart every stitch is of the same symbol. Thanks for your help !
+Jeffrey Checo Hi Jeffrey! I actually contacted GoodReader and asked them to incorporate this function as I would also find it very helpful. They said they would look into it, and I haven't heard back since. I think there may be other similar type apps that have this function, but I don't know what they are called and because I haven't personally used them, I can't recommend them. If I do happen to find such an app, or see another stitcher recommending one... I will mention it in a video for everyone.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help than that, but I promise I will keep my eyes and ears open.
Happy stitching :) x
+Carolyn Mazzeo wow thank you so much for going out of your way to contact them ! I really was not expecting that! Thanks for your help!
$
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only for Ipad (((
Yes I know... that's disappointing. I'm sure there would be something equivalent for Android out there, but I only have Apple products so I don't know.
Happy stitching :) x