How to Measure Curves in Affinity Designer

Last updated on January 6th, 2023 at 02:12 pm

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The new measurement tool in Affinity Designer 2 is amazing! You can now quickly and easily measure curves in Affinity Designer 2.

However, if you are not ready to upgrade to Affinity Designer version 2, I will also give you some ideas on ways you can measure curves in Affinity Designer version 1.

Here is how to measure curves for sewing in Affinity Designer 2!

Step 1: Select the shape/pattern piece you want to use.

Select the shape using the move tool.

Step 2: Break Curve

Use the node tool to break the curve nodes at the end of the curve you want to measure. Select the node at the end of the curve. In the top toolbar, select the box that says “break curve”.

Step 3: Select the shape

Use the node tool to select the line or shape that you want to measure.

Step 4: Choose the Area Measure tool.

Go down to the measure icon (ruler) and select the drop-down arrow. Choose the Area tool.

Step 5: Read the measurements

If you have the curve selected when you choose the area tool, the measurement will show right away.

You can hover over the shape and it will give you the area.

Move over any line or curve and it will give you the length.

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A Note About How to Measure Curves in Affinity Designer Version 1

Measuring lines in Affinity Designer Version 1 is relatively easy using the transform box to read measurements. However, measuring an actual curved line accurately is a little bit tricky in version 1.

If you do a lot of measuring curves in Affinity Designer, I do suggest upgrading to version 2 as it will save you so much time.

The only way I have found to measure curves in Affinity Designer version 1 is by bringing in assets. You would bring in a French curve ruler as an asset and use that to measure curves.

If you don’t want to bother bringing in assets, you can calibrate your projector in Affinity Designer. This will give you your accurate calibration zoom in Affinity Designer.

You can then project the pattern to scale on your cutting table and use your measuring tape to measure the curves “in real life”.

I think this will work for one-off and checking, but if you are measuring a lot of curves, upgrading would be a big boost to you!

Conclusion

Measuring curves is an important skill for any pattern maker, and very useful when making accurate alterations. The new measure and area tool in Affinity Designer Version 2 will now allow you to accurately measure a curve with a click of a button. So, go give it a try! I’d love to hear how it goes!