What is a .RUL File?
If you have ever had a graded digital pattern made by someone with a CAD pattern making system, then you will no doubt be familiar with a .RUL file. But maybe you are wondering what it is and if you really need it. If you have been asked for one by your clothing manufacturer and don’t know where to start, then you have come to the right place! I’m doing a deep dive into this topic so you are fully aware of what you need for your apparel production.
The reason your manufacturer needs specific files
Patterns can be made in many different software. I’ve seen my share of Adobe Illustrator, Clo-3D and even Inkscape creations. These platforms are multi-functional for all graphic needs. As amazing as they are, they don’t offer the functionality and computer language that pattern making CAD systems do.
Pattern making software/CAD systems are developed specifically for garment creation. This software is incredibly expensive and a definite must for professionals. The reason that service providers like pattern makers, graders, and manufacturers have this expensive set up, is that there are other extensions within this software system offering that facilitate garment production.
For a pattern maker, it’s important to have specific tools developed for their needs. Such as automatically creating mitered seam allowances, darts that are easily manipulated, and the output is set up so a pattern maker can define what fabric goes with what piece, to name a few.
For a pattern grader, life is so much easier grading a pattern in software that is specifically designed for pattern grading. They can take the pattern makers' work and easily build sizes onto it. Having the right software ensures accuracy, allows repeatable formulas to be developed, and easy size checking of all seams and notches, to name a few.
For a marker maker, they will be using a software extension of what the pattern maker and grader are using. It’s perhaps by the same company, but a different program that takes the pattern maker and graders work and lays out all the pieces for optimal fabric consumption.
For a manufacturer, they will perhaps have another software extension that allows them to either take the pattern makers/pattern graders/or marker makers work and communicate with their automated cutting machine. You definitely can’t do that with an Illustrator file!
“But I make sewing patterns. I only need the Adobe Illustrator file, right?
If you are happy with your pattern maker and or grader then you should be totally fine. However, if the day comes where you are working with someone new, chances are, you will need some old files touched up every now and again, or maybe the pattern that made you switch is in question. In this case it’s good to have the DXF and the .RUL files so the new person can be sure to read the files correctly.
Digital file basics
Patterns created in software like Gerber Accumark and Optitex have their own unique file extensions that can be read within their system of users. However, when a file has to be transferred from one user (pattern maker uses Optitex) to another system (Gerber) for production a universal file is needed. This universal file is a DXF. DXF can be read in many different softwares, even Adobe Illustrator can open DXF files.
Some of you may already be familiar with this if you’ve moved files around for product development between service providers.
What a .RUL file is
When a pattern is graded, the pattern exists as the DXF. When it is graded in a CAD system the file export contains both the DXF and the .RUL file. The .RUL file contains the code for the grading so it can be read in different cad systems.
If you create a pattern in adobe illustrator and grade it there, you will not have the option to export a .rul file, which your manufacturer will need so the grading correctly imports. Any grading done in Adobe Illustrator gets imported as one flat piece with a lot of lines instead of sizes that can be read individually and separated as needed for marker making and cutting.
What you should do if you need a .RUL file
If you find yourself in a situation where your manufacturer is asking for a .rul file with the DXF for production and your pattern was graded in Adobe Illustrator, you don’t have a lot of options for DIY. I’m not sure how it works in Gerber, but with Optitex I have the functionality to rebuild a new grading rule on top of what you have done. Essentially a tracing. However, this work can be tedious and time consuming so it may be best to just have it regraded.
What files you should always have
If you plan on moving files around from manufacturer to manufacturer or between service providers and your pattern has been graded, make sure that you have both the .DXF and the .RUL file. Personally, if I’m asked for this I will send a zip file that contains them both. I do not want to run the risk of them separating.
I was working with a client that I did grading work for. They needed to send their patterns to their manufacturer for marker making/cutting. I exported everything the way it should have been done, but I kept hearing back from the designers assistant that they were not able to see any sizes despite trying a few different export methods. After a number of unsuccessful attempts it occurred to me to ask the obvious question. I asked the assistant “did you send them the entire .ZIP file?” Then this very efficient and prepared assistant announced that she didn’t think they needed this since extra information confuses them so she removed the .RUL file from all 10 styles that I had sent. SMH!! Mystery solved. I don’t blame her and I wasn’t mad but it was a wake up call that everyone needs to know what a .RUL file is.