Finding the right match in fashion design and production software programs to fulfill your business needs will complement your business strengths and reinforce weaknesses. Depending on the individual level of various fashion design skills, any one of the variety of software programs that can aid the process of fashion design may be the best choice. The best place to start the quest for the best program is with a keen understanding of fashion design and production software key terms; this will provide a basic understanding of the different kinds of software available.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

CAD software

CAD software, or computer-aided design software, is an umbrella term that refers to any computer program that aids in drafting. CAD software ranges from basic to very sophisticated programs.

I recommend: Gain a better understanding of how CAD software programs are used for fashion design by looking through the program guide and seeing sample photos at Online Fashion Designing.

Digital fashion design program

A digital fashion design program is a more specific term for a computer-aided design program made especially for fashion design. They have features like fashion templates, many fabrics and color features, and ways to create technical specifications.

I recommend: See how a digital fashion design program, Digital Fashion Pro, works by visiting Harper Arrington Co.

Vector-based software

Vector-based fashion design software uses vector drawings, or object-oriented drawings, defined by lines and curves. These are highest in resolution and provide the clearest images.

I recommend: See what fashion designing with a vector-based design program looks like at Edraw Soft.

Raster-based software

Raster-based fashion design software uses raster images of the designs, which are much more realistic images.

I recommend: Learn everything you need to know about using raster-based images at Autodesk by exploring AutoCAD Raster Design with a free trial download or simply see sample raster images.

Two-dimensional designs

Two-dimensional fashion designs, or 2-D drawings, show the line, shape, color and pattern of a fashion design and usually feature an artistic element or creative flair, since they are not usually intended to realistically represent a garment.

I recommend: See a sample of two-dimensional fashion designs at Compufield.

Three-dimensional designs

Three-dimensional, or 3-D design, is a way of representing garments in a realistic manner, showing how garments will actually drape around a body.

I recommend: Have a look at samples of 3-D digital fashion design at Browz Wear.

Fashion design and production software information can be very useful to your business. It can help you find the weak spots and discover your strongest areas, leading you to make improvements where necessary. A fashion design and production software list can save you time and valuable resources spent accumulating the data provided by your most current software.

Find fashion design and production software that can analyze the collected data in ways that allow you to make formal presentations and to develop ongoing programs. Keep your fashion design and production software updated to remain in touch with emerging markets and changing economies. You can utilize a fashion design and production software provider to customize programs that are easy to use and pass on through your organization. There are a number of ways in which you can integrate a fashion design and production software list into your operations.

1. Try various fashion design and production software programs

2. Hire a fashion design and production software information specialist

3. Bring in a fashion design and production software provider to train your staff

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Investigate fashion design and production software information

There are so many companies offering support software that it can be difficult to face the options. Take time to check with your peers for referrals and investigate possibilities. Many providers will grant a free trial period. At the very least, request a minimal trial time before you sign any long-term agreements to make sure the software is the right program for your needs.

I recommend: Get a free demo of the software produced by Shoptech. Download a free trial of Virtual Fashion works at Softpedia. You also can buy the complete program at this site.

Find fashion design and production software specialists

So that you can spend your time running your business and doing what you do best, invest in an outside consultant to review your company and make recommendations for the best fashion design and production software. Consultants have had experience with the various vendors and often know which ones are the best performing.

I recommend: The Integrated Consulting Group specializes in apparel industry consultation and offers an independent third party evaluation of the software you are considering. Industrial Textiles Associates bring a wealth of experience to your business and can help you navigate all the many arenas of the new technology.

Get your team going with fashion design and production software information

It won't do you any good to spend time and resources on updated with fashion design and production software if your employees won't use it or don't know how. Bring in experts to train your staff as well as be there for them when they have questions. Make sure the trainers understand your corporate culture and how to relate to your team so they will get excited about using the new technology.

I recommend: Heart Hunters can advise you about your software and set up training seminars for your staff to learn how to best utilize the new resources. Silberman Associates attacks your IT and emerging markets needs from the ground up with their full-service textile and production consultant services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get a second opinion if the fashion design and production software consultant you hired sells only his own products.