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Add POMs with the Spec Tool

This guide explains how to use the Spec Tool to create Points of Measure (POMs) and populate graded specifications in a tech pack.

 

The Spec Tool is the required method for creating all specifications used in the Graded Specs and Fit Sheet pages.

What the Spec Tool Does

The Spec Tool is used to create Points of Measure (POMs) and define the data required for graded specifications.

When using the Spec Tool, you can:

  • Create POMs (measurements from one point to another)
  • Enter spec data, including:
    • POM code
    • POM name
    • Sample size measurement
    • Grade rule
    • Tolerance
  • Visually document measurement locations on sketches

 

All information entered using the Spec Tool is used to automatically populate the Graded Specs and Fit Sheet pages.

Where the Spec Tool Is Used

The Spec Tool is used only on Detail Sketches.

  • Primary Sketches (PS) are kept as clean garment sketches.
  • Detail Sketches (DS) are where all annotations are created.

 

All POMs, measurements, and specification data are added on Detail Sketches.

When to Use the Spec Tool

Use the Spec Tool to create all POMs for a style.

The Spec Tool must be used to:

  • Define POMs used in the Graded Specs page
  • Input measurement, grading, and tolerance data
  • Visually communicate measurement locations

 

Because graded specifications are generated from the Spec Tool, it should be used for every POM in the tech pack.

Step 1: Open the Spec Tool

  1. Open the Tech Pack Wizard panel (Window > Extensions > Tech Pack Wizard).

  2. Navigate to a Detail Sketch.

  3. Select the Spec Tool.

Step 2: Create a Point of Measure (POM)

The Spec Tool works similarly to the Pen Tool, allowing you to create straight or curved POM lines.

  1. With the Spec Tool selected, click on the sketch to set the starting point of the POM.

  2. Continue clicking to add anchor points as needed.

    • Click and drag to create curved segments using handles.
  3. Click to place the final anchor point and complete the POM line.
  4. In the Tech Pack Wizard panel, click the check mark to accept and create the POM.

  5. Enter the required POM information in the Spec Tool panel:

    • POM code
    • POM name
    • Sample size measurement
    • Grade rule
    • Tolerance

Once accepted, the POM is created and the entered data is automatically added to the Graded Specs page.

Step 3: Edit a Point of Measure (POM) Line

To update the placement or shape of a POM line:

  1. Select the Direct Selection Tool (A).

  2. Click the existing POM line on the Detail Sketch.

  3. Adjust anchor points or handles as needed.

  4. Save the Illustrator file to ensure the update is reflected in the tech pack.

 

Changes to POM geometry are reflected only after the file is saved.

Step 4: Update Spec Measurements

Updating the Sample Size Measurement

To update the spec measurement for a POM:

  • Edit the Sample Size Measurement directly on the Graded Specs page.

When the sample size measurement is updated:

  • All graded measurements are automatically recalculated based on the grade rule.
  • No additional updates are required.

Updating Specs After a Fit

When fitting a proto or subsequent sample, revised measurements are added on the Fit Sheet.

If a revised spec is added on the Fit Sheet:

  • The Sample Size Measurement on the Graded Specs page is automatically updated to reflect the revised spec.
  • All graded measurements are recalculated based on this updated sample size.

The Graded Specs page is always based on the most recently added Fit Sheet, which represents the latest sample.

Step 5: Use the Spec Tool with the Zoom Tool (Optional)

The Zoom Tool can be used to create a focused Detail Sketch view before adding specs.

 

This is useful when:

  • Measurements need to be shown at a larger scale
  • Specific garment areas require clarity

 

Refer to Create Detail Sketch Views with the Zoom Tool for step-by-step instructions.

Manual Overrides on Graded Specs

Graded specs are automatically calculated based on:

  • The sample size measurement
  • The grade rule
  • The active size range

In some cases, grading may not be linear across all sizes.

 

If a measurement for a size other than the sample size is manually edited on the Graded Specs page:

  • That size will no longer be automatically graded with the rest of the size range.
  • The grading formula for that size is intentionally overridden.

This can be useful for scenarios such as split grading, where larger sizes require a different grade increment.

 

Once a size has been manually overridden:

  • That specific measurement must be maintained manually.
  • It will not update automatically if the sample size measurement or grade rule changes.

Notes

  • All POMs must be created using the Spec Tool to appear in the Graded Specs page.
  • Specs cannot be added to Primary Sketches.
  • Detail Sketches are the single location for all measurement annotations.
  • POM geometry edits and spec value edits are separate actions.
  • Always save the Illustrator file to ensure updates are reflected throughout the tech pack.
  • Manually editing a measurement for a size other than the sample size will override automatic grading for that size.

Next Steps

After adding specifications, you can:

Refer to the corresponding Help Center guides for detailed instructions on each task.

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