Valentina

Valentina is open-source software for creating clothing patterns, with an emphasis on parametric pattern work. It can rearrange patterns based on measurements, increments, formulas, and construction rules. The project describes its purpose as providing tools for building and modeling clothing patterns, and its FAQ says users may use it for any kind of work without restrictions. Valentina is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows; stable downloads include an AppImage for Linux and packages for listed Windows and macOS versions. The software is GPLv3+ licensed. Valentina can open .val files from Seamly2D, but the reverse compatibility is not supported. DXF import is unavailable because vector files do not contain the information required for Valentina's pattern format. The free tier provides source code access, historical versions, and community support, but excludes current binaries, a manual, and developer support. Basic costs €8.26 a month and Premium costs €16.51 a month.

Valentina offers clothing pattern creation with parametric sizing across three desktop platforms. Review the free tier's omissions and avoid relying on development-build files for the installed version.

Valentina suits people creating clothing patterns who want parametric sizing based on measurements, formulas, and construction rules. Users needing current binaries or developer support should consider the paid plans.

Overview

Valentina is a free, open-source tool for drafting and grading clothing patterns. It suits patternmakers who want sizing rules tied to a pattern’s construction; it is less suitable for work that depends on 3D garment simulation or importing DXF files. Its central advantage is parametric sizing, while its free tier’s missing binaries, manual, and developer support are meaningful practical costs.

Key features

Parametric sizing and grading

Measurements, increments, formulas, and construction rules can automatically rearrange patterns. For makers maintaining multiple sizes, that gives sizing changes a connection to the pattern’s logic rather than treating each size as an independent drawing. Valentina supports 2D patternmaking and size grading, but not 3D garment simulation, textile design tools, or tech pack creation; those needs call for another part of a production workflow.

Exports and compatibility

Export formats include SVG, PDF, PNG, OBJ, PS, EPS, and DXF. DXF can be exported but not imported: vector files do not provide the information Valentina needs for its pattern format. Valentina can open .val files from Seamly2D, but the compatibility does not work in reverse, a constraint for teams exchanging files between the two programs.

Commercial use and builds

The FAQ says users may use Valentina for any kind of work, with no restrictions on what they produce. The download page identifies it as GPLv3+ licensed. Development builds are testing snapshots, not a safer way to get the installed version: patterns saved in them may fail to open in that version or may not be convertible back.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and provides source code access, historical versions, and community support. It has no current binaries, user manual, or developer support, so users prepared to work from source and rely on the community will get the most from it. The Basic plan costs €8.26 a month, billed €8.26/monthly; it adds current binaries, developer support, a user manual, a private Telegram community, and development builds. It excludes legacy-platform binaries and multi-size table files. Premium costs €16.51 a month, billed €16.51/monthly, and adds those legacy-platform binaries and multi-size table files to Basic. That makes Premium the relevant tier when those particular assets are required; otherwise Basic includes the current binaries and support without them.

Platforms

Valentina supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Stable downloads include Windows 7+ 32-bit and Windows 10+ 64-bit packages; macOS 10.15+ Intel, macOS 11+ Apple Silicon, and macOS 12+ Universal packages; and a Linux AppImage. Because the Free plan has no current binaries, users seeking an installed current release should account for the paid Basic plan. The site privacy policy says logs may collect IP address, browser type, ISP, timestamps, transition or exit pages, and possibly clicks.

Who it's for

Valentina is best for clothing patternmakers who value rule-based sizing and can work within a 2D patternmaking tool. Its commercial-use allowance broadens its fit beyond hobby projects. It is a poor match for users who need 3D garment simulation, DXF import, or two-way Seamly2D file exchange.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Parametric adjustments use measurements, formulas, increments, and construction rules, making the software relevant to systematic size grading.
• Pros: Commercial use is unrestricted by the FAQ, and exports cover SVG, PDF, PNG, OBJ, PS, EPS, and DXF.
• Cons: The Free plan provides no current binaries, manual, or developer support, so its zero price comes with setup and support trade-offs.
• Cons: DXF import is unavailable, and Seamly2D compatibility runs in only one direction.
• Cons: No 3D simulation, textile design, or tech pack tools are included.

Alternatives

Seamly2D is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it if you prefer that project, bearing in mind Valentina can open its .val files but not vice versa. For browser-based pattern and tech-pack work, garment.dev offers a free Hobby plan with caps including two patterns, one tech pack, and one editor. PatternMaker has a free viewer for opening, viewing, and printing premade patterns, plus three custom-fit patterns; its Windows-only Basic Viewer is a better fit when editing is not needed. Style3D Studio offers a free plan for non-commercial use with 30 downloadable assets per week, making it an alternative for users who need a different design workflow. Browzwear VStitcher is a paid alternative with a Freelancer plan at $75 a month for one user and one site. Futura Next, Gerber AccuMark, and NedGraphics Dobby are other paid alternatives.

Browse more options in Fashion Design Software.

Verdict

Choose Valentina if parametric 2D patternmaking and size grading are your priorities, especially when commercial use matters. Its rule-based sizing is the reason to pick it; the lack of free current binaries, DXF import, and 3D simulation are the reasons to look elsewhere.