FLATNEEDLE User Manual

Learn the basic workflow and shortcuts for simulating tattoo designs with the 3D Viewport and 2D Editor.

Getting Started

Check installation, login, account creation, and the basic screen layout.

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3D Viewport

Adjust tattoo position, size, rotation, and placement on the 3D model.

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2D Editor

Edit images, detect outlines, adjust colors, and save samples.

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Management

Manage projects, schedules, bookings, notes, and payment information.

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Team

Create teams, send invitation codes, share calendars, and manage team schedules.

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Shortcuts

Check shortcuts for adding, moving, resizing, rotating layers, and controlling the 3D view.

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1. Getting Started

To use FLATNEEDLE, first create an account and log in, then prepare a project or design asset to work with.

  • Account Creation: Sign up with your email or Google account.
  • Login: After logging in, you can use your personal projects and assets.
  • Plan Check: Check your current plan and subscription status on the account page.
  • Work Preparation: Prepare the tattoo image or design asset you want to use.

2. Workspace Overview

The FLATNEEDLE workspace mainly consists of the 3D Viewport, 2D Editor, Management, Asset Panel, and Toolbar.

3D Viewport

A space where you place tattoo designs on the 3D model as if they were applied to real skin.

2D Editor

A space where you edit tattoo images and adjust outlines and colors.

Management

A space where you manage design images, schedules, bookings, notes, and payment information by project.

3. Management Guide

In the Management tab, you can manage projects and schedules, and organize information needed for client consultations and bookings by project.

Left Panel

  • Calendar / Projects / Project List: The three buttons at the top-right of the left panel work mutually exclusively.
  • Selected View: Depending on the selected button, the left panel displays the calendar, project creation screen, or project list.
  • Project Creation: You can create a new project from the UI displayed when the Projects button is selected.
  • Project-Based Storage: You can store and manage design images and other database information separately for each project.

Schedules and Events

  • Add Event: You can add an event from the right panel of the Management tab or by using the + button in a calendar cell when the Calendar view is selected.
  • Booking Information: Each event can store booking time, notes, payment information, and other details needed for consultations and work sessions.
  • Schedule Management: You can view schedule information connected to each project and manage the workflow more systematically.

4. 3D Viewport Guide

In the 3D Viewport, you can place designs on the desired area of the body and show clients how the tattoo will look when applied.

  • Orbit: Hold the right mouse button and drag to rotate the 3D model view.
  • Zoom In / Out: Use the mouse wheel scroll to adjust the zoom level.
  • Panning: Hold the Shift key and drag with the right mouse button to move the view.
  • Auto Rotation: Press the Space key to start rotating the 3D model. Press Space again while rotating to stop.
  • Reverse Rotation Direction: While rotating, press the Space key twice within 1 second to reverse the rotation direction.
  • Rotation: Rotate the model left and right to check the tattoo position.
  • Movement: Move the camera to the body area you want to view.
  • Tattoo Placement: Place the design on the desired area of the skin.
  • Size Adjustment: Adjust the tattoo size to match the client’s body area.
  • Rotation Adjustment: Adjust the design direction to fit curved areas such as the arm, back, or shoulder.
  • Preview: Check the final placement and use it as a consultation image.

5. 2D Editor Guide

In the 2D Editor, you can clean up tattoo images and refine the design before applying it to the 3D model.

  • Import Image: Load the tattoo design file you want to use.
  • Outline Detection: Automatically detect the outer contour of the design.
  • Color Adjustment: Check the desired color balance and tone.
  • Add Layer: You can add a new layer with the Shift + A shortcut. When a layer is selected, you can also add a new layer using the dialog button displayed below the layer list in the right panel.
  • Move Layer: Press G to move the selected layer.
  • Resize Layer: Press S to resize the selected layer.
  • Rotate Layer: Press R to rotate the selected layer.
  • Layer Management: Separate design elements into layers and edit them individually.
  • Erase / Crop: Clean up unnecessary areas.
  • Save Sample: Save the edited design as an asset.

6. Shortcuts

You can use shortcuts to control frequently used features more quickly.

2D Editor Shortcuts

  • Shift + A: Add a new layer.
  • Right Panel Dialog Button: When a layer is selected, you can add a new layer below the layer list.
  • G: Move the selected layer.
  • S: Resize the selected layer.
  • R: Rotate the selected layer.

3D Viewport Controls

  • Right Mouse Drag: Orbit the 3D model.
  • Mouse Wheel Scroll: Zoom in or out.
  • Shift + Right Mouse Drag: Pan the view.
  • Space: Start or stop automatic 3D model rotation.
  • Press Space Twice While Rotating: Press the Space key twice within 1 second to reverse the rotation direction.

7. Basic Workflow

A typical tattoo simulation workflow is recommended in the following order.

  1. Prepare the tattoo design image.
  2. Create a new project in the Management tab and organize design images and related data by project.
  3. Clean up outlines and colors in the 2D Editor.
  4. If needed, add a layer with Shift + A.
  5. Use the G, S, and R shortcuts to adjust position, size, and rotation.
  6. Place the design on the body model in the 3D Viewport.
  7. Adjust the view using right mouse drag, mouse wheel scroll, and Shift + right mouse drag.
  8. If needed, use the Space key to turn automatic 3D model rotation on or off. While rotating, press the Space key twice within 1 second to reverse the rotation direction.
  9. Add booking events from the Management right panel or the + button in the Calendar view, and record notes and payment information.
  10. Review the final placement with the client.
  11. Save the result or use it as consultation material.

8. Team and Schedule

With the Team feature, you can share schedules with studio members and use calendars managed in Management together with team schedules.

  • Create Team: Members can freely create new teams as needed.
  • Invite Members: The team owner can send invitation codes from the Team menu on the website and invite members to the team.
  • Calendar Sharing: At the top of the Team tab, you can toggle the calendars you want to share from your calendar list and share them with the team.
  • Management Integration: Booking and schedule information managed in the Management Calendar can be viewed together with team schedules.
  • Schedule Sharing: Check bookings, work schedules, and shared calendar events at the team level.
  • Shared Event Check: Review events registered or shared by team members and manage studio schedules together.

9. Troubleshooting

I cannot log in

Check whether your email has been verified and try entering your password again.

The 3D screen is slow

Restart the browser or app, and check your GPU driver and system specifications.

The image is not displayed

Check the file path and supported image formats.

I cannot save

Check your login status and internet connection, then try again.