My Pattern Won't Open - What Should I Do?

If you've downloaded your Pink Pony Design pattern but can't get it to open, don't worry - the first thing to check is what type of file you've downloaded.

Is your download a .zip file?

Some Pink Pony Design downloads contain several files, such as the pattern PDF, different language versions or SVG cutting files. These may be bundled together in a ZIP file.

A ZIP file is simply a compressed folder used to keep several files together in one download. You need to open or extract the ZIP file first, and then you'll be able to access the individual files inside.

Look at the end of the file name. If it ends in .zip, start here:

Windows

Find the ZIP file in your Downloads folder, right-click it and choose Extract All.

Windows will create a normal folder containing the files from your download. You can then delete the .zip file. 

Mac

Find the ZIP file in your Downloads folder and double-click it.

Your Mac will automatically extract it and create a normal folder containing the files. You can then delete the .zip file. 

iPhone or iPad

Open the Files app and find the ZIP file, usually in your Downloads folder.

Tap the ZIP file and your iPhone or iPad will create a new folder containing the files. Open that folder to see your pattern files. You can then delete the .zip file. 

Android

Open your device's Files, My Files or similar file-management app and find the downloaded ZIP file.

Tap the file and look for an option such as Extract or Unzip. The exact wording may vary depending on your device.

Once the ZIP file has been extracted, open the new folder. You should now see the individual files included with your pattern. You can then delete the .zip file. 

Now find the PDF pattern

Your sewing pattern and instructions will be in a file ending in .pdf.

Some downloads may also contain SVG files. These are intended for compatible electronic cutting machines and aren't the file you want to open to read your sewing instructions or print the pattern pieces.

If you're not sure which file you need, see PDF vs SVG - Which File Do I Need?

The PDF still won't open?

If you've found the PDF but can't open it, try downloading the file to your device before opening it rather than viewing it directly from your browser or download page.

Once it's saved, locate the downloaded PDF and open it from there.

Try Adobe Acrobat Reader

On a computer or laptop, I recommend opening Pink Pony Design PDF patterns using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Acrobat Reader is free, and you don't need the paid Acrobat Pro version to view or print your pattern.

If another program is struggling to open the PDF, try opening Adobe Acrobat Reader first and then choose File → Open to locate your downloaded pattern.

Try downloading the pattern again

Occasionally a download can be interrupted before the entire file has been saved.

If the file still won't open, delete the problematic copy and download a fresh copy from your Pink Pony Design order.

Still can't open it?

If you've downloaded a fresh copy and it still won't open in Adobe Acrobat Reader, you're always welcome to contact me and I'll be happy to help.

Please let me know which pattern you're trying to open, what device you're using, and what happens when you try to open the file.

If you see an error message, a screenshot of it is especially helpful.

Happy sewing!
Maria
Pink Pony Design