> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.prequilt.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.prequilt.com/prequilt-101/starter-quilts/orphan-block-quilts/02-import-blocks-into-prequilt.md).

# 02 Import Blocks into PreQuilt

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**TIP:**</mark> Think of your **orphan block** almost as if it were a [<mark style="color:blue;">**printed fabric swatch**</mark>](/welcome-to-prequilt/about-this-help-guide/glossary.md#fabric-swatch-also-printed-fabric-swatch). We'll import it into the FABRIC section on your [<mark style="color:blue;">**dashboard**</mark>](/welcome-to-prequilt/about-this-help-guide/glossary.md#dashboard).
{% endhint %}

Now that you have photographed your blocks, we can import them into PreQuilt! To do this, we'll treat the blocks like a [*<mark style="color:blue;">fabric swatch</mark>*](/welcome-to-prequilt/about-this-help-guide/glossary.md#fabric-swatch-also-printed-fabric-swatch).

## <mark style="color:blue;">01 Bulk Upload to PreQuilt</mark>

Now that you have all the photographs of your blocks on your computer, you can now bulk upload them to PreQuilt.

1. On the dashboard, click on the '<mark style="color:blue;">**FABRIC**</mark>' tab.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/3Wzz3WCkwnsatRNJY85c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
2. Click on the '<mark style="color:blue;">**Bulk Upload**</mark>' button on the far left tile.&#x20;

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/qfiFtNMQitAd3nTG5M8C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
3. A pop-up of your computer's file management system will open. Select all the images of your orphan quilt blocks and click '<mark style="color:blue;">**Open**</mark>'.

   * ***Note:*** I am using a Mac - your system might look different.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/hhGCo8Q6xh71OTXgqxkI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   * ***Note:*** If you are uploading lots of blocks at once, this might take a few minutes. Please be patient while the dots spin.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/xen9rLhCMNKoqljoOM0B" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
4. You should now see your uploaded orphan blocks in your [*<mark style="color:blue;">Fabric Dashboard</mark>*](/welcome-to-prequilt/about-this-help-guide/glossary.md#fabric-dashboard).

   * ***Note:*** PreQuilt will automatically import the names of the files. So, feel free rename your files on your computer before importing to PreQuilt to help stay organized.

   <figure><img src="/files/z54TxeNeFEtJQIxrJPET" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>My orphan blocks uploaded into PreQuilt as fabric swatches.</em></p></figcaption></figure>

## <mark style="color:blue;">02 Prep Your Blocks</mark>

Now that the blocks are in PreQuilt, we can prepare them for use in a quilt. While naming your blocks is not essential, it is essential that you set a width for the block and 'trim' the background out of your orphan blocks.

1. Click on the '<mark style="color:blue;">**Edit**</mark>' button on the tile for one of your orphan blocks.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/IIXDJihvq3wDgKxkzpNi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
2. A pop-up window will appear.&#x20;

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/9MZruHUjJLhD6Evssiyn" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Block with imported name.</em></p></figcaption></figure></div>
3. First, we're going to <mark style="color:blue;">**enter the width of our block**</mark> (inches) in the yellow box. In this example, my blocks are 3.5" squares.

   <div><figure><img src="/files/t1im5NzpatpNS3GTxtVO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/zdlEcRlCyhcDjR34Ikzw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
4. To trim the background out of our block image, <mark style="color:blue;">**click on one of the drag boxes, hold the mouse down, and pull it toward the block till you reach the edge**</mark> of the block. <mark style="color:blue;">**Let go of the mouse button**</mark> and you will see the background can no longer be seen.

   <div><figure><img src="/files/fw4qPgEFxogXfhpy85lf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/jRrGYdx9eYM9qXLU89kl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/SgLOYRAGAPfPEDDrL5yi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
5. Repeat ***Step 4*** for all sides of the block.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/iQeDMaRPo7cuU3sqPWlP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
6. Click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**Save button**</mark> to save the changes.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/hnKF6erfJ2KGcCsS3G9c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
7. Click on the <mark style="color:blue;">**x button**</mark> (<img src="/files/Qg3YiVkm9pI8godI7WrX" alt="" data-size="line">) in the top right corner to close the Fabric Editor window.
8. You can now see the edited fabric swatch for block B01.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/wSAKwqk124bD4qu3fZBj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
9. Repeat ***Steps 02.1-7*** for all your blocks. They can now be used in your quilt.

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