FTCU Workspaces That Actually Stick: Hide Toolbars, Dock Panels, and Build a Clean Digitizing Layout You’ll Want to Use

When your screen is packed with icons you’re not using, digitizing slows down in a very specific way: you feel the "micro-stutter" in your workflow. Your eyes hunt across a sea of grey buttons, your mouse travels unnecessary miles, and you second-guess where a tool lives. In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), Workspaces are the antidote—a saved arrangement of toolbars and panels that you can swap in seconds depending on what you’re doing (editing, creating, cleanup, sequencing).

This article rebuilds the exact workflow shown in the training video, but with the “old hand” details that keep you from losing a layout, thinking a tool is gone forever, or getting stuck with panels that won’t move. Think of this as organizing your physical workbench: just as you wouldn't pile every screw and wrench on your table for a simple job, you shouldn't crowd your screen either.

The Calm-Down Truth About FTCU Workspaces: Nothing Is “Gone,” It’s Just Hidden

A Workspace in FTCU is simply a snapshot of what toolbars/panels are visible and where they sit. If you hide something, you’re not uninstalling it—you’re just removing visual clutter.

That matters because a lot of intermediate users panic the first time they uncheck a toolbar and it disappears. The software is doing exactly what you asked.

One quick note before we touch anything: if you’re the kind of user who also runs production equipment and accessories like magnetic embroidery hoops, you already understand the value of reducing friction. When you switch from standard hoops to magnetic ones, you do it to stop fighting the fabric. The same mindset applies here: less fighting the screen setup means more time actually producing.

The “Hidden” Prep Pros Do First: Protect Your Default Layout Before You Start Dragging

Before you start turning toolbars on/off and dragging panels around, do a tiny bit of prep so you can always get back to a known-good state. This is your safety net.

Prep checklist (do this once before customizing)

• Locate the Controls: Confirm you can see the Toolbars list (you’ll access it from the menu path shown in the video).
• Define the Mission: Decide your goal for this session: editing-only (fixing client files), digitizing/creating (from scratch), or review/sequence cleanup.
• Mental Check: Remind yourself that hiding a toolbar does not delete the feature; it only removes the icon.
• Map the Real Estate: Plan where you want your “high-frequency” tools to live. Right-handed users often prefer vertical bars on the right or horizontal bars on top.
• Team Protocol: If you share this computer, agree on a naming convention (e.g., “Name_Edit,” “Name_Create”).

Warning: If you’re working on a laptop trackpad, dragging toolbars by the handle can be finicky. Move slowly and look for the visual "ghost" outline of the toolbar before releasing. If you release too early, the toolbar will float in the middle of the screen rather than docking.

Clean Up FTCU Toolbars Fast: View > Toolbars (or Right-Click) and Uncheck What You Don’t Need

In the video, the instructor opens the toolbar visibility controls by going to View > Toolbars (and notes you can also right-click in the gray toolbar area to access the same checklist). You’ll see a long list of toolbars with checkmarks.

What the checkmarks mean

• Checked = Visible on your screen.
• Unchecked = Hidden (sleeping in the background).

The instructor demonstrates toggling toolbars on and off to declutter the interface—specifically turning off items like Creation, Arrangement, Assets, Specialty, and Auto Create during the demo.

A practical way to do this (especially if you’re building an “Editing” Workspace):

• Hide: Toolbars you know you won’t touch (e.g., digitizing tools when you are only resizing).
• Keep: Only the toolbars that support the job you’re doing right now.

This is the same logic behind physical workflow tools like hooping stations—you don’t keep every jig, screw, and bracket on the table at once; you keep only the specific fixture that supports the current shirt size.

Reposition FTCU Toolbars Without the “Where Did It Go?” Moment: Grab the Dotted Handle

Once you’ve hidden the noise, you can rearrange what’s left. This is about muscle memory—putting the tool where your hand expects it to be.

In the video, the instructor points out the little dotted handle (often looks like a textured grip) on a toolbar strip. That dotted area is your “grab point.”

How to move a toolbar (exact technique shown)

1. Target: Hover over the toolbar until you see the dotted handle.
2. Grab: Click and hold on the dotted handle.
3. Move: Drag the toolbar to a new dock location (for example, from a top horizontal dock to a left vertical dock).
4. Dock: Watch for the interface to shift slightly (making room) and release.

Expected outcome: The toolbar snaps into its new position and stays there.

If you’re coming from production setups—say you’ve used a machine embroidery hooping station—this will feel familiar: you are reducing travel distance. If your hand has to travel 6 inches on the mousepad to click a tool you use 100 times an hour, that's fatigue. Move it closer.

Floating Toolbars in FTCU: When Undocking Helps (and When It Just Blocks Your Design)

The instructor also demonstrates pulling a toolbar completely away from the dock edges so it becomes a floating palette.

How to create a floating toolbar (as shown)

1. Grab the toolbar by the dotted handle.
2. Drag it into the center of the workspace (away from docking edges).
3. Release.

Expected outcome: The toolbar becomes a floating window that sits on top of your design.

My practical advice after years of watching digitizers work:

• Good for: Short bursts of work using a specific tool cluster (e.g., "Shaping Tools" while cleaning up nodes).
• Bad for: General work. Floating palettes often block your view of the stitch path. Dock them once you know where you want them.
  

Save a Custom FTCU Workspace You Can Trust: Toolbars > Workspaces > Save Workspace

Once your screen looks the way you want, lock it in. The video shows the exact save path:

• Go to Toolbars > Workspaces > Save Workspace.
• Name the Workspace (the instructor types “Test”) and click OK.

Expected outcome: Your new Workspace name appears in the Workspaces list.

Setup checklist (right after saving)

• Verification: Open Toolbars > Workspaces and confirm your Workspace name appears in the list.
• Stress Test: Make one small change (hide a toolbar), then re-load your saved Workspace. It should revert back to your saved state instantly.
• Naming Logic: If you plan multiple Workspaces, decide what each one is for (e.g., "Text_Monogramming" vs "Logo_Digitizing").
• Visual Scan: Ensure your Properties box is visible; you can't work without it.
  

Resetting FTCU Workspaces Without Panic: What “Reset Workspace” Really Does (and the One Quirk Shown)

The instructor demonstrates Reset Workspace from the same Workspaces menu and gives a heads-up that the screen may flicker or resize briefly.

• Go to Toolbars > Workspaces > Reset Workspace.

Expected outcome: The interface reverts to the standard "factory" layout (or the last saved baseline behavior your system uses).

The quirk shown in the video

After resetting, the instructor notes that one specific bar did not reset as expected. This isn't user error. The suggested workaround in the video is simple:

• Manually drag that stubborn bar back into position.
• If it’s repeatable, make a mental note that this specific bar is "sticky."

This is a classic software reality: "Reset" functions sometimes miss one UI element depending on version or screen resolution. Don't let that convince you that you broke the software.

Load Your Saved FTCU Workspace in One Click: Use the Workspace Name in the Menu

To bring your custom layout back, the video shows:

• Open Toolbars > Workspaces.
• Click the saved Workspace name (example: Test).

Expected outcome: The UI snaps back to your saved configuration immediately.

This is where Workspaces become a real productivity tool: you can keep a “Create” layout with the advanced vector tools, and an “Edit” layout that is stripped down for simple client adjustments.

Delete an FTCU Workspace Cleanly: Why It Sometimes Looks Like It Didn’t Delete

The instructor demonstrates deleting the Workspace:

• Go to Toolbars > Workspaces > Delete Workspace.
• Select the Workspace name (example: Test) and confirm.

A confirmation message appears indicating the Workspace was removed successfully.

The gotcha shown in the video

Right after deletion, the Workspace name may still appear in the menu list temporarily. The troubleshooting note in the video explains why:

• The menu display does not refresh the instant you click delete.

Fix (as shown): Run Reset Workspace or restart the software to force the menu to refresh. Then check again—it will be gone.

The Advanced Move: Unlock Properties Box & Sequence View in FTCU Preferences Before You Drag Anything

If you’ve ever tried to drag the Properties box and felt like FTCU was ignoring you (it won't move), the video shows the specific missing step:

• Open Preferences (usually the gear icon or Tools > Preferences).
• In the relevant settings (shown under the View-related area in the video), check the box to Unlock the Properties box / Sequence View.

Only after unlocking can you drag the Properties panel from the right side to the left side (the instructor demonstrates docking it on the left).

Why this matters (expert perspective)

Digitizing is a “micro-decision” job: you’re constantly checking object properties (density, pull compensation) and sequence order. If you are right-handed, having the Properties box on the left often balances the screen better.

This is ergonomics, not just aesthetics. In production terms, it’s the same reason people invest in repeatable fixtures like a hoopmaster hooping station—you’re removing unnecessary eye and hand travel so your brain can focus on quality control.

Pinning Side Panels in FTCU: Keep Designs/Browser Panels From Sliding Away Mid-Session

Near the end, the instructor demonstrates the pin/auto-hide behavior of side panels and adds an extra note: if you use the browser/designs panels a lot, you can lock them to the side so they stay visible.

• Vertical Pin Icon: Click this to keep the panel open (Pinned).
• Horizontal Pin Icon: Click this to let the panel auto-hide when your mouse moves away (Unpinned).
  

A Practical Decision Tree: Build the Right FTCU Workspace for Editing vs Digitizing (So You Stop Rebuilding It Every Time)

Don't guess. Use this quick decision tree to decide what to hide, what to dock, and what to keep pinned for your specific workflow.

Decision Tree (Task → Workspace choices):

1) If your task is “Editing / Cleanup” (fixing shapes, trimming objects, resizing)

• Hide: Creation toolbars (Circle, Square, Magic Wand etc.).
• Keep visible: Select tools, Node Edit (Shape Edit), and Color Palette.
• Dock: Properties box close to your main working area.

2) If your task is “Digitizing / Creating” (building logo from scratch)

• Keep visible: All Creation tools, Artwork tools, and Auto-Digitize features.
• Avoid: Floating palettes that block the canvas center.

3) If your task is “Sequence / Review” (checking stitch order, preventing bird nests)

• Settings: Unlock panels in Preferences.
• Keep visible: Sequence View (make it wide!) and Properties.

If you’re the type who runs both software and hardware workflows, you’ll recognize the pattern: just as the method of hooping for embroidery machine usage changes depending on whether you are doing a thick jacket (Magnetic Hoop) or a thin t-shirt (Standard Hoop), your FTCU screen should change depending on the job complexity.

Troubleshooting the Two Most Annoying FTCU Workspace Problems (From the Video)

Here are the exact issues called out, rewritten into symptom → cause → fix so you can act fast.

1) Symptom: A specific toolbar bar won’t reset after “Reset Workspace”

• Likely Cause: A minor glitch or limitation in how the software refreshes that specific UI element.
• Quick Fix: Manually move the bar back into position.
• Prevention: Save your preferred "Default" as a Workspace named "My_Reset" so you don't have to rely on the factory reset button.

2) Symptom: You deleted a Workspace, but it still appears in the menu

• Likely Cause: The drop-down menu cached the old list and didn't refresh immediately.
• Quick Fix: Run Reset Workspace to force a refresh.
• Prevention: Ignore it; it will disappear the next time you restart the program.
  

The Upgrade Mindset: When a Cleaner FTCU Workspace Turns Into Real Money

A clean Workspace doesn’t just “feel nice.” It reduces mis-clicks, speeds up repetitive tasks, and makes you more consistent—especially if you digitize for 4-6 hours a day.

If you’re building toward paid work (logos, team orders, repeat customers), think in terms of repeatable systems:

• In Software: Saved Workspaces for each task type reduce setup time by 5-10 minutes per day.
• In Production: Repeatable setups reduce handling time.

If your bottleneck shifts from software to the physical machine, look for tools that offer the same "saved workspace" feeling. For example, if you struggle with keeping garments straight, a hooping station for machine embroidery acts like a template—it standardizes the process. If you struggle with framing thick items or fear "hoop burn" on delicate fabrics, upgrading to Magnetic Hoops is the equivalent of "Unlocking the Properties Box"—it removes a constraint that was holding you back.

Warning: Magnetic Hoop Safety
Magnetic hoops are distinct from standard hoops. They are powerful industrial tools.
* Pinch Hazard: Keep fingers clear when snapping them together.
* Medical Safety: Keep magnets at least 6 inches away from pacemakers or implanted medical devices.
* Storage: Store them separated (using the provided spacers) so they don't snap together unexpectedly.

Warning: Physical Safety
Even though this article is software-focused, efficient workflow can make us complacent. Always power down your machine before changing needles or clearing thread jams. Keep scissors and snips controlled—one slip can damage fabric or your hands.

Operation checklist (The “Don’t Waste Your Time” Routine)

• Declutter: Hide toolbars strictly not needed for the current task.
• Ergonomics: Dock your most-used toolbars where your mouse naturally travels (top or left).
• Discipline: Use floating toolbars only for 2-minute tasks, then dock them.
• Save: Save the Workspace with a clear name immediately.
• Verify: Run a Cycle (Reset → Load your Workspace) to confirm it restores.
• Hidden Consumables Stock Check: (Do you have screen wipes? Is your mousepad clean? Do you have backup bobbin thread and 75/11 needles ready at the machine so you don't have to stop?)

A final note on the lone comment mentioned in the video source (“promo sm”): it’s a reminder that professionals are always looking for quick, punchy info. If you set up your Workspace correctly, you stop fighting the tool and start focusing on the art.

FAQ

• Q: In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), how do users hide or show toolbars using View > Toolbars without thinking tools are deleted?
  A: Unchecking a toolbar in FTCU only hides icons; it does not remove the feature.
  • Open View > Toolbars (or right-click the gray toolbar area) and toggle checkmarks.
  • Hide toolbars you will not use for the current task (for example, digitizing toolbars during editing).
  • Reload a saved Workspace to quickly restore your preferred layout.
  • Success check: The toolbar disappears/reappears immediately, and the design functions remain available elsewhere in the software.
  • If it still fails: Use Toolbars > Workspaces > Reset Workspace to return to a known layout, then try again.
• Q: In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), how do users reposition a toolbar without losing it, and what is the correct “dotted handle” technique?
  A: Drag toolbars only by the dotted handle so FTCU docks them predictably instead of “floating” them unexpectedly.
  • Hover until the dotted handle appears on the toolbar strip.
  • Click-and-hold the dotted handle, then drag toward an edge (top/left/right) to dock.
  • Release only after seeing the interface shift to “make room” for docking.
  • Success check: The toolbar snaps into place along an edge and stays there after you click elsewhere.
  • If it still fails: Drag the toolbar back to an edge slowly (trackpads can be finicky) and look for the docking outline before releasing.
• Q: In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), how do users save a custom Workspace so the layout reliably comes back later?
  A: Save the Workspace immediately after arranging toolbars, then perform a quick reload test to confirm it restores.
  • Go to Toolbars > Workspaces > Save Workspace, name it, and click OK.
  • Open Toolbars > Workspaces and confirm the Workspace name appears in the list.
  • Make one small change (hide a toolbar), then reload the saved Workspace to verify it snaps back.
  • Success check: Reloading the Workspace instantly restores the exact toolbar/panel arrangement you saved.
  • If it still fails: Re-save the Workspace with a new name and repeat the hide-then-reload stress test.
• Q: In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), why does a deleted Workspace sometimes still appear under Toolbars > Workspaces, and how do users force the list to refresh?
  A: This is usually a menu refresh/cache delay; run Reset Workspace or restart FTCU to refresh the list.
  • Delete via Toolbars > Workspaces > Delete Workspace and confirm the removal message.
  • Run Toolbars > Workspaces > Reset Workspace to force the menu to refresh.
  • Restart FTCU if the name still shows after resetting.
  • Success check: The deleted Workspace name disappears from the Workspaces menu after reset or restart.
  • If it still fails: Confirm you deleted the correct Workspace name, then repeat delete and restart.
• Q: In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), how do users move the Properties box or Sequence View when the panel will not drag at all?
  A: Unlock the Properties box / Sequence View in FTCU Preferences first; dragging will not work while it is locked.
  • Open Preferences (gear icon or Tools/Preferences path used in your setup).
  • Enable the option to Unlock the Properties box / Sequence View in the View-related settings area.
  • Drag the Properties panel to the preferred side and dock it.
  • Success check: The Properties box can be clicked-and-dragged and will dock on the new side instead of snapping back.
  • If it still fails: Reset the Workspace, re-check the Unlock setting in Preferences, then try docking again.
• Q: In Floriani Total Control U (FTCU), what does Reset Workspace do, and how do users handle the “one toolbar won’t reset” quirk?
  A: Reset Workspace should revert the interface, but one “sticky” bar may need manual repositioning; this is common and not user damage.
  • Go to Toolbars > Workspaces > Reset Workspace and allow the brief flicker/resize.
  • Identify the toolbar that did not return to the expected position.
  • Manually drag that toolbar back using the dotted handle, then save a personal baseline Workspace (for example, “My_Reset”).
  • Success check: After reset (or after manual correction), the interface is back to a predictable “known-good” layout.
  • If it still fails: Stop relying on Reset and load your saved baseline Workspace instead.
• Q: What safety rules should operators follow when using magnetic embroidery hoops to avoid pinch injuries and medical-device risks?
  A: Treat magnetic hoops as powerful industrial tools: keep fingers clear, keep magnets away from implanted devices, and store hoops separated.
  • Keep fingers out of the closing area to prevent pinch injuries when snapping magnets together.
  • Keep magnets at least 6 inches away from pacemakers or implanted medical devices.
  • Store magnetic hoops separated using spacers so they cannot snap together unexpectedly.
  • Success check: The hoop closes without finger contact, and hoops remain stable and separated during storage/handling.
  • If it still fails: Stop and reset handling technique before continuing; do not “muscle through” a misaligned magnetic closure.
• Q: How can embroidery businesses reduce daily digitizing setup friction using Floriani Total Control U (FTCU) Workspaces before upgrading to magnetic hoops or a multi-needle machine?
  A: Start by using task-specific FTCU Workspaces to eliminate screen clutter; upgrade tools only after the workflow is stable and repeatable.
  • Level 1 (Technique): Build separate Workspaces for Editing/Cleanup, Digitizing/Creating, and Sequence/Review by hiding nonessential toolbars and docking high-frequency tools close to the work area.
  • Level 2 (Tool upgrade): If the bottleneck is fabric handling or hoop burn risk, magnetic hoops may reduce physical friction (follow magnetic safety rules).
  • Level 3 (Capacity upgrade): If software speed is no longer the bottleneck and volume is the issue, a multi-needle workflow may be the next step.
  • Success check: The correct Workspace loads in one click and saves 5–10 minutes/day by preventing repeated rebuilding and mis-clicks.
  • If it still fails: Do a reset → load cycle to confirm the Workspace restores correctly, and re-save a clean baseline Workspace before changing anything else.