Lately I've been noticing that whenever I reopen a pcb layout, the reference designators and other pattern markings (in this case, an "additional" field named "caption") has disappeared. It's a bummer to have to re-show them every time, especially if I'm exporting Gerbers and I forget!

Diptrace v2.1.0.7
Windows XP pro, sp3

Is there an option setting I should change, or is it just a bug?

Please open the file, turn on pattern marking and save the file. It should be with markings next time when you will open it.

Nope. I've saved it with the RefDes showing, and it still comes up the next time with the Main pattern marking pointed at "Additional", but a blank field. And the "Additional" pattern marking is set to "None", even though it was last saved with an active field selected from the Additional list. I'll email you the file, but I don't want to post it on the web.

You can send the file to support@diptrace.com

OK ... this is bugging me into action again. Here is an example (very simple board) that shows the bug. If I save this with pattern marking set to Main = RefDes, Additional = None, all is fine. If I set Additional = Additional... and choose the custom field I've put in called "Caption", then save it - close it - open it, all is messed up. The Main marking is set to Caption, Additional to None.

I hope you can work this into a release coming soon, or tell me a workaround.

I see the problem. We will fix it in the next version. Thank you for the report.