Whether using an existing pattern (Designaknit txt file) or starting from scratch, the first thing to do is to create your canvas.
Starting with a plain canvas
If you need a plain rectangular base to, for example, create a swatch, or a scarf, or to import an image for a jacquard, you should choose the default command "Canvas" from the Layers menu.
Enter the desired number of wales and rows.
Now you can continue working on your design by applying further commands like "Free edit", "Birdseye jacquard", etc. Remember if you are going to import an image for a jacquard, the image needs to fit the canvas, so if the image is for example 120px wide, the canvas must be at least 120 wales wide.
Importing a txt file parttern from Designaknit9
(Follow this link to learn how to create a design in DAK9 and export it to Kniterate.)
Select the command "Load txt file pattern" from the layers menu.
Click on the black rectangle and pick your .txt file. The pattern will appear on the canvas.
The app will set yarn feeder 1 by default if the file has only 1 color, 1 and 2 for 2 colors, and so on. You can change that by clicking on the dropdown menu under Feeder mapping and picking another yarn feeder.
This will be your base to continue working.
Follow this link to learn how to generate the necessary shaping transfers to knit a pattern like this.