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name	ImportingOtherVectorDesignsIntoTrace2021-03-17.pdf

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Clean Up and Optimize the Design in Illustrator:

Simplify Paths: Go to Object > Path > Simplify

If The Design is Empty Or is Unusable

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Follow the steps below if no design is displayed or if it displays wild arcs or features not part of the original design.

Open the design in your original Vector Graphics program.
Try a different setting and re-export it as an SVG.
If it still does not import correctly, make a copy of the original design and try simplifying it.
- Try ungrouping all objects and converting to curves.
- Make sure the unit is set to inches.
- Export text as curves.
- Export bitmap as jpeg.

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How to Simplify Designs in Illustrator to Cut

Simplifying designs in Adobe Illustrator for cutting involves several steps to ensure clean, efficient cuts.

1. Simplify Paths

Select Object: Choose the paths or shapes you want to simplify.
Object > Path > Simplify: This opens the Simplify dialog box.
Adjust Settings: Use the sliders to reduce the number of anchor points

, which helps create smoother cuts.

Remove Overlaps: Use the Pathfinder tools (Window > Pathfinder) to merge, subtract, or divide overlapping shapes, ensuring clean and singular paths.

Ensure Closed Paths: Check that all paths are closed to avoid cutting issues. Use the Join command (Object > Path > Join) to close any open paths

. Check the preview to ensure the design retains its desired look while reducing complexity.

2. Remove Unnecessary Points

Direct Selection Tool: Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to manually select and delete unnecessary anchor points.
Clean Up: Go to Object > Path > Clean Up to remove stray points, unpainted objects, and empty text paths.

3. Merge Shapes

Pathfinder Tool: Use the Pathfinder tool to combine overlapping shapes into single objects. This reduces the number of paths and simplifies the design.
Unite: Select overlapping shapes and click on the Unite button in the Pathfinder panel.

4. Use Simple Shapes

Basic Shapes: Replace complex shapes with basic geometric shapes (rectangles, circles, etc.) where possible.
Edit Points: Use fewer points to define the shapes.

5. Expand Appearances

Expand Strokes and Effects: If you have strokes or effects, go to Object > Expand to convert them into fills. This makes the design more straightforward for cutting.

6. Flatten Transparency

Flatten Transparency: Go to Object > Flatten Transparency to combine complex objects and reduce the number of paths.
Settings: Ensure the settings are adjusted to maintain the quality while simplifying the design.

7. Check for Open Paths

Join Paths: Use the Pen Tool (P) or Ctrl+J (Cmd+J on Mac) to join any open paths. Closed paths ensure a cleaner cut.

8. Outline Text

Create Outlines: Convert any text to outlines by selecting the text and going to Type > Create Outlines. This changes text into vector shapes.

9. Optimize for Cutting Machines

Appropriate Format: Save the file in a format compatible with your cutting machine (e.g., SVG for Cricut, Silhouette, etc.).
Test Cuts: Do a test cut to ensure the design cuts correctly and make further adjustments if necessary.

By following these steps, you can simplify your Illustrator designs to make them more suitable for cutting, ensuring clean and efficient results.

Saving Your Work as You Go

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Save your design periodically as you work on it in Trace.
Saving a file as a Wizard Path (Path) allows the user to save a raw design in progress without having to trace it first.
- Saving a design as a CutArt (WCX) requires that the user trace the design first.
- Wizard Path (Path) filesare limited in that they cannot be applied to projects or resized or have any of the other benefits of CutArt; they are simply a raw storage file type so that the user can save their work between sessions.
Once your design is completed, trace the design and save it as a CutArt (WCX) and load it into any FrameShop project, where it can be resized, rotated, mirrored, or a different cartridge selection applied.

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title	Path Definition

A Path (.WPX) is a drawn Vector graphic path in Trace which is defined by a Start and End point, which may contain other Points, Curves, and Angles.

The Paths are independent of resolution, which means they can be resized without losing detail.

The Path file format in Trace will save all of the Vectorelements of the design as you work, whether it is Traced or not.

When the design is completed, save it as a CutArt to load into Designer.