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Drawing Designs in Other Programs

  • If your design is already drawn in another vector graphics program, you can import it into Trace as long as the other software can export it to an SVG (scalable vector graphic) or as a DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) format.

  • Use the instructions below to export and open SVG/DXF files if you prefer to work in that file format.

Vector Versus Raster Format

Vector graphics use geometrical elements such as points, lines, curves, and shapes, which are all based on mathematical equations, to represent images in computer graphics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics

Raster graphic images or bitmaps are a data structure representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, such as a photo, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raster_graphics

  • So as an example, Illustrator is a vector-based program, and Photoshop is a raster-based program.  Most Vector programs can export their designs as a SVG/DXF file which can then be opened in Trace.

Export Design to SVG

  • Open the design in your vector graphics program.

  • Export it as a SVG/DXF and save the design.

  • The file will be exported to the selected file name.

Open the SVG in Trace

  • In Trace, click File > Load.

  • Navigate to the directory where the file was saved.

  • Click on the desired SVG/DXF file and click Open.

  • The design is displayed in Trace.

  • You can now edit and trace the design as desired.

If The Design is Empty Or is Unusable

Problem

  • No design is displayed or it displays wild arcs or features not part of the original design.

Resolution

  • Open the design in your original vector graphics program.

  • Try a different setting when you 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.

Saving Your Work as You Go

  • You may want to save your design periodically as you work on it.

  • 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 or WCA) requires that the user trace the design first. 

  • Wizard Path (Path) files are 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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