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Drawing Designs in Other Programs

  • You can import the design from another Vector Graphics Program 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.

 DXF Definition

A DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a data file format developed to enable data interoperability between Other Drawing Programs, which can be loaded into Trace.

 SVG Definition

An SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a Web-Friendly XML-based (Extensible Markup Language) Vector image format for defining two-dimensional graphics from Trace.

This Web-Friendly format allows you to display the design on your website.

The SVG is independent of resolution, which means it can be resized without losing detail.

 Vector Definition

A Vector is a graphic drawing in Trace that contains Paths, which are defined by a Start and End point and may contain other Points, Curves, and Angles. The Paths are independent of resolution, which means they can be resized without losing detail.

A Path is also a file format of Trace which saves all of the Vector elements 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.

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.

 Vector Definition

A Vector is a graphic drawing in Trace that contains Paths, which are defined by a Start and End point and may contain other Points, Curves, and Angles. The Paths are independent of resolution, which means they can be resized without losing detail.

A Path is also a file format of Trace which saves all of the Vector elements 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.

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.

 Raster Definition

A Raster is a Bitmap image (JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc.) that is made up of a grid of Pixels, such as a photograph, which can be loaded in Trace and Visualize.

  • 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 file.

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

 SVG Definition

An SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a Web-Friendly XML-based (Extensible Markup Language) Vector image format for defining two-dimensional graphics from Trace.

This Web-Friendly format allows you to display the design on your website.

The SVG is independent of resolution, which means it can be resized without losing detail.

 DXF Definition

A DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a data file format developed to enable data interoperability between Other Drawing Programs, which can be loaded into Trace.

Open the SVG in Trace

  • Click File > Load in Trace.

  • Navigate to the desired SVG/DXF file and click Open.

  • The design is displayed in Trace.

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

 SVG Definition

An SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a Web-Friendly XML-based (Extensible Markup Language) Vector image format for defining two-dimensional graphics from Trace.

This Web-Friendly format allows you to display the design on your website.

The SVG is independent of resolution, which means it can be resized without losing detail.

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 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.

Saving Your Work as You Go

  • 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 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.

 Path Definition

A Path 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.

A Path is also a file format of Trace which saves all of the Vector elements 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.

 CutArt Definition

CutArt™ are simple shapes and design elements created by Wizard.

CutArts can be applied to your current design and resized and rotated. They can be Cut, Debossed, Penned or cut on Vinyl.

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