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Create a Doily Shape

  • This lesson shows how to create a simple Doily shape.

  • This also describes how to make an alternative design by adding Layers to it.

Design in FrameShop then Bring into Trace

 Template Definition

Templates are specialized parametric shape generators created by Wizard.

Many of the templates have additional Properties that can be edited which can change the shape, curves and corners of the design as well as a wide assortment of Parameters.

The Template Library displays the different templates that are available for use.

  • Click on the Properties tab.

  • Click on the Parameters tab.

  • Change the No. of Points to 6.

  • Change the Spikiness to 0.

  • Change the Mode to 2. 

  • Change the Line Length to 2.

 Parameters Definition

The Parameters are a set of specified variable characteristics related to the selected object that can be modified through the accompanying fields in Designer.

For example, the Chamfer is the symmetrical angled surface at the corner of the Template.

In Designer, the Template Parameter Map displays a diagram describing each parameter field for the current Template.

  • Place a one Layer 2.75 x 2.75" #102 Oval Template in the top portion of the Polygon.

    • The circle will create the petal of the Doily.

  • Move the circle so that it lines up with the Top of the Star Template.

 Template Definition

Templates are specialized parametric shape generators created by Wizard.

Many of the templates have additional Properties that can be edited which can change the shape, curves and corners of the design as well as a wide assortment of Parameters.

The Template Library displays the different templates that are available for use.

Bring Design into Trace

 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.

Draw Alignment Lines

  • We will add some Alignment Lines that we will use to Mirror the circle.

  • You can Mirror the circle without the Alignment Lines, but adding them will help illustrate the process.

  • Click the Line button on the Trace and Draw tab. The Draw radio button is automatically selected.

  • Right-Click on the center point of one of the Lines of the Polygon. 

 Lines Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

  • Right-Click on the center point of the opposite Line of the Polygon.

  • The Line is placed.

 Line Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

  • Do the same with the other sides of the polygon, Right-Clicking and Snapping to the Center Point then Snapping to the Center Point on the opposite point.

  • Make sure that the Circle crosses over the Lines a little in order to have the Mirrored version of the Circle overlap.

  • If it doesn't, either make the Circle larger or Offset it to make it larger.

 Line Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

 Offset Definition

The Offset button creates a displacement copy of the selected object a parallel distance away as specified in the Offset Reveal field in Trace.

Mirror the Circle

  • Click on the Edit radio button.

  • Hold down the CTRL key and click on the Circle.

  • Click the Mirror button.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

  • Right-Click on the point where the Upper Left Line begins.

 Line Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

  • Right-Click on the end of the line at the Lower Right Side.

  • The Circle as been Mirrored using the Line we drew as the axis.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

 Line Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

  • Click on the new Circle. 

  • Click the Mirror button.

  • Right-Click at each end of the Alignment Line.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

  • The Circle has been Mirrored using the Line we drew as the axis.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

 Line Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

  • Repeat the process by selecting the next Circle, clicking the Mirror button, then snapping to each end of the Alignment Line.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

 Line Definition

The Line tool in Trace will draw a Two-Point Line. 

The Line is defined by two points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called “anchors”).

After it is drawn, a third point in the Center is displayed, which can be moved to alter the Line into an Arc.

  • The Circle has been Mirrored all the way around the design.

 Mirror Definition

The Mirror function will create a mirror copy of the selected object along a selected axis in Trace and Visualize.

Break all Intersections

  • Now we want to Break All of the Intersections where all segments in the design intersect with other segments.

 Break Definition

The Break tool is used to Bisect the selected segments at the points where they Intersect in the Trace software.

The Break All Intersections function bisect ALL segments in the design at the points where they intersect with another segment in the Trace software.

  • The Intersections are now Broken where the objects crossed over each other.

 Break Definition

The Break tool is used to Bisect the selected segments at the points where they Intersect in the Trace software.

The Break All Intersections function bisect ALL segments in the design at the points where they intersect with another segment in the Trace software.

Join Segments

  • We will now Join all of the segments that will make up the opening of the design.

  • Hold down the CTRL key and click on the each of the Left Side Arcs of one of the Broken Circles.

  • Click the Join button.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

  • The Arcs are joined together as a single entity.

  • If the Arcs don't connect as expected, you might have missed an Arc.

    • Click the Undo button, reselect the Arcs and click the Join button again. 

 Arc Definition

The Arc Tool tool function allows you to draw a three-point mathematically defined curve in the Trace software.

The Arc has three points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "anchors") and one separate Middle point (which is called a "handle") which can be moved to change the shape of the Arc.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Spline Definition

The Curve button allows you to draw a mathematically defined Bezier/Spline Curve in the Trace software.

The Bezier/Spline Curve is defined by four points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "Anchors") and Two Separate Middle Points (which are called "Handles"), which can be moved to change the shape of the Curve.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

  • Hold down the CTRL key and select the Arcs of the next Broken Circle.

  • Click the Join button. 

 Arc Definition

The Arc Tool tool function allows you to draw a three-point mathematically defined curve in the Trace software.

The Arc has three points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "anchors") and one separate Middle point (which is called a "handle") which can be moved to change the shape of the Arc.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Spline Definition

The Curve button allows you to draw a mathematically defined Bezier/Spline Curve in the Trace software.

The Bezier/Spline Curve is defined by four points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "Anchors") and Two Separate Middle Points (which are called "Handles"), which can be moved to change the shape of the Curve.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

  • Continue selecting the arcs that make up each of the Broken Circles and Joining them until you have Joined each of the outside Arcs.

  • Hold down the CTRL key and select all of the newly joined Arcs. 

  • Click the Join button.

 Arc Definition

The Arc Tool tool function allows you to draw a three-point mathematically defined curve in the Trace software.

The Arc has three points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "anchors") and one separate Middle point (which is called a "handle") which can be moved to change the shape of the Arc.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Spline Definition

The Curve button allows you to draw a mathematically defined Bezier/Spline Curve in the Trace software.

The Bezier/Spline Curve is defined by four points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "Anchors") and Two Separate Middle Points (which are called "Handles"), which can be moved to change the shape of the Curve.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

  • The Arcs are now one connected entity.

Convert to Splines/Tangify

 Convert Arcs to Splines Definition

Click Edit > Convert Arc to Splines to convert the Arcs into Bezier Splines. Splines can be Tangified with less distortion, which will give a smoother cutting path for the design in Trace. 

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Tangify all Circuits Definition

The Tangify function will smooth the connection between the Selected Arc Circuits that are below the specified Angle in the Tangify field to provide a smoother cutting transition between the arcs. 

The Tangify All Circuits will smooth the connection between All of the Arc Circuits that are below the specified Angle in the Tangify field to provide a smoother cutting transition between the arcs. 

Trace, Save, Cut

  • Optionally, you can also bring the CutArt straight to the Cut Preview from Trace.

  • The Doily design is completed.

 Trace Definition

Tracing the Design provides the Bevel Type and other necessary information to the Vector design in order to either Cut or apply a Non-Blade Tool on the CMC.

The Set Bevels Tab in Trace contains the tools needed to Trace the design.

 Bevel Type Definition

The Bevel Type is the Angle that the blade cuts on the Matboard/Fallout surface when it is not cut at a 90° Right Angle.

 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.

Optional Design

  • Move the design further into the screen if necessary in order to be able to see the Offset Layer.

  • Select the Doily.

  • Change the Offset direction* to minus (-) by selecting it from the dropdown control.

  • Leave the Reveal value at .25".

  • Click the Offset Circuit button.  

  • The Doily is now offset to create the second Layer.

 Offset Rules

Enclosed Objects:

Positive value Offsets to the Inside.

Negative value Offsets to the Outside.

Arcs and Curves Greater than 180 Degrees use the same rules as for closed objects.

For Lines, imagine a line's start point to be the center of a circle. The Plus offsets Clockwise and Minus offsets Counter-Clockwise. 

 Offset Definition

The Offset button creates a displacement copy of the selected object a parallel distance away as specified in the Offset Reveal field in Trace.

 Reveal Definition

In a two-layer design, the Reveal is the amount of the bottom matboard showing under the top mat in Designer and Visualize.

The standard Reveal between the top and bottom mat is 1/4".

Break Intersections

  • The new Offset created Arcs that overlap in the corners.

  • We want to Break the Intersections in the newly Offset object, rather than all of the Intersections in the design.

  • Hold down the CTRL key and select all of the newly created Arcs. 

  • Click the Break button to Break the objects where they intersect with each other.

  • The Arcs will break where they Intersect and appear Gray.

 Offset Definition

The Offset button creates a displacement copy of the selected object a parallel distance away as specified in the Offset Reveal field in Trace.

 Arcs Definition

The Arc Tool tool function allows you to draw a three-point mathematically defined curve in the Trace software.

The Arc has three points: the Initial Position and the Terminating Position (which are called "anchors") and one separate Middle point (which is called a "handle") which can be moved to change the shape of the Arc.

Splines are easier to handle in the software than Arcs for tangification and the conversion process when going to the Cut Preview.

Arcs are still provided in the software for those that prefer to draw with them, but the Convert Arc to Splines process will convert them to Splines for software simplification purposes.

 Break Definition

The Break tool is used to Bisect the selected segments at the points where they Intersect in the Trace software.

The Break All Intersections function bisect ALL segments in the design at the points where they intersect with another segment in the Trace software.

Join Outside Segments

  • We will now Join all of the segments that will make up the outside Layer of the design.

  • Hold down the CTRL key and click on the each of the Arcs that make up the outside layer of the design.

  • Click the Join button.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

  • The segments of the outside Layer are now Joined to create one object.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

  • We could repeat these same steps to add a third Layer using a 1/8" reveal by Offsetting the outside object by .125", Breaking the newly Offset object, then Rejoining the outside elements to create the top Layer.

  • Depending upon the Template, the size, the Parameters, etc., you may not need to Break the elements before Joining them together if the Offset connects together neatly in the corners.

 Offset Definition

The Offset button creates a displacement copy of the selected object a parallel distance away as specified in the Offset Reveal field in Trace.

 Break Definition

The Break tool is used to Bisect the selected segments at the points where they Intersect in the Trace software.

The Break All Intersections function bisect ALL segments in the design at the points where they intersect with another segment in the Trace software.

 Join Definition

The Join button will connect the selected segments together as one object in Trace. 

The Auto Join Segments button will automatically join adjacent segments together in Trace.

 Template Definition

Templates are specialized parametric shape generators created by Wizard.

Many of the templates have additional Properties that can be edited which can change the shape, curves and corners of the design as well as a wide assortment of Parameters.

The Template Library displays the different templates that are available for use.

 Parameters Definition

The Parameters are a set of specified variable characteristics related to the selected object that can be modified through the accompanying fields in Designer.

For example, the Chamfer is the symmetrical angled surface at the corner of the Template.

In Designer, the Template Parameter Map displays a diagram describing each parameter field for the current Template.

Trace, Save, Cut

  • Trace the CutArt. Remember to Add a layer in the Layers section for each layer of matboard you want to trace. Click on the desired layer, select the object to trace, then select the bevel/cartridge to trace the item for that layer.

  • Save the CutArt. You will get a message stating that this design contains objects that do not have an assigned bevel type. This refers to the leftover lines and arcs that we didn't trace. Click Yes that you wish to continue.

  • Load the CutArt.

  • Cut the CutArt.

  • Optionally, you can also bring the CutArt straight to the Cut Preview from Trace.

  • The multi-layered Doily design is completed.

 Trace Definition

Tracing the Design provides the Bevel Type and other necessary information to the Vector design in order to either Cut or apply a Non-Blade Tool on the CMC.

The Set Bevels Tab in Trace contains the tools needed to Trace the design.

 Bevel Type Definition

The Bevel Type is the Angle that the blade cuts on the Matboard/Fallout surface when it is not cut at a 90° Right Angle.

 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.

Comparison

You can see how much we changed the design when you compare it to what we started with. You can alter the design greatly by changing the number of sides of the Star template or even selecting a different template to mirror in each of the corners.

Set up as a one layer design:

Set up as a three layer design:

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