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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.

See: File Type Definitions

 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.

See: File Format Definition

 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 Vector 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.

See: Raster Definition

See: Vector Definition

See: Raster to Vector Definition

See: Vectorize in Designer Function

See: Vectorize in Trace Function

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 Vector 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.

See: Raster Definition

See: Vector Definition

See: Raster to Vector Definition

See: Vectorize in Designer Function

See: Vectorize in Trace Function

  • 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, Designer and Visualize.

See: Vector Definition

See: Raster to Vector Definition

See: Vectorize in Designer Function

See: Vectorize in Trace Function

  • 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.

See: File Format Definition

 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.

See: File Type Definitions

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.

See: File Format Definition

If The Design is Empty Or is Unusable

  • 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.

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. 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

  • 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) 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 (.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 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 that can be added to designs.

CutArts can be applied to your current design and edited, such as resizing and rotating.

They can be Cut, Debossed, Penned or cut on Vinyl.

See: Add CutArt Function

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