Lesson Six: CutArt on a Different Layer

CutArt are simple shapes and design elements that can be cut, drawn, or Debossed.

Traditionally, CutArts can only be placed on the top layer. This lesson shows how to retrace a CutArt onto a Different Layer other than the top layer. 

You can also use these same steps to place a LetterMat, TTF, Deboss, Pen or Crease object onto a different layer other than the Top Layer.

First we need to make sure we are designing the layers in the correct order for these instructions.

On the FrameShop Main Page, click Admin and stay on the Defaults tab.

Under Layer Direction select Bottom Up if it is not already set to that.

Click Save and return to the Main Page.

• You can change this back to the original setting later if desired.

Place a two Layer 4 x 5 #101 Rectangle template on the FrameShop Design Editor.  

Now we will place a Guide that we can use to align our V-Groove.

The V-Groove will be converted into our new Top Layer in Trace.

Right-Click on the opening and select New Guide From Other.

Click the checkbox for Add at Bottom.

Enter 1.5" for the Distance From Bottom field and click OK.

A Guide is placed at the Bottom of the design.

Now we'll use the same steps to place a second Guide that we can use to align the CutArt.

Right-Click on the opening and select New Guide From Other.

Click the checkbox for Add at Bottom.

Enter 1" for the Distance From Bottom field and click OK.

The second Guide is placed.

Now we will place a V-Groove around the opening. This will eventually be our new Top Layer.

Make sure that the Opening is selected.

Click on the Openings tab.   

Click the Add V-Groove button. 

Enter 1" for the Offset value and click OK.

The V-Groove is placed.

Click on the V-Groove to resize it.

Pull down the Bottom of the V-Groove and let it snap to the bottom Horizontal Guideline that we placed.

Make sure you are pulling the bottom of the V-Groove down and not just moving it.

Release the mouse to place it.

On the Openings tab, click the Add CutArt button.

Navigate to the desired location.

Click on the desired CutArt and click Select.

The CutArt is placed.

Move the CutArt down to the Top Guide we placed and Center it Horizontally.

• You may need to Zoom In to make the placement easier.

Bring the design into Trace via the Right-Click Menu* or from the Cut Preview Screen.

• *If you use the Right-Click method, hold down the CTRL key and select the Opening, the V-Groove and the CutArt before selecting Convert to CutArt. 

We're going to add a Layer to the Design for our new Top Layer.

Click on the Set Bevels tab.

Click Add in the Layers section.

A new Layer will be added. You can see by the muted design that nothing is currently Traced on this layer.

We didn't make any changes to the CutArt itself, so there is no need to Tangify It or Convert into Arcs.

Select the Top Layer which is displayed at the top of the Layer List regardless of the actual layer number. 

The objects currently Traced on this layer are displayed in their Cartridge Type Colors.

Select the Outside Object which will be our new Top Layer.

Click the 45° Bevel Set button to trace it. It will turn Blue.

We're going to Retrace the CutArt and the other opening onto a different Layer which will move them from this Layer.

Click on the Middle Layer from the Layer List.

Click the CutArt to select it.

Click the Cartridge Type desired, such as the Pen or Deboss Set button. 

The CutArt will turn the color of the selected Cartridge.

Click on the Middle Mayer object.

Click the 45° Bevel Set button to Trace it. It will turn Blue.

Click on the Bottom Layer on the Layer List. 

Click on the Bottom Layer object.

Click on the 45° Bevel Set button to Trace it. It will turn Blue.

You can click on each layer on the Layer List and make sure everything is Traced onto the correct layer. 

Save the CutArt.

Load the CutArt.

Cut the CutArt.

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

The CutArt on lower layer design is completed.