Merging Objects: Advanced: MatDesigner

This lesson will demonstrate merging openings to create a specific shape within MatDesigner.

PathTrace, a sub-program of MatDesigner which is covered in the PathTrace manual, allows the user to load an image then draw over it.

This lesson is similar, except the user will be merging openings rather than drawing over the image.

Place an 14x11 (36x28 cm) Rectangle opening onto an 18x15 (46 x 38 cm) outside.

Right-click on the opening and select Load Image.

Click on the [...] button and select VanGogh_Flowers.jpg. If this image is not available, select a different image.

Click OK twice.

Click No on the new image size screen in order to retain the opening size.

Retain the opening size of 14x11 (36x28 cm) which is our printed image size.

Bring over an opening.

Click on the Advanced Tab.

Change the transparency to ~50%. By changing the transparency, the image below is displayed, making it easier to line up openings.

Change the size, move, rotate this opening and place it on the edge of the flower image.

Bring over another opening, and repeat the above steps.

Overlap the openings until the flowers are covered by the openings.

Select all of the openings.

Hold down the shift key and click on the original large rectangle to UNSELECT it.

Click the Group Selection button on the Advanced Tab.

The openings are now grouped together.

If the result is undesirable, click Ungroup Selection to unselect the group.

Unselect the openings.

Move/resize the opening(s) in question and group them again.

Once the design is completed, click on the background rectangle to select it.

Delete the large background rectangle.

The finished design is now ready to cut.