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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 Make Illustrator Designs Easier to Cut

  • Simplifying designs in Adobe Illustrator for cutting involves several steps to ensure clean, efficient cuts. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

  • Important: Make a copy of your original design first!

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 as an SVG that you can open in Trace.

  • 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.

How to Make PhotoShop Pictures Easier to Cut

  • Simplifying a picture in Photoshop for cutting involves converting it to a clean, high-contrast image with clear edges that the CMC can recognize.

  • Here’s a step-by-step guide.

  • Important: Make a copy of your photo first!

1. Open Your Image

  • File > Open: Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Convert to Grayscale (Optional)

  • Image > Mode > Grayscale: This removes color information, making it easier to focus on contrast and edges.

3. Increase Contrast

  • Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast: Increase the contrast to make the edges more defined.

  • Levels or Curves: Use Image > Adjustments > Levels or Image > Adjustments > Curves to fine-tune the contrast.

4. Simplify the Image with Filters

  • Filter > Filter Gallery: Use filters like Cutout, Poster Edges, or other artistic filters to simplify the image while maintaining the essential shapes and outlines.

  • Adjust Settings: Play with the settings to reduce detail while keeping the main features.

5. Convert to Black and White

  • Image > Adjustments > Threshold: This converts the image to black and white, which helps in creating a clean, high-contrast image suitable for cutting.

6. Clean Up the Image

  • Eraser Tool: Use the Eraser Tool to remove any unwanted areas or noise.

  • Brush Tool: Use the Brush Tool to fill in any gaps in the areas you want to keep.

7. Save the Design and Load into Trace

  • Save the Design: Save the design.

  • Load into Trace: Open Trace and load the image into the Vectorization tab.

  • Vectorize the Image: See Vectorization for instructions on Vectorizing the design and save it as a CutArt that you will be able to load into Designer to cut.

By following these steps, you can simplify a Photoshop image for cutting, ensuring the final result is clean and suitable for use with the CMC.

Making a Path File in PhotoShop:

Follow the instructions above to simplify the image then follow the instructions below.

1. Trace the Image to Create Paths

  • Magic Wand Tool: Use the Magic Wand Tool to select the black (or white) areas of your image. Adjust the tolerance to get a clean selection.

    • Make Work Path: With the selection active, go to Paths panel > Make Work Path to create a path from the selection.

    • Adjust Tolerance: Set a tolerance value that gives you smooth paths without too many points.

2. Export the Path

  • Export Path to Illustrator: Go to File > Export > Paths to Illustrator to save the path. It will save the file as an Illustrator file.

  • This creates a vector file that can be used with cutting machines.

3. Save and Import to Cutting Software

  • Open the Path in Illustrator: Go to File > Open to open the file.

  • Appropriate Format: Save the file as an SVG that you can open in Trace. Save it as a CutArt that you will be able to load into Designer to cut.

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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