MatDesigner PathTrace User Guide: Lesson Nine: Load an Image to Draw Over

This lesson shows how to load an image to draw over.

Open PathTrace.

Click Trace and Draw Tab.

Click Load Image.

Locate the Images directory under Wizard, and load VanGogh_Flowers.jpg.

Let’s say that the image is 6.8 x 8.6”.

Under Width put 6.8.

Height automatically changes to 8.6.

Click Zoom All to see the entire screen.
Remember, click on the scroll bar under Opacity to adjust the opacity to make the drawing lines easier to see on top of the picture.

Arcs consist of a beginning, middle and end, so each arc drawn will require three clicks.
Lines consist of a beginning and an end.

Click Draw Arc.

Starting at the bottom of the vase, click along the edge of the vase to draw the first arc.

Make as short an arc as possible that will still follow along the outline desired. Several arcs are usually needed to create the desired shape.

Continue drawing around the object using a variety of arcs and lines, to create the design. Remember to click Undo to return one step when necessary.

Click Prep Design tab.

Click Join Segments.

Click on each object in order to join them together.

Right-click to Close the Circuit.

Offset the design to cut it a distance from the original image.

Click Offset Circuit.

Enter .5” in the Reveal box.

Left-click on the drawing.

Object will now be offset.

If offsetting an object folds in on itself, explode the object to edit it.

Click Explode Circuit.

Click on the object to explode it into the separate parts.

Click Break Intersection.

Click on the two arcs on the right to break them.

Click Join Segments.

Click each segment to join them.

Right-click to Close the Circuit.

Click Edit > Tangify all Circuits.

Click Edit > Convert Arcs to Splines.

Trace, save and cut the design.