Make the Cut v2.2 - Layers
With the release of MTC Version 2.0.3 beta, I decided to put out a guide in explaining on what each button does and how to possibly use the layers function. Having this function is a great addon and it is very easy to use.
If there is something that doesn't make sense send us an email and we'll try to correct the Tutorial!
ScrappyDew Video Notes
One of the ScrappyDew.com viewers has sent us her notes that she has taken on basically every video we have put out. She has taken the time to create this which has saved us time on getting written instruction to the videos.
Just click the Red Button Below to begin the download.
Make the Cut Software: Lattice or Cookie Cutter Effect
This video tutorial will show you how to create the Lattice Effect using ONLY the Make the Cut Software (MTC). This tutorial uses the Boolean Feature that is new in the 1.3 version.
(This Above Photo is what we will be creating in the MTC program)
For More information about this program or tutorials visit
http://www.scrappydew.com/make-the-cut/
StackyScraps.com Tutorial - PDF in MTC
Using the Print Screen/Screenshot Method to use an image
from a PDF in MTC
Note: The PDF file type is not currently supported in the Make the Cut Software. This tutorial is designed to allow you to prepare a PDF file to be traced in the Make the Cut Software.
In this tutorial Stacy from www.StackyScrap.com will demonstrate how to get a PDF file into the Make the Cut Software.
Mini-Tutorial: AutoTrace for SCAL 2.0
In Sure Cuts A Lot 2 there is a built in feature called Autotrace.
This feature allows you to import image files such as (.bmp, .jpeg, .gif, .png) and will attempt to automatically trace the image for cutting. You will have to note, results may vary depending on the source image file.
Now we know what it is... lets see how it works…
Autotrace Image
In order to autotrace an image we will Choose "Trace Image" feature. You can get there either from the File menu or you can just click the "Trace Image" button located on the top of the screen . This will bring up the Autotrace window.
Choose An Image
When the window appears you will first need to choose the "Browse.." button... from there you may have to navigate in order to find the image file you would like to trace.
Once we hit ok you will see a colorized version of your photo you're trying to trace.
We can hit the preview button to see if the Autotrace fits our needs. If the trace needs tweaking then we will have to adjust the following settings. Prior to hitting ok we may want to see what each of these do.
Autotrace Settings
So let us take a look at the Autotrace settings…
- The Brightness control: adjusts the brightness of the source image to help the autotracer distinguish what should be traced.
- The Corner Control : this determines how the trace program should handle corners found.
- Despeckle: This removes tiny shapes , like stray dots or speckles. This will help clean up the source image
- Optimize: This can help reduce the number of nodes/points
- Break Apart Outlines: It will put each separate shape or line into its own layer in the trace folder. The layers can be moved, deleted, or hidden just like a layered svg.
As a reminder the autotrace results may vary depending on the contents of the source image file. Craft Edge suggests for best results trace solid filled objects over a white background.
Output
Preview: Allows you to see the resulting tracing of the image with the specified settings
Save: Allows you to save the output to a SVG file
OK: This will add the resulting trace to the virtual mat
Now that we have explained the settings it is time to hit ok. Because we selected Break Apart Outlines we are now able to go to Object> Ungroup. This allows us to move, delete, and show and hide the different layers.
Now you're ready to start tracing in Sure Cuts A Lot 2
Convert GSD to SVG
Converting GSD to SVG for SCAL or MTC
You must have Robomaster Software, CutePDF writer in order to get a PDF file. You will then need Inkscape so you can read the PDF file it creates, which will allow you to save it as an SVG file.
Here are the links in which you can get these fine software programs all of it is Free and Legal.
Robomaster
http://rapidshare.com/files/201037831/Robomaster_2.4.zip
CutePDF
http://www.cutepdf.com/download/CuteWriter.exe
Inkscape
http://www.Inkscape.org
Here are your steps to follow
• Open a GSD in Robomaster.
• Click on the Output Setting icon in the toolbar.
The Output Setting Window opens.
- Choose your PDF Printer (CutePDF)
- Make sure Print Cut Lines is check marked
- Click Output to Printer
A new window will open: Output to Printer
Copies Block : 1
Make sure ALL is selected
Then click OK.
When the window opens, you can choose a name and place where you would like to save it. Just a suggestion you should keep the same name as the GSD. This should help with organizing files
Now your vector PDF will get created.
Next you want to convert it to SVG, so there a number of things you need to do in Inkscape
- Open PDF in inkscape
- Select All (Edit> Select All or Ctrl +A)
- Ungroup (a lot of times until there aren't any groups left.) Ctrl+Shift+G
- Simplify Paths (Ctrl+L) if you want. This may help clean up nodes
- Save your SVG
- Import in to SCAL or MTC
How to Convert SVG to GSD
This is a short text tutorial on how to convert an SVG file into a GSD. It's really easy and you will need two programs.
1. Inkscape - You can get this program at Inkscape.org
2. CraftRobo Software
Once you find an SVG file that you like you will have to open it up in Inkscape. In inkscape you will go to File>Save As
After you make that selection you will have to select *.DXF then you can click Save
Now we do that because the CraftRobo software understands DXF format and we are able to go to Open up CraftRobo Software and go to File>Load DXF
Find your DXF file that you saved in inkscape and you can now Save that DXF file you Loaded as a GSD file. So that is how you can get an SVG in your CR software.