Bob Cole
06-24-2007, 2:54 PM
Question 1
I've read through the threads and the help on using the trace in Corel and still have a tough time getting the image to vector. I have a few scroll saw puzzle patterns from a book that I scanned in and tried to use the trace tool to turn them into a vector image so I can cut out on the laser.
The patterns are very simple, due to me being a newbie.
I know this can be done because I've read the threads that discussed it but having issues getting it to work correctly.
Here is what I am doing. If you can point out the errors in my ways, please say so.
1. Scan in the pattern into a jpg file. I've been scanning in color so wondering if that is part of my problem. The image has black lines with a light greenish interior.
2. Open the file in Corel-photo paint. Crop the picture and rotate if needed.
3. Run power trace and some of the lines disappear no matter which settings I modify.
I have an Intuos drawing pad and have resorted to tracing the file manually.
This leads me to my second question.
Question 2
I trace the file with the drawing pad then go back and fix anything that doesn't look quite right (lines don't intersect, got a little wobble, forgot to change the smoothing feature, added touches, etc).
When I go to laser, the laser cuts in the order I traced the file. This is really unfortunate for tracing in the manner that I am tracing. Since I have taped the physical paper to my drawing pad and using the stylus to trace, if I try to fix while I am tracing, it is extremely difficult to get the zoom and the layout exactly the way it was to start tracing again (maybe someone has a good trick for this too).
Is there a way to organize the drawing once complete?
I've read that some people use different colors so the Vector images are organized by colors and cut out in order. This would be helpful for this project since I would like to cut out the puzzle pieces first, then the outline so when the puzzle drops, it isn't out of focus for the rest of the cutting.
Thank you for any advise.
ULS X-660 60watt, Corel X3, Photgrav
I've read through the threads and the help on using the trace in Corel and still have a tough time getting the image to vector. I have a few scroll saw puzzle patterns from a book that I scanned in and tried to use the trace tool to turn them into a vector image so I can cut out on the laser.
The patterns are very simple, due to me being a newbie.
I know this can be done because I've read the threads that discussed it but having issues getting it to work correctly.
Here is what I am doing. If you can point out the errors in my ways, please say so.
1. Scan in the pattern into a jpg file. I've been scanning in color so wondering if that is part of my problem. The image has black lines with a light greenish interior.
2. Open the file in Corel-photo paint. Crop the picture and rotate if needed.
3. Run power trace and some of the lines disappear no matter which settings I modify.
I have an Intuos drawing pad and have resorted to tracing the file manually.
This leads me to my second question.
Question 2
I trace the file with the drawing pad then go back and fix anything that doesn't look quite right (lines don't intersect, got a little wobble, forgot to change the smoothing feature, added touches, etc).
When I go to laser, the laser cuts in the order I traced the file. This is really unfortunate for tracing in the manner that I am tracing. Since I have taped the physical paper to my drawing pad and using the stylus to trace, if I try to fix while I am tracing, it is extremely difficult to get the zoom and the layout exactly the way it was to start tracing again (maybe someone has a good trick for this too).
Is there a way to organize the drawing once complete?
I've read that some people use different colors so the Vector images are organized by colors and cut out in order. This would be helpful for this project since I would like to cut out the puzzle pieces first, then the outline so when the puzzle drops, it isn't out of focus for the rest of the cutting.
Thank you for any advise.
ULS X-660 60watt, Corel X3, Photgrav