Below, learn to use Illustrator to design and save an SVG file. Learn how to cut it out in vinyl with a cutting machine. Then, learn how to weed and transfer your design.
Cutting requires images that are VECTOR based. As in math equations, not pixels. You can make these in a lot of programs, but we'll go over some Adobe Illustrator basics today.
To use Illustrator, you need to either sign up for a free trial, have an ancient laptop (use 2017 version instead), or have your CBE account added to CBE's shared license.
Starting Illustrator with a free trial:
As of September 2019, to use Adobe Illustrator on CBE computers, you will need to sign into a separate service called Creative Cloud. This costs money, but you can a use a one week free trial. If you are using the service in the classroom you can add your username to the CBE's liscense, but that has a 48 hr turnaround, and requires additional instruction.
First, start Adobe Illustrator as you would any app.
A sign in dialog will pop up. If you close the dialog, Illustrator will instantly quit.
Create an account. Sign up for the 7 day free trial.
Use your CBE Account if you've already been processed. If you signed up on Wednesday, this is the best option. THIS DOES NOT MEAN SIGN IN DIRECTLY WITH YOUR CBE EMAIL.
Using CBE account:
In the e-mail field, DO NOT PUT YOUR EMAIL. Instead, type:
cbe.ab.ca
You will be redirected you to a standard D2L login screen.
Design & Save
The video above covers everything you need today in terms of design in an efficient manner.
We are not going over the pen tool, or any sort of drawing in today's tutorial. We'll just use text based designs, and the most basic of image traces.
If videos aren't your thing there are also some written instructions acceessible via the button below.
Massey Computer Science
To trace an image, be in the 'Essentials Classic' workspace. Select the image In the top bar, click the 'Image Trace' options button Click 'Silhouettes'
We are now going over how to stylize text. Select the Type tool from the toolbar:
Draw a box with the type tool. Some latin appears. Press delete, and type whatever you want. We are not going over how to get custom fonts tdoay.
Change your text with the Character panel on the right. There are loads more options if you click the ... at the bottom of the panel.
Converting to Outlines: THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL STEP WITH MOST CUTTING MACHINES You should change your text to outlines, especially if you are using any sort of custom font. The cutter doesn't have a lot of fonts loaded onto it. This is the easiest option.
Have your text selected with the selection tool (NOT type tool)
Your text is no longer text, but a vector path.
Measure your design to see it's size in the real:
Click the Window (top menu), then "Info" (Command-F8)
With any object(s) selected, the info panel tells you it's size.
If the units are not to your liking, change them in the preferences:
Exporting/Saving as SVG file.
The above video covers this, but if you need more in depth instruction, click the button...
Select SVG as the format:
change the next pop up settings to the following:
Here is a checklist:
No pixels, just vector paths
No overlapping paths, letters etc.
All Text has been converted to Outlines
All objects in the file have been Grouped
I have saved my work as an SVG
My vector has been converted to outlines while saving as SVG
Using the cutting machine
First, you are going to need to put your svg on the USB stick. You can share with Reese (dareese@educbe.ca) on Google Drive and he'll do it for you. Or, you can put it on manually yourself. But to do so you need to get around some CBE encryption protocols. For instructions on how to do that, click the button:
CBE wants to encrypt everything and makes a thumb drive read only until you do: DON'T ENCRYPT MY THUMB DRIVE. Here's how to get around that: (show in finder within DISK UTILITY)
Second, you are going to cut out the vinyl design. Using the Brother Scan N Cut CM350:
Please wait until a cutting mat is at least a third full before cutting.
Application
Weeding
Transferring and Application (decal only)
CONTACT MR. REESE
If you have any questions, please email. I will endeavour to get back to you within three calendar days.
The fastest way to get a password to access student content is by asking for one in person. If you are not a student you should be able to acquire one from your child/ward.
