Image Tracing

December 28, 2007

Hey there, I've got a couple of questions im hoping somebody can answer for me.

First, I bought a Bridge Pro 720 vinyl plotter/cutter I understand its not the greatest machine, ok seems to work great for my purposes and I have no qualms or issues with the machine's performance. With the machine came Artcut software, and I am having trouble importing images into the software to use. For instance, I am on a car racing team and I wish to cut out logo out of vinyl to put on the cars and I have no idea how to import the image to cut it? Has anyone worked with this software and could help me out?

-I noticed the software has an "image tracing" option and I use it, and it will import a .bmp image, but it breaks the image up into many miniscule layers almost and when the machien cuts it the lines are not straight and the design looks like crap. Any help?

- This does this whenever I use vector images from sin specific sites and my own images I have created so I am at a loss.

-I would really like to know basically if my software will even let me take a .jpg convert it to whatever extension necisary and print it. If my software can not, is there a cheap software out there I can get that will work for this and be compatable with my machine? Cheap or even a free software download from the internet?

(I'm sory this is so long but I really hope I can get some help)

My last question is I bought a large roll of "PerfecTear Main Tape" overlay tape and for some reason it does not adhear well to the graphic backing, is this because its just a cheap tape? Any suggestions for a brand/type of overlay tape that will be budget friendly and get the job done well? (also where can I get it?) It just baffles me because as soon as I trim the excess it begins to peel away, it stay with the vinyl but it doesnt stick to the paper backing around the decal.

Thanks for takign the time to help me out!

-Ben

December 28, 2007

What you need to do is get a program with a good autotrace. They are never perfect. Then you need to start looking for files that are .eps files. These are the ones that you dont have to trace of course. Depending on your program even a pdf or an .ai file will work. I would strongly recommend flexi 8 as the program to run. I have used it for quite some time and will still use it. The reason your files look like crap after you plot them is not the vinyl or the cutter it is because when you trace the file you are going to cut it tries to cut the pixels around the edges. Stick with the vector files and practice redrawing or recreating files. If you need any help with vectorizing a logo send it over and I will take a look. 1 last thing it helps to start with the biggest picture you can possible find and try not to get it to complex. PM me if you have any more questions good luck :spit

December 30, 2007

Hey thanks so much for your input! The problem is, I've been using all vector graphics, and I even tried .ai .pdf and .eps files and NONE of them wil import and the image tracings still look like crap, and it wont let me han trace it in the program I have. So, im guessing the problem is the software is just JUNK. Thanks for your help though! You recommended flexi 8? Do you know where I can get the software? My only problem is that im hopin my plotter/cutter will work with the software it was very finnicky and took a while to get to work with this junk software. Its worth a shot though!

Thanks!

tint_detective · December 30, 2007

Hey thanks so much for your input! The problem is, I've been using all vector graphics, and I even tried .ai .pdf and .eps files and NONE of them wil import and the image tracings still look like crap, and it wont let me han trace it in the program I have. So, im guessing the problem is the software is just JUNK. Thanks for your help though! You recommended flexi 8? Do you know where I can get the software? My only problem is that im hopin my plotter/cutter will work with the software it was very finnicky and took a while to get to work with this junk software. Its worth a shot though!
Thanks!

You can get that software from sign warehouse, last I looked it's about 4grand...... Go big or go home.... :rollin

December 30, 2007

Haha, well right now im a one man business, so thats slightly expensive. Any alternatives that are less pricey? Aybody know? Or does anybody have experience with the Artcut software and can help me figure out how to import an outside image and get it to cut properly?

tint_detective · December 30, 2007

Haha, well right now im a one man business, so thats slightly expensive. Any alternatives that are less pricey? Aybody know? Or does anybody have experience with the Artcut software and can help me figure out how to import an outside image and get it to cut properly?

I've heard that vinyl master pro is pretty good too.

I believe it's a little cheaper.. Look at signwarehouse.com

P.S. Where are you laocated???

December 30, 2007

I've heard that vinyl master pro is pretty good too.
I believe it's a little cheaper.. Look at signwarehouse.com

Or CiberCut max or Signgo works good too.

December 30, 2007

Thanks! I'll check those out!

Im located In PA.

December 30, 2007

You can get that software from sign warehouse, last I looked it's about 4grand...... Go big or go home....

It is quit expensive but well worth it. You can import almost anything into that program. See if there is an unmasking tool for a pdf that should help. If you can't cut an eps from your program it is definitly junk. :ninja You shouldn't have to ever image trace or auto trace an eps. Also try checking into onyx or look on ebay for an older version of flexi like a 6 or 7. I Think if you buy a plotter from sign warehouse they will give you the program. That may be an option for you also they have some inexpensive plotters :ninja Good luck!

December 31, 2007

Thanks for all of the help!! I've downloaded a couple of trial versions and it seems like every other program lets me do thing exactly the way I like, I've grown a liking to SignGo so once the trial expires I may look into it..