Inkscape is a free and open source vector-editing program. It is available for Windows, Linux and OSX. Inkscape uses the .svg file format by default but can also work fine with other formats such as .dxf. Inkscape is:
- Easy to learn
- Free
- Suitable for graphic work and simple technical work
Getting Started
Create a new file in Inkscape.
- Make sure all tessellations ('Fills') are set to 'No paint'.
- Use colors according to drawing rules; blue for cutting & red for line engraving.
Text objects
Text must be converted to lines (paths, or "paths") before it can be cut or engraved.
- Select the text and go to: Menu > Path > Object to Path.
- Note that the tessellation ('Fill') is off & that the outside lines ('stroke paint') have a color .
Cutting or engraving
The distinction between to be cut and engraved is made (when uploaded as .pdf) based on colors:
- Blue objects are cut.
- Red objects are engraved superficially.
- Gray objects are ignored (e.g. useful for setting the material dimension as a frame)
Note: when saving as .dxf instead of .pdf, it is also important which layers the objects are in.
See the drawing rules.
Save as .pdf
File > Save As >"Portable Document Format (.pdf)"
In the popup window, choose the option:'export area is drawing' and PDF version 1.5
Save as .dxf (alternative)
In some cases, not all objects are saved neatly in the pdf. Alternatively, you can save them as .dxf files.
Note that with .dxf files it is necessary to place the objects in the correct layers.
File > Save As > Desktop Cutting Plotter (.dxf)
Turn on the"use LWPOLYPOLYLINE type of line output" option.
Upload
on our website and drag your file(s) into the upload field. Check carefully to make sure:
- the dimensions are correct.
- the colors of the preview match the intended edits.
- Blue = completely cut through.
- Red = line / vector engraving.
- Gray = no operation / layer to be ignored.
