How do you make Vector patterns?

[Rob Mulgrew]

Hello,
I am ok with creating raster patterns but was wondering how you create vector patterns. For example if I wanted to carve this accent in the picture with a V bit, how would you make the pattern so the v bit goes deeper for the wider spots and shallower for the thinner lines?
I'm not looking for anyone to do a pattern for me, this is only an example that I am trying to figure out how to do this on. Is it a software needed or can it be done with free editing programs such as gimp?
Thanks
67435

[peep]

I would like to know also

[liquidguitars]

"Select depth profile"

[Rob Mulgrew]

The depth profile option is not available. It's there but you cant click it. Is that an add on or am I just not doing something else right?
"Select depth profile"

[fwharris]

The depth profile option is not available. It's there but you cant click it. Is that an add on or am I just not doing something else right?

It will not show up until you select the vector and assign a bit to the vector.

[dbfletcher]

A lot of ppl on here would convert that to a font character, then you can just use centerline to carve it. If you search the forum you will find several threads that discuss that technique.

[peep]

ok I am playing with it now

[Chip]

And I was going to start searching the same subject this weekend. Thanks guys.

[mtylerfl]

Hello,
I am ok with creating raster patterns but was wondering how you create vector patterns. For example if I wanted to carve this accent in the picture with a V bit, how would you make the pattern so the v bit goes deeper for the wider spots and shallower for the thinner lines?
I'm not looking for anyone to do a pattern for me, this is only an example that I am trying to figure out how to do this on. Is it a software needed or can it be done with free editing programs such as gimp?
Thanks


You are mentioning two different things...first: How to create the vectors...second: how to v-carve those vectors

1) I do the majority of vector designs like that in CorelDraw, but any vector drawing program will do the job (Adobe Illustrator or the FREE InkScape - NOT Gimp)

2) Currently, you would then need to make those vectors a FONT, as already mentioned, for the CarveWright to be able to do a TRUE v-carving. However, you may see sometime in the not-so-distant future, converting to a font may no longer be a necessary step. However, the way you would get the vectors into Designer, would be via the DXF Importer which is an optional software I have used for many years - I could not do without it!

[FWMiller]

I was trying to do what I thought was turning a vector drawing into a pattern and could not figure it out. I created a curved shape in another software and exported it to dxf. I used DXF importer to bring it into carvewright designer where I created a carve region based on the imported curves. I'd like to save as a pattern so I can re-use it without doing the import DXF step every time I want to use it. Clicking on the extract patterns button only creates a category with nothing in it. The create pattern button is greyed out. If I import an image file then I can create a pattern.

Frederick

[Rbacak]

Is it just me or are there missing post on this thread? I could have swore there were more last night and some had links that I wanted to check out today....

[fwharris]

Is it just me or are there missing post on this thread? I could have swore there were more last night and some had links that I wanted to check out today....

I reviewed the postings and none have been removed. You might have been looking at some posts in different areas on the subject, maybe???

[Rbacak]

Probably so..... It was way past my bedtime and I was fighting the sandman..... I'm going to search the forum for more information on this. Thanks!


Roger

[bergerud]

I was trying to do what I thought was turning a vector drawing into a pattern and could not figure it out. I created a curved shape in another software and exported it to dxf. I used DXF importer to bring it into carvewright designer where I created a carve region based on the imported curves. I'd like to save as a pattern so I can re-use it without doing the import DXF step every time I want to use it. Clicking on the extract patterns button only creates a category with nothing in it. The create pattern button is greyed out. If I import an image file then I can create a pattern.

Frederick

I think the Extract Patterns only works for patterns already created and on the board. You need to create a pattern. With the carving list displayed, group the carve region. Now you can make a pattern of the group.

[mtylerfl]

I was trying to do what I thought was turning a vector drawing into a pattern and could not figure it out. I created a curved shape in another software and exported it to dxf. I used DXF importer to bring it into carvewright designer where I created a carve region based on the imported curves. I'd like to save as a pattern so I can re-use it without doing the import DXF step every time I want to use it. Clicking on the extract patterns button only creates a category with nothing in it. The create pattern button is greyed out. If I import an image file then I can create a pattern.

Frederick

You may be doing it wrong - you don't use a function called Extract Pattern for what you are attempting to do...you need to GROUP the elements you want to Make Pattern from (even if it is only ONE item). Right-click on the GROUP>select MAKE PATTERN, and it will work. For more step-by-step instructions, read pages 6 and 7 of the Tips & Tricks ISSUE 12 September 2008 – Designer 1.131 New Feature Highlights (http://www.carvewright.com/assets/tips/CarveWrightTips_and_Tricks_Sept08.pdf)

Keep in mind your technique of creating Carve Regions will not yield a true v-carve appearance nor operation. It will result in a Raster Carve (using your Carving Bit instead of a v-bit) and each Carve Region will be a "fixed/flat" depth. This is unlike a true v-carve where the v-bit goes deeper in the wide areas and tapers up and out when approaching the narrow (pointed) areas.

I hinted at things to come in my post above.

[FWMiller]

I think the Extract Patterns only works for patterns already created and on the board. You need to create a pattern. With the carving list displayed, group the carve region. Now you can make a pattern of the group.

Thanks. I had created the carve pattern but had not tried creating a group. Once I created the group and selected the group then the "make pattern" button became available. However it does have one problem. My original carve region had a 1/8" feather and when I create the pattern the feather is inverted. If I try inverting the feather on the original (opposite of what I want) it still comes out the same way (opposite of what I want). Looks like the make pattern function is ignoring the invert on the feather.

Frederick

[liquidguitars]

One way of doing this is to use " Make Depth profile" as to your photo, its not 100% but you can get a idea. It will cut quickly.

[bergerud]

Thanks. I had created the carve pattern but had not tried creating a group. Once I created the group and selected the group then the "make pattern" button became available. However it does have one problem. My original carve region had a 1/8" feather and when I create the pattern the feather is inverted. If I try inverting the feather on the original (opposite of what I want) it still comes out the same way (opposite of what I want). Looks like the make pattern function is ignoring the invert on the feather.

Frederick

Feather has to do with how the pattern is carved, it is not part of the pattern.

[Rob Mulgrew]

You are mentioning two different things...first: How to create the vectors...second: how to v-carve those vectors

1) I do the majority of vector designs like that in CorelDraw, but any vector drawing program will do the job (Adobe Illustrator or the FREE InkScape - NOT Gimp)

2) Currently, you would then need to make those vectors a FONT, as already mentioned, for the CarveWright to be able to do a TRUE v-carving. However, you may see sometime in the not-so-distant future, converting to a font may no longer be a necessary step. However, the way you would get the vectors into Designer, would be via the DXF Importer which is an optional software I have used for many years - I could not do without it!

Thanks! Great info. Exactly what I was looking for. Guess I will have to sell a few more signs and get the DXF importer. But until then is there any way to work around having the DXF importer to accomplish this? Or is the DXF importer the only way? For instance, before there was a keyhole function, I learned a technique for keyholes on this forum that I use now almost for every sign I make that requires no additional software/functions.

[bergerud]

You do not need the DXF importer to do what you want to do. You need to make true type fonts outside of Designer. That requires another graphics program where you can draw (or import graphics) to make fonts. Then your vector patterns can be brought into Designer as a new font and used as you would use text.

[Rbacak]

Do you by chance have a font generating program you would recommend?

[bergerud]

Do you by chance have a font generating program you would recommend?

I have not done it. Corel Draw does it. Maybe some else knows of a cheaper program. I would be interested as well.

[DickB]

I posted this earlier but here it is again.

I use free versions of Scanfont 5 and TypeTool3 from fontlab.com. The free version overlays their logo on half of the glyphs, but to work around I just copy and past to several character locations and use one of the clean characters.


Convert image to black and white bitmap.
Launch Scanfont 5.
Tools - Options - Outline font editor, check Export outline font into VFB file.
Open the image.
Export. Select a file name.
Launch TypeTool3.
Select File - New.
Open the VFB file.
Copy and paste the glyph to several character positions. (Left click on the new glyph, the right click and select Copy. Left click on character A, then right click and select Paste. Repeat for B etc.)
File - Info - Names and copyright. Enter a name. Select Style name - regular. Press Build Names. Select File - Generate font.
Install the font.
Run Designer and use the newly-created font.

More info here: http://www.carvewright.com/assets/tips/CarveWrightTips_and_Tricks_May09.pdf

[Rbacak]

Thanks Dick..... I downloaded the TypeTool3 just fine but there is an issue on their end for Scanfont5. And the online manual web page is missing.. I'm referring to the Mac version....

[Ton80]

You are mentioning two different things...first: How to create the vectors...second: how to v-carve those vectors

1) I do the majority of vector designs like that in CorelDraw, but any vector drawing program will do the job (Adobe Illustrator or the FREE InkScape - NOT Gimp)

2) Currently, you would then need to make those vectors a FONT, as already mentioned, for the CarveWright to be able to do a TRUE v-carving. However, you may see sometime in the not-so-distant future, converting to a font may no longer be a necessary step. However, the way you would get the vectors into Designer, would be via the DXF Importer which is an optional software I have used for many years - I could not do without it!

DXF would be a waste of money for his needs.. I had looked into this a while back when the add-on came out but you are stuck with using the Depth Profiles in the software and that would mean making an exact replica of a vector drawing is probably not possible.. and if it is you would really have to put a lot of effort into getting it correct.


You may be doing it wrong - you don't use a function called Extract Pattern for what you are attempting to do...you need to GROUP the elements you want to Make Pattern from (even if it is only ONE item). Right-click on the GROUP>select MAKE PATTERN, and it will work. For more step-by-step instructions, read pages 6 and 7 of the Tips & Tricks ISSUE 12 September 2008 – Designer 1.131 New Feature Highlights (http://www.carvewright.com/assets/tips/CarveWrightTips_and_Tricks_Sept08.pdf)

Keep in mind your technique of creating Carve Regions will not yield a true v-carve appearance nor operation. It will result in a Raster Carve (using your Carving Bit instead of a v-bit) and each Carve Region will be a "fixed/flat" depth. This is unlike a true v-carve where the v-bit goes deeper in the wide areas and tapers up and out when approaching the narrow (pointed) areas.

I hinted at things to come in my post above.

I noticed that hint and knowing you are connected to the inner circle at LHR - I am very much ready to see what they come up with. This for me is the big missing link within Designer and the major reason I have chosen to not upgrade to 2.x.


You do not need the DXF importer to do what you want to do. You need to make true type fonts outside of Designer. That requires another graphics program where you can draw (or import graphics) to make fonts. Then your vector patterns can be brought into Designer as a new font and used as you would use text.

Absolutely the correct way to go about this


I posted this earlier but here it is again.

I use free versions of Scanfont 5 and TypeTool3 from fontlab.com. The free version overlays their logo on half of the glyphs, but to work around I just copy and past to several character locations and use one of the clean characters.


Convert image to black and white bitmap.
Launch Scanfont 5.
Tools - Options - Outline font editor, check Export outline font into VFB file.
Open the image.
Export. Select a file name.
Launch TypeTool3.
Select File - New.
Open the VFB file.
Copy and paste the glyph to several character positions. (Left click on the new glyph, the right click and select Copy. Left click on character A, then right click and select Paste. Repeat for B etc.)
File - Info - Names and copyright. Enter a name. Select Style name - regular. Press Build Names. Select File - Generate font.
Install the font.
Run Designer and use the newly-created font.

More info here: http://www.carvewright.com/assets/tips/CarveWrightTips_and_Tricks_May09.pdf

I have been using these two pieces of software for about 3 years now and they work flawlessly to import vector drawings as a font so you can correctly and accurately get your artwork to v-carve using Centerline.


Thanks Dick..... I downloaded the TypeTool3 just fine but there is an issue on their end for Scanfont5. And the online manual web page is missing.. I'm referring to the Mac version....

This is correct.. email them and they will send you a WINE version of ScanFont 5. It worked for me under the previous OS on Mac and it also still functions properly when run in Mac 10.9.1 - mavericks. You might have to show them a license that you purchased the original ScanFont package. I might be able to salvage the WINE version from my downloads folder but I doubt I still have it so you can install it. They are pretty easy going but contacting them through their website can be tricky because their contact form insists you have a serial number for the software you are seeking help with. You can email them directly here : techsupport@fontlab.com

[mtylerfl]

DXF would be a waste of money for his needs.. I had looked into this a while back when the add-on came out but you are stuck with using the Depth Profiles in the software and that would mean making an exact replica of a vector drawing is probably not possible.. and if it is you would really have to put a lot of effort into getting it correct.

Short term, he can convert intricate designs to a font and use the CW Centerline function to simulate a v-carve. No DXF Importer required for that (but will require additional software for creating the design and converting that design into font, as already pointed out).

However, you will see (and understand) in the future that DXF Importer will be a necessity for getting the v-carve vector designs into Designer that were created in third-party programs (like CorelDraw, Illustrator, InkScape). I use the DXF Importer on nearly every project I create for CarveWright. I can draw quickly and with precision in programs specifically optimized for vector design. After creation, the DXF Importer is a very easy way to bring that precision into Designer!

[liquidguitars]

Until you get the freeware don't be afraid of making your own vectors in Designer they work well. From a design point your almost better off.

If your hard core like me i would use " import image" and hand trace the vectors then assign " Depth profile" where needed once you master its not that much work. as a bonus you will see fast carves times like center line...


I can draw quickly and with precision in programs specifically optimized for vector design.

I like Designer's vector tools they are important to understand especially if your using the 3D tools like the " Sweep tool"

[Ton80]

Short term, he can convert intricate designs to a font and use the CW Centerline function to simulate a v-carve. No DXF Importer required for that (but will require additional software for creating the design and converting that design into font, as already pointed out).

However, you will see (and understand) in the future that DXF Importer will be a necessity for getting the v-carve vector designs into Designer that were created in third-party programs (like CorelDraw, Illustrator, InkScape). I use the DXF Importer on nearly every project I create for CarveWright. I can draw quickly and with precision in programs specifically optimized for vector design. After creation, the DXF Importer is a very easy way to bring that precision into Designer!

I see you are revealing a bit more info here ;)

So, without getting too deep into what I need specifically to make the switch over to CW software to handle my vector based carves, will the fact that the DXF importer is required mean that I would be able to "split" my vector images into two halves for placement on a set of cabinet doors? I have specific examples and requirements that I would be happy to share with you for relay to LHR if you think they are interested and I could PM you that info, along with current problems that have kept me from updating to 2.x

[liquidguitars]

I would be able to "split" my vector images into two halves for placement on a set of cabinet doors?

you can do this with 2.0 without the dxf importer.

[Ton80]

I asked someone to test this for me and it doesn't work the same way a pattern will. In other words, the machine attempts to carve the vector info that is overhanging the project board...

For a history of this issue look up the thread I called " Curious machine behavior " and you should find a thread with a movie of what happens when you overhang a vector the way it would if you needed to place it across two project doors - like you would if placing a project across two cabinet doors.

I hate to hijack someones thread since we seem to be veering of track of the original conversation but I would certainly like to see what it is you are referring to when you say it's possible to do this already. Maybe PM me and we can start a new thread more specific to the topic?

[Ton80]

Thanks Dick..... I downloaded the TypeTool3 just fine but there is an issue on their end for Scanfont5. And the online manual web page is missing.. I'm referring to the Mac version....


Did you ever get the WINE version of ScanFont5? I found in while cleaning out my download file and can post it for you... it's 75MB so it will have to go to my dropbox account for you to grab it. PM me if you want it.

[FWMiller]

I posted this earlier but here it is again.

I use free versions of Scanfont 5 and TypeTool3 from fontlab.com. The free version overlays their logo on half of the glyphs, but to work around I just copy and past to several character locations and use one of the clean characters.


Convert image to black and white bitmap.
Launch Scanfont 5.
Tools - Options - Outline font editor, check Export outline font into VFB file.
Open the image.
Export. Select a file name.
Launch TypeTool3.
Select File - New.
Open the VFB file.
Copy and paste the glyph to several character positions. (Left click on the new glyph, the right click and select Copy. Left click on character A, then right click and select Paste. Repeat for B etc.)
File - Info - Names and copyright. Enter a name. Select Style name - regular. Press Build Names. Select File - Generate font.
Install the font.
Run Designer and use the newly-created font.

More info here: http://www.carvewright.com/assets/tips/CarveWrightTips_and_Tricks_May09.pdf

I've downloaded Scanfont and TypeTool3. I was happy to see there were no problems with Windows 8 and have been able to successfully convert several images to fonts and place in a project. I have however run into a couple of images that when I try to increase the size of the font character to a size that is legible the images disappears in designer. This rose I was able to successfully stretch to about 7x7".
73561
However when I create this lilly I can only stretch it to just under 2x2" or the image disappears in designer. Is this image to large or detailed to work using this process? Any suggestions on different settings to make it work?
73562

Thanks,

Frederick

[bjbethke]

I've downloaded Scanfont and TypeTool3. I was happy to see there were no problems with Windows 8 and have been able to successfully convert several images to fonts and place in a project. I have however run into a couple of images that when I try to increase the size of the font character to a size that is legible the images disappears in designer. This rose I was able to successfully stretch to about 7x7".
73561
However when I create this lilly I can only stretch it to just under 2x2" or the image disappears in designer. Is this image to large or detailed to work using this process? Any suggestions on different settings to make it work?
73562

Thanks,

Frederick

That image worked with my High-Logic Font Creator, If the image that you load in the font creator is very large - that can happen.

[FWMiller]

That image worked with my High-Logic Font Creator, If the image that you load in the font creator is very large - that can happen.
Thank you very much. I'll play around with changing sizes and resolution on my images and see if that gets around it. I'm guessing that it's not a limitation of the software but just what I'm giving it. At least I now know that it doesn't have anything to do with the characteristics of the picture.