Library 21c:
(719) 531-6333 x1549
Library21cMake@ppld.org
East Library:
(719) 531-6333 x1372
EastMake@ppld.org
Sand Creek Library:
(719) 531-6333 x7018
SandCreekMake@ppld.org
Various graphics and vector software can be used for creating images for the laser cutters, CNC, and vinyl cutters. Generally speaking, vector files are used for any kind of cutting, as the cutting tool can simply follow the vector paths. Raster images are used for laser engraving and can be vectorized in files that can be used for cutting.
Inkscape is a free vector graphics program available on most operating systems. Inkscape can quickly create and edit line art and clipart, vectorize images, and export vector files into raster images.
Pros: Inkscape is a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator. Creating basic projects is typically fast and simple. Inkscape's vectorization module is one of the easiest and most effective available.
Cons: Because vector images are a completely different way of creating images than raster, there can be a learning curve for new users. Makerspace machines do not always work well with Inkscape, so often the files have to be exported into PDFs before sending to the machine.
Inkscape can be downloaded for free at:
PPLD teaches Inkscape through our in-person classes (which include badging).
Video tutorial series on learning the basics of Inkscape are available through LinkedIn Learning (login link below). The tutorials cover concepts from learning the user interface and basic functions to more advanced topics such as working with layers and filters.
Inkscape.org has a variety of tutorials in both written and video format.
GIMPGIMP is a free image and photo editor that is available on almost all operating systems. GIMP gives users an easy way of resizing, recoloring, cropping, rotating and otherwise manipulating images. Additionally, GIMP can work with transparencies, layers, and almost every type of image file available.
Pros: GIMP is, essentially, the free alternative to Photoshop. While it may not be quite as powerful as Photoshop, it will work for most users' needs. Most basic functions (e.g. resizing an image) are easy to do.
Cons: Because GIMP can do a lot, there is a fairly steep learning curve, especially for people new to graphic editing. For people used to Photoshop's layout, a lot of functions require learning a new interface.
GIMP can also be downloaded directly from their website:
Video tutorial series on learning the basics of GIMP are available through LinkedIn Learning (login link below). The tutorials cover concepts from learning the user interface and basic functions to more advanced topics such as working with layers and filters.
GIMP.org has a variety of tutorials that are categorized by topic.
Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) is one of the industry-standard software suites for creating media of all kinds. While the Creative Cloud has a large number of programs, the two that are most useful for creative projects for the laser cutter are Photoshop and Illustrator.
Pros: Adobe CC is the premier software for graphic design professions and is incredibly powerful. Additionally, Illustrator is available at all makerspaces for use with the laser cutter, so images made in Illustrator do not need to be imported into different software.
Cons: Adobe is not free (PPLD has limited copies available for patron use, see below). It also has a steep learning curve and can be difficult for people unfamiliar with the software to use efficiently.
Personal subscriptions can be purchased from Adobe's website. Student & educator discounts are available.
A variety of video tutorials are available through LinkedIn Learning (login link below). These tutorials cover everything from learning the interface to very advanced concepts and techniques. Users new to Adobe products should start with the One-on-One: Fundamentals series.
Additionally, Adobe has detailed user guides for all of their products.
Microsoft Paint is one of the most basic raster image editors available. It works well for basic shapes or lettering. The major drawback is that it cannot handle transparencies or high-DPI images.
Paint comes pre-installed with every version of Windows.
Paint.NET is, in many ways, an enhanced version of Microsoft Paint. It offers many features that Paint does not (including transparency and layers), but is not as complex as GIMP or Photoshop.
Paint.NET can be downloaded for free from getpaint.net
XnView MP is an image organizer, but also has many basic image editing tools such as crop, rotate, color adjustments, and format converters.
XnView MP can be downloaded for free (for personal use) from xnview.com
Inkscape is available at all PPLD makerspaces and can be downloaded for free. Open Inkscape and it will start with a new document. The first thing you need to do is resize it. The easiest way is to make the workspace the exact size of the piece that you’re working on, and make sure the piece is in the upper left corner of the cutting bed.
Click on Document Properties, located either in the File Menu or the right side of the upper toolbar. You can use whichever units you prefer, however the laser driver only works in inches, so it is generally best to switch that. Change your units if you want, and then set the document to be the right size.
Files can be brought into Inkscape in one of two ways.
Method 1: Open up Windows Explorer and navigate to where the files are stored, then drag the files into Inkscape. You can bring in multiple files at once.
Method 2: Go into the File menu of Inkscape and select Import, then select the file and click Open. If you want to import additional items, simply repeat the process.
Regardless of which method you use, once an image is imported, a window will pop up with several options. For the most part, the default options work, however it is important to be aware of the difference between embedding and linking files.
Embedding files can result in larger SVG files, however with modern computers and storage systems this is rarely a concern. The drawback to linking files is that if you put everything together on one computer and then forget to include the files when you bring them to the laser cutter computer, your project will not work. Either method is acceptable, however embedding is recommended.
Inkscape will allow you to layout images in various ways, including:
All of these options can be found either on the toolbar above the workspace or in the Object menu under Transform. There are also keyboard & mouse commands.
Keyboard shortcuts
Click on an image to get options to transform it. The easiest way is with the mouse - grab from the center to move, or from a corner to resize (hold Ctrl to keep everything in proportion). If you need more precise control, you can do so from the toolbar. If you select multiple images, Inkscape will create a single bounding box and treat all selected objects as a single object temporarily.
Once your image is arranged the way you want it in Inkscape, save the file as a .svg file. To do this, go to File and Save As. By the Save As Type option, choose Inkscape SVG (*.svg).
Once you have saved the file as a .svg file, you will need to save it as a PDF. To do this, go to File and Save As. By the Save As Type option, choose Portable Document Format (PDF). Click Save.
When the dialog box pops up, make sure that Use document’s page size has been selected. Once this is selected, click on Ok.
Minimize or close your Inkscape document.
Open the PDF. Go to File and Print.
Once the PDF is open, click on the Print icon (or go to File->Print or press Control+P). Do not change any settings in this windows, even if the preview looks wrong. First, make sure that "Epilog Engraver WinX64" is selected. It is the default printer. Next, click "Preferences" to open up Epilog's setting panel (see the Machine Settings page in this guide for details on what settings to use).
Once you've closed the Epilog settings screen, the preview should look correct. If it does not, double check the Epilog settings to make sure that you've updated the Piece Size. If everything looks correct, click Print to close the print dialog and send the job to the laser cutter.
Open Adobe Illustrator. You will see the option to create a new project or to open a project. If you are just beginning a project, click “Create new...” If you are opening a project that you were working on previously, click “Open.”
Like a page in a word document, the artboard is the area where you put your design in Illustrator. Click on Print to set the dimensions of the artboard.
If you chose to start a new project, you will be able to configure your artboard to the specific size you want. When using the laser, we suggest that your artboard be the same dimensions as the size of your material.
Adobe Illustrator will allow you to place and manipulate images in various ways, including:
All of these options can be found on the toolbar above the workspace as well as in the Object menu under Transformations. There are also keyboard & mouse commands. Keyboard shortcuts:
Once the images are laid out as needed, there are a few things to check before sending the project to the laser cutter.
When you’re ready to use the cutter, select Print from the File menu.
The Helix laser is installed as a printer in Windows, so projects can be sent to it using the print command. When you are ready to engrave or cut your project go to File→Print.
The Adobe Illustrator print driver will pop-up. One thing to be aware of, your print preview may not display how you would like it. That is because the Media size is determined by the Epliog print driver… We’ll get to that in a bit. The Printer option should be set to “Epilog EngraverWinX64.” Make sure that the Media Size option is set to “Defined by Driver,” also that Auto-Rotate option is not checked, that will help with the orientation of the document. Ignore all other specifications and options in this driver. Next, click the Setup button.
If a warning box about using the operating system's print dialog pops-up, click continue.
Make sure that Epilog Engraver WinX64 is highlighted, next click Preferences.
While there are general settings for most materials, everything works a little different and can be adjusted here.
First, and most importantly, make sure the Piece Size is exactly the same dimensions as the artboard in Adobe Illustrator.
If this is your first time working with a specific material, it’s best to keep the default settings. However, on subsequent projects, you can make adjustments to get the etching darkness and cutting depth more to your specific needs. Do not make extreme adjustments, as putting the settings too high creates a risk of fire and/or damaging your material. Depending on the material, 5% - 10% is a good starting point.
Make sure “Send to Laser” is checked and the other three boxes are unchecked. Do not use Auto Focus under any circumstances.
You can communicate with the machine whether it is a raster, vector, or combined by selecting the job type. Remember that you must have the vector lines at .001, otherwise it will not cut. The laser will give the message “Done.”DPI can generally be left at 600, unless your raster images were created at 1200 DPI. Increasing it will not have a noticeable effect on quality but will take twice as long. Lowering the DPI reduces etching time but lowers the quality. Low DPI is necessary for delicate materials such as fabric, paper, and thin glass.
Leave Engrave Direction on Bottom-Up, Vector Sorting on Optimize, and Frequency Automatic off.
You will now be directed back to the Adobe Illustrator print driver. It's okay if your print preview is still not displaying properly. To ensure that your settings are set-up correctly though, click Print, that will close the window, then go to File→Print to open the Adobe Illustrator print driver again and make sure that the Media size is now the same as the Document size. You will then be using Job #2 displayed on the laser not Job #1!