Bitmap Vectorization
With Xyron Create and Cut Plus you can import bitmap files on your computer such as a
photographs or raster illustrations. You also have the option to scan directly into your document
using your scanner. Bitmap files cannot be cut on your Xyron Wishblade or any other digital cutter.
Cutting requires a vector graphic. Xyron Create and Cut Plus allows you to import a bitmap file
and automatically trace it. This autotrace procedure converts the bitmap into a Vector graphic so
you can cut it on your Wishblade or other digital cutters.
Autotrace Bitmap
You must first open or import a bitmap file into the software. Select the File Menu and
choose Import or Open. Browse to the location of the bitmap file on your computer and
select Open.
Select the Autotrace button or choose the
Bitmap menu and select Vectorize/Autotrace.
The cursor changes to an arrow with a
rectangle attached to it. Click or Click and Drag
the cursor over areas of the bitmap. Results
vary with the type and quality of image you
use. An image with more defined edges and
higher resolution will produce the best results.
If you are unhappy with your results, you can
make adjustments in Design Central and the
use Autotrace again until you get the desired
effect. You can use the Edit Point tool to make
changes and clean up the image as well.
Autotrace Options in Desgin Central
Making adjustments in the Design Central
menu allows you to add more or less detail to
your autotrace.
Noise reduction
Helps adjust the amount of noise removed.
Noise is unnecessary bitmap dots usually in the
background. Setting to Most takes away the
maximum amount of noise. Setting to None
will not remove any noise.
Corners
If your object is very linear, such as a building, you may set this option to Most. If it is a very curved
object set it to None.
Resolution
Resolution allows you to trace using the full resolution of an image or 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 of its
imported resolution. If you wish to lower the resolution of the bitmap file, change the resolution
to 1/4 or 1/8. If lowered, the tracing is quicker and produces fewer vector control points, however,
the trace quality will be less actuate. If you wish a more accurate trace change it to optimum.
Tolerance
Tolerance is how closely the tracing follows the bitmap. You can enter numeric values from 0
to 100%. To obtain more detail (and add more vector points) keep the Tolerance set to a lower
number. For less detail (and fewer vector points) set it to a higher number. The lower the number
(under 50), the more complex the vector graphic will be. In most cases setting this option higher
(70 – 90) will create the best results and a smoother graphic. Lower values will often cause jagged
edges to appear.
Corner Style Button
Adjusts how corners are traced. Sharp allows for the sharpest corners.
Color Swatch
Determines the color of the finished traced objects, this is great for layering.
Reverse Image Button
Traces white (or light) areas rather than the black(or dark).
By doing autotrace multiple times and trying different settings you will get the best results.
TIP: You will get best results by tracing a high contrast bitmap file. For example if
you took a photograph into the sun it would creating a high contrast silhouette of
the subject. Or, if you photographed a white polar bear in front of a dark rock you
would have similar results. Most photo editing software allows you to increase the
contrast of the photo consider doing so before autotracing.
Editing Autotrace
You can edit your Autotraced graphic by using
the Bezier Path Tool and the Edit Point tool.
Click on the traced graphic after you have
selected one of these tools. You will notice
there are a series of vector control points along
the lines making up your traced graphic. The
illustration is an enlarged portion of a traced
image with the Bezier Path Tool Selected.
Moving and Editing Vector Control Points
Select the Edit Point tool. Click on one or hold down the shift key to select multiple vector points.
Drag the point(s) or its control handles to the desired location. If you click on the Delete key on
your keyboard while a point is selected it will delete that point.
Adding to the Traced Graphic
Sometimes areas do not have enough contrast and do not trace properly. You can draw those
portions in with the Bezier Path Tool. Select the Bezier Path tool and Click or click and drag to set
a vector point. Move your mouse and click to add additional points and create a path. To close an
open path, select the Bezier Path Tool and select one of the end points of the line or curve and
select the Close Path button in Design Central. To add this to a portion of the traced image, select
both with the select tool. Make sure both paths overlap and select the Weld button.
Cutting Autotraced Bitmap
You can cut Autotraced vector outlines either by using the Print and Cut option (instructions
follow), or by directly cutting it. To directly cut, first assign a different color fill or stroke to each
part of the autotraced outline. This will allow you to cut on different papers or other media. Click
the cut button and follow the instructions for cutting (instructions follow).
Direct Scanning into Create and Cut Plus
Scanning lets you to convert a printed image into a computerized image. You can scan directly
into Xyron Create and Cut Plus. In order to scan, you must have a scanner attached to your
computer and you must also have the proper TWAIN drivers loaded. The manufacturer of the
scanner provides the drivers usually from an installation CD or from their website. Your scanner
should be equipped with set up instructions. If not consult the manufacturer’s website for
updated instructions and drivers.
• You must have the scanner and the TWAIN driver installed to scan. TWAIN is an interface for
acquiring images from scanners and digital cameras.
• Make certain your scanner is on and connected to your computer.
• Place your photo or illustration on the scanner bed.
• If you have more than one TWAIN device, select the File menu and choose Acquire Image.
Then choose TWAIN Select. Select the scanner you are using from the list. If only using one
TWAIN device proceed to step 4.
• From the File menu, choose Acquire Image then select TWAIN Acquire.
• Follow your scanner’s instructions.
• After your image is scanned, a box showing the scanned image is displayed.
• Move the box to the desired location within the design area and click to place the image.
NOTE: For the best results with Scanning and Tracing, scan the image in grayscale (256 gray) at 300 - 600 DPI. Higher resolutions will create more vector control points when traced adding to the complexity and memory. Scanning at these
resolutions will result in smoother paths when cutting. Grayscale scanned images
will produce better results when tracing than full color scans.
Print and Cut
Print and Cut allows you to import/open a file in Xyron Create and Cut Plus, print it out and then
cut it out. For this example, we will take the photo of the bird we traced in the Autotrace section,
then overlay the autotraced outline. Print it on our printer and cut it out with our Wishblade. This
creates a cut out of the printed bird a great embellishment.
Preparing Files for Print and Cut
Import or open your bitmap file in Xryon Create and Cut Plus. Scale the bitmap to the proper size
by dragging one of the control corners or changing the numeric values in Design Central size tab.
Creating a Rectangle or Ellipse Contour Cut
Choose the Contour Button or Select the Effects Menu and choose Contour Cut. Notice
Desgin Central changes.
For a Rectangle Cut:
• Change the Contour box to “Rectangle”
• Adjust the Horizontal and Vertical size of the
cutout or Drag one of the corner control points
to change the size of the rectangle.
• When properly sized click on the green check
mark to set the rectangle contour.
For an Ellipse or Circular Cut:
• Change the Select Contour box to “Ellipse.”
•
Adjust the Horizontal and Vertical size of the
cutout or Drag one of the corner control points
to change the size of the Ellipse. Enter the
same Horizontal and Vertical values to cut a
perfect circle.
• When properly sized click on the green check
mark to set the ellipse contour.
Creating a Contour Cut
Contour Cut lines cut the exact lines or shape you specify. It allows you to use the vector outline
you created using the Autotrace option to cut around the edges of a bitmap. Additionally you can
draw or import another shape of your choice and have that cut out of the bitmap. For example,
you can draw a flower or import a vector graphic of a tag shape and use that as your contour line.
Choose the Contour Button or select the Effects Menu and choose Contour Cut. Design Central
displays the options shown in the following illustration.
For a Contour Cut:
Import/open your bitmap file. Then import a
vector outline and place it over the bitmap. In the
example, we placed the vector outline we created by
Autotracing it first. Then the unwanted portions were
deleted and edited with the Select Point tool.
• Change the Select Contour box to “Contour.”
•
Adjust the Offset. A negative offset will cut the
contour line inside the vector outline. Setting the
Offset to “0” will cut the contour line exactly
where the vector outline is placed. A positive
contour offset will cut outside the vector outline
leaving a border around the cut image.
• Select “With holes” if you would like the entire vector outline to cut as shown. To cut out just
the outside edges of the vector outline leave With holes unchecked.
• Select the Corner Type which tells the digital cutter to cut corners rounded or straight.
• When the Contour settings are complete, click on the green check mark to set it.
Registration/Contour Marks
Once the Contour line settings are complete you must add Registration Marks or Contour Cut
Marks in Xyron Create and Cut Plus. The Wishblade has an optical reader and uses these marks to
cut accurately. This step will place three registration marks around your image.
Select the Effects Menu and choose Contour Cut
Marks. Design Central shows the following options:
• The first box selects the type of Contour Cut Lines
your digital cutter reads. Choose CraftRobo if you
are going to cut with your Xyron Wishblade
•
Select the Contour/Registration Mark Offset to
move the marks. You will need to have at least 1
inch between the registration marks and the edge
of your paper on both sides. Manipulate this
number until you achieve that distance.
Tip: Move the Contour Cut/Registration Marks so they print off the bitmap area.
The Optical Reader on your Wishblade reads by viewing the contrast of the black
Contour Cut Marks against the paper, so it is important to allow as much contrast
as possible. For the best results, we recommend printing on white or very light
colored paper or cardstock.
Printing
Before you can cut, you need to print! Go to the File Menu and choose Print. This will send the
image to your personal printer The registration marks will need to be printed clearly, so it is
advisable to choose a higher quality print option. Change any necessary options your Print dialog
menu.
Make sure your page’s scale options are set to 100%. Do not print Border’s or other linear Print
options, they will interfere with the optical eye’s attempt to read the registration marks.
Note: The illustration shows a sample Print dialog. Your printer’s dialog may vary
as different printers have different available options.
Contour Cutting
The Contour Cutting process requires loading your printed image with Registration/
Countour Cut Marks into your Wishblade. The Wishblade’s Optical Reader finds the marks
on the page and is able to cut exactly where you positioned your contour cut lines. The Optical
Reader works similar to a bar code reader. It shines a beam of light onto the page and looks for
the contrast of the black lines on the white (or very light) paper.
You will first need to place the printed image on your cutting mat or run it through the Xyron® 9”
Creative Station™ and then load it into the Wishblade. Open the lid to the Wishblade and begin
feeding the mat into the machine, making sure the side with the two registration marks goes in
first. The registration marks must be between the two rollers. If they are not within the rollers, the
optical eye will not be able to see them. Roll your paper into the machine until the tops of the
registration marks are just at the outer edge of the roller bar.
Now it is time to actually cut out the image in Xyron Create and Cut Plus:
•
Choose the Cut Contour button from the basic toolbar or from the File drop down menu. The
Cut Contour dialog will now be open. The tabs will appear different than the Cut Plot dialog.
The Panel tab is not visible and several of the options are grayed out and unavailable. The Cut
Contour dialogs are different for Windows and Mac, see samples of each below.
• Click Send. The optical eye will turn on and begin searching for the registration marks. Once
all three marks have been found, the Wishblade® will begin cutting out the image.
• If the registration marks are not found a “Read Port Error” message is displayed in the
Production Manager. Because all printers and room lighting are unique it may be necessary to
initially repeat the process while making adjustments each time.
Note: If your machine doesn’t seem to be recognizing the registration marks you
may need to move them around, by changing their position in Design Central, so
the optical eye can ‘find’ them. If you are using this feature in direct sunlight, or
a brightly lit room, it is advisable to close the Wishblade lid and attempt to decrease the light source to minimize optical interference.
Tip: If the registration marks did not print darkly, the Optical Reader may not
recognize them. Try going over them with a black felt tip marker to make them
darker.
Windows Cut Contour Dialogs
General Tab
Options Tab Advanced Tab
Mac Cut Contour Dialogs
General Tab
Advanced Tab