Not being too computer literate, I need help figuring out how to send a file that I created in SignLab (CDL) to another signmaker via email or disk so that he/she can cut it. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
SignLab is EPS. Converting the file to CDL is Bitmap. at best with SignLab5.
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
Welcome to Letterville Barbara. I see that this is your second post. We use Signlab 5 everyday and have plenty of things to export to other sign shops and also to our SignLab 3.2 machine.
First you need to determine what software the other person is going to be using to read and modify the file. Knowing that will lead to what file format they want the graphics and copy in.
If you get real lucky they have SignLab 5 (or 6). Just make a copy of your file (CDL file) and attach it to Email or copy it to diskette or CD and hand it to them. Don't forget to convert all text to curves. If they don't have the font(s) you have used this is the best way to go.
If they are using SignLab 3.2 or 4 that won't work. We would export the file (convert it) to AI or EPS format then Email, CD or diskette it to the other party. Generally EPS works better. The SignLab AI exporter adds a lot of nodes and divides letters with centres (like a,d,g,p,q, A,B,D,O,P,Q,R) into 2 or 3 objects. Then you have to weld them together.
If the other party is going to use Illustrator sending a AI or EPS file (export) usually works. CorelDRAW can also take in AI or EPS files. There is software that comes with SignLab 5 that will allow you to export directly to a CorelDRAW file. We do not have it installed on our system but I belive there is information in the online help and the help manual as to installing it and using it.
Going to Gerber systems (for Edge printing) seems tricky. There is no direct path to the Omega Edge printing software that I am aware of. We have done it via AI or EPS files in the pass but be prepared to lose parts of the design in the two step translation (This is like an American and a Japanese person trying to communicate with each other in German!)
Hope I have touched on the target software you need.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Welcome to Letterville Barbara, I have SignLab Colormaster 5.0 and I find ungrouping all objects before exporting to an AI works for me. I also use CorelDraw 9. I find files converted in CorelDraw are more compatible with other sign programs. I usually ungroup all the objects in my SignLab file, export as an AI. Then import AI file into CorelDraw 9 then export to EPS,AI,or whatever is compatible with the sign program you are sending the file to. Chuck, I never had a problem with the letters with centers being divided.I have had problems sending CDL files to SignLab 4.95.Converting to AI works best SignLab to SignLab for me. I would be happy to convert the file for you also Barbara. Just email it to me. Judy
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