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I added an outline to several words in a sign layout to make them bolder. I "converted the outline to object". Now I have to select each letter, "break curve apart", and delete the excess lines inside of each letter in order to get a single cut line. This is very time consuming. Is there a quicker way to be able to cut the letters out of vinyl? Once I get a single line I will export to SignLab and cut. Thanks!
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1266 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Jean, try the contour tool, in x5 it's in the fifth group from the bottom on the tool list on the left. You can set the number of contours and size of contour in the settings across the top. Under arrange you will find 'break contour group apart' to delete the lettering
-------------------- Pete Payne Willowlake Design/Canadian Signcrafters Bayfield, ON
Do your contour on the lettering. Do not convert anything. While still holding onto the lettering & outline, hit Control-K (which will seperate the original lettering from the outline). Grab just the lettering & delete it.
Or am I completely missing what you're saying?
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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The "Contour" command will do what you want but isn't without its own set of issues. The biggest issue is on how it handles sharp angled points.
I don't think there is any perfect solution. More often than not, if I'm cutting vinyl I simply tranfer the original objects to SignLab/Omega/Flexi/Whatever and reassign the multiple contours there.
[ November 16, 2011, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: Glenn Taylor ]
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If you are having problems with the contour mismanaging sharp angled points you can try to do a very small fillet on it before running the contour. That will round your edges and sometimes eliminate those problems.
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That's true. But that brings up the issue of time and what is the quickest way to address the problem if there are a lot of sharp angled points to contend with.
Which would save more time? Convert outlines and manually edit as Jean is currently doing, manually fillet the corner as you suggest, or export to the vinyl software and let it handle it. They are all valid. Its a judgement call and you've just got to find what works best for you on a given project.
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i cut right from corel rather then wasting time moving to another cuttin program)))))) do like chris said. somehow your adding more steps then you need to do.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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You can also convert to curves, select all points, then the fillet tool and add a minimal fillet, which will do all at once. This keeps you from manually having to select all the points, however, it will also add a fillet to inside corners.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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You guys make it all sound sooooooo complicated, I am re-thinking even getting into the business!!!!!
Had to edit!!
Since not using CorelDraw to earn a living, just for "playing around" and helping out friends...I have learned a lot more of it's abilities. Funny how having "free time", free's one up to discover and learn.
[ November 16, 2011, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Dave Grundy ]
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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I use both the outline and "convert outlines to object" and contours, depending on what I'm working on.
One thing I like about Corel's outline tool is that I can adjust it so that the outline isn't uniform, allowing me to thicken the vertical strokes some letters more than the horizontal ones, keeping the integrity of the typeface intact.
The bad part is Corel is buggy about converting to object and when I break apart to delete the inner line caused by this process, the whole thing might break apart into numerous short sections on the inner and outer outlines. If I delete the inner portions and combine the outer, it might still be dozens of short sections. It would plot OK but is difficult to assign color for a drawing. Corel's "close path" tool won't necessarily join the adjacent open nodes and will generate a mishmash of crossing lines. I wish Corel would fix this. It would turn the adjustable width outlines into a powerful tool.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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