IMPORTING GRAPHICS INTO

IMPORTING GRAPHICS INTO
Bitmap Graphics -- technically called raster images -- use a grid of colors
known as pixels to represent images. Bitmap images are resolution-dependent -- that is, they
contain a fixed number of pixels. As you zoom in, the image will become more and more jagged
or “pixellated”.
Bitmap images ,which include .jpg,.gif. tiff file formats are the most common form of graphics
found on the internet. These are the files that you can “right-click” and save onto your computer.
Unfortunately, ComputerCut does not work with these file types.
Ford logo saved from
the internet, in a .jpg
format, as seen in Windows Picture Viewer.
The same logo zoomed to 300% of original size. Pixellation
becomes more evident.
Vector Graphics Drawing programs such as Adobe Illustrator create vector graphics, made of lines and curves defined by mathematical objects called vectors. These vectors are the
paths that are used by plotters to cut film, vinyl, and other materials.
A vector graphic is resolution-independent -- that is, it can be scaled to any size and printed, or cut
on any output device at any size without losing its detail or clarity. As a result, vector graphics are the
best choice of file type for cutting graphics that must retain crisp lines when scaled to various sizes -for example, logos, and window patterns.
Vectored graphics created in programs such as Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and FlexiSign, can
all be saved out in various file formats, with different file extensions, such as .cdr, .fs, .ai, and .eps.
All of these drawing programs have the capability of saving files in an Encapsulated Post Script
(.eps) file format. This format is the graphics industry standard, and is the format that works with
importing into ComputerCut.
Ford logo in Adobe Illustrator.
Vectored Ford logo zoomed
in 600% and showing only
vectors. Notice no loss in
quality (pixellation). These
vectors are the paths that
a plotter will use to cut an
image.
Converting Bitmaps to Vectors So how can ComputerCut dealers
get bitmap web graphics converted into something that can be used in ComputerCut?
First,ComputerCut dealers need to purchase a vector drawing software package. The most common
are Corel Draw, FlexiSign, and Adobe Illustrator. Each package has it advantages and dis-advantages.
Some have more features, some are more user friendly, and some are more cost effective. They all,
however, will do the job.
Most drawing programs have features that automatically trace bitmap images, and create vectored paths that can be used in ComputerCut.
The quality of these traces will vary depending
on the clarity of the original image, and the
program used.. The image to left shows the
results of an auto trace.
The better, but more time consuming way to
convert an image is to trace it manually using
the various drawing tools in the software. This
is similar copying an image using tracing paper
and a pencil. The image to the left shows the
result of a manual trace.