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M
mike_contour4
Participant
March 2, 2017
Question

Creating single vector contour vinyl cut line Ai file from contour hand drawing?

  • March 2, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 3077 views

Hi,

What is the most direct way to prepare a file in Ai of a ballpoint single contour line drawing of overlapping shapes, vectorize it, and make a Ai file that does not read the thickness of the line as a shape but a single cutting line for the vinyl cutter to read? I'm using the vinyl for masking and painting purposes and am in need of sharp edges as I peel away the vinyl and paint the interior shapes made by the larger overlapping ones. Unfortunately, I keep making Ai files that want to cut both sides of the thickness of contour no matter how small I calibrate the thickness of the line. Thank you for any help! Best, Mike

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2 replies

PrepressPro1
PrepressPro1
Legend
March 2, 2017

When I make a file for cutting shapes I just take all vector shapes and Outline, Expand, and Unite. I even recommend setting up an action that does this in one step if you do this a lot. I don't try and have the cut follow stroked vectors, rather for cut files it should be one single object as to not confuse the cutter where to go. Hope this helps.

    M
    mike_contour4Author
    Participant
    March 3, 2017

    Thank you so much for this helpful advice. Under "View" both the "outline" and "expand" commands were speedy and direct (thank you) but after an extensive search I do not see the "Unite" command you mentioned. Also, as you can probably tell I'm only a month into the program. 

    Doug A Roberts
    Community Expert
    Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 3, 2017

    'unite' is a Pathfinder operation; open up the Pathfinder panel to see it.

    Sue Garibaldi
    Sue Garibaldi
    Inspiring
    March 2, 2017

    Hi Mike,

    I think you're wanting/needing to be in the Illustrator forum. I can move your post, but I wanted to check first that you're not using Adobe Draw (our mobile app).

    Let me know and I'll move your post so you can get your questions answered.

    Sue.

    M
    mike_contour4Author
    Participant
    March 2, 2017

    Sue,

    Thank you for your help and moving my post for better feedback. Thank You!

    Best, Mike

    On Thu, Mar 2, 2017 at 9:15 AM, Sue Garibaldi <forums_noreply@adobe.com>

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