What's the easiest way to do this?

[ladyinblack1964]

I want to put a stroke around each of these labels, because I'm going to use an electronic die-cutting machine to cut them out, and the software won't recognize them because they are so light colored.

I know in PS, I can use the Marquee tool, then put a stroke around them.I think I'd have to do each one individually, though.

Is there any easier way to do this? Would I be better off doing this in InDesign, and if so, can I automate the process in that program?

Thank you very much!

[Bojan Živković]

So, you have x number of files for which you want to add stroke around? I guess these are all separate files. Another guess is that you want stroke on edge of canvas/file. You can automate using action. Record action with steps: Select > All and Edit > Stroke > Location Inside.

After recording this two step action you can batch process files using scripts like Image Processor Pro.

If you need any additional help do not hesitate to ask and provide more detailed description of your task if my guess was wrong.

[ladyinblack1964]

These are all on one page/file, a jpg. Sorry--I should have made that clear.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

You need to use Adobe Illustrator to create a stroke that your die cutting machine can recognize. It needs to be vector in format for the path, not raster.

[ladyinblack1964]

The machine I have is the Brother Scan 'n' Cut. I can print the file out first, then have the machine scan it. Or, could I not open the jpg in Illustrator and convert it to SVG?

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Place your image into Illustrator and add the die lines over the raster art.

The machine will print the raster image fine but the die cutting has to be vector.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

You dont have to convert the art to vector unless you intend to cut each of the patterns shown.

[ladyinblack1964]

I'm having trouble understanding how to add the die lines. I'm not very experienced in Illustrator. What is the simplest way to do it? Thank you!

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

If you are cutting out the edges of the labels (not the intricate artwork), go to File>Place and place your jpg image on the document.

Then go to the Rectangle Tool and choose no fill (backstroke key) and drag an outline around your label. You can adjust using the Selection Tool (black arrow) and the handles on the rectangle.

Then copy and paste to replicate for the other labels.

[Bojan Živković]

Exactly same thing can be done in Photoshop, by the way, no need to use Illustrator if it is not experienced.

[ladyinblack1964]

Thank you all for your help!

I'm going to do it in Photoshop.

[Bojan Živković]

I am not familiar with that kind of machnes nor with requirements. Read manual or wait for someone to provide you with more instructions because you can use Path drawing mode instead of shape layers without fill. Another thing to consider is file format, JPEG can handle paths but not and shape layers so use Path drawing mode and Paths panel instead of shape layers if you plan to save as JPEG. There are and other file formats which can handle paths or even to save layered files what all depends on what exactly you need to provide to particular machine.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

No - the machine needs vector recognized artwork. I have used this machine before.

[SG...]

Hi,

How precise are you needing to outline the labels? I used a 4 pixel, 100% hardness brush to manually outline the labels in a  screen capture of your image, using shift modified clicks to create straight lines.

Will that work for your needs?

regards,

steve

[ladyinblack1964]

Steve, I think that should work. I never thought of doing it that way. Thank you very much!