File Prep

Preparing your file for Vector Cutting (cutting through material)

1. Use Inkscape (free) or another vector graphic program like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
2. Vector cuts need a stroke (or outline) on your objects’ path. Set the stroke to black and the width to .001”.
3. “Save As” your file in PDF format. Try to limit filename to 8 characters or less.
4. Copy PDF onto our PC next to the laser (use SD card, USB Drive or Google Drive or similiar)
5. Double-click file to launch in Adobe Acrobat PDF Viewer, then hit CTRL+P to print
6. At Print Dialog Screen, Click on “Properties” tab (top-center)
7. At Epilog Dialog Screen, Click on “Advanced”
8. Click once onto chosen Material & Setting, then Click “LOAD”
9. Click on General Tab to return to Epilog Dialog Screen
10. Review speed and power settings
11. Adjust size of your project (bottom-center)
12. Click OK
13. Back at Printer Dialog Screen, verify thumbnail looks accurate. Verify “Actual Size” is checked, not “Fit”
14. Click PRINT
15. Go to Laser Control Panel on laser and select your job. Jobs are listed in the order they were sent and show the minutes and seconds each job will take.
16. After operation, take note of the minutes of laser time used and pay the makerspace $1 per minute via Paypal [email protected]

Preparing your file for Raster Engraving (for etching/engraving material)

1. Use any kind of graphics program you are comfortable with. Photoshop or GIMP (free) are popular.
2. Consider your DPI (or resolution). 300 or above is photo quality, but will also take longer to engrave.
3. Test our different Dithering modes for best quality with your art and material. Black-only art does not need a dithering setting, only grays.
4. Save your file as a PDF.
5. Prepare your laser cutter settings.