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 Win-dows 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 graph-ics, 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 auto-matically trace bitmap images, and create vec-tored 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.