Embedded Files
STEP 1: FIND AN IMAGE FOR YOUR DESIGN
Find and download an image onto your device.
Tips on selecting an image ~
Pick an image with clear lines
Avoid large blocks of color– these will muddle the lines.
No background!
Black and white & mostly outlined images are ideal!
A good search engine is Pinterest, search (subject) flash tattoo outline
STEP 2: DOWNLOAD & OPEN THE STARTER TEMPLATE
Download the template here (http://tinyurl.com/hb25nj5c)
This template is sized according to the DCI Lab provided notepads, if you are using a different sized notepad, adjust the template accordingly.
Open the template in Adobe Illustrator by double-clicking on the downloaded file on your device.
STEP 3: PLACE YOUR IMAGE ONTO THE ART BOARD
With Adobe Illustrator open, locate "File" and click on "Place" in the dropdown.
After clicking on "Place" locate your image that you downloaded in Step 1. Double click on this image file.
Click anywhere on the white artboard to place your image
Resize your image to your liking by holding the "Shift" key on your keyboard and moving the arrows on the corners of your image
STEP 4: IMAGE TRACE YOUR IMAGE
Select the image trace tool
Depending on the quality and style of your image, the preset style of image tracing that you will use will be different. Play around with the different presets until your image is traced to your liking
** "Shades of Gray" and "Black and White Logo" presets tend to work the best
STEP 5: DELETE THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR IMAGE
While your image is selected, click the "Expand" button
Now, double-click on your image until all of it turns white. This means that the background is selected
Click the "delete" key on your keyboard to delete the background. Your image should be a bit opaque/transparent since you are viewing a layer above (see image to the very right for reference)
STEP 6: CHANGE THE STROKE OF THE LINES YOU WISH TO CUT
Select the lines/shapes that you wish to be laser-cut out.
Change the color of this line to a TRUE red (RGB value: 255, 0, 0)
Change the thickness of the line to 0.001
Continue step 6 for every single line that you wish to cut on the laser cutters!
RED LINES = cut
BLACK/GRAY LINES = engrave
STEP 7: LASER CUT!
You're file is ready to be laser cut!
Follow the DCI Lab laser cutting tutorial to cut/engrave your notepad cover.
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