2D
Inkscape
Inkscape is an open-source software for vector files and 2D design. I like this program and use it all the time for laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and sketching.
So download the software here
Once it is installed, start the program.
- Open a new file and choose a size. I start with a DIN A4 format.
2. Here you can see the user interface (Dark mode looks nicer). On the right side, you see some drawing tools. On the left side, you see editing tools. At the top, there are tools you will use most of the time for editing.
3. Okay, let’s start creating: On the right side, you can find some geometric shapes. For my final project, I want a polygon.
At the top, change the number of corners and make sure it is not a star (unless you want it). Click in the window (on the paper) and make a second click if you have a good size for your polygon.
But don’t worry if it’s not the correct size. You can change it at the top. If you want an even size, close the lock.
I set the width to 500mm—very big. Too big for a DIN A4 format. So I change my format. How does that work?
4. To change the format or other document settings, click on “File” (on the top left) and select “Document Properties.”
Here, I change the format to A1.
5. Now, copy the object with a right-click. Another right-click to paste it (you can also use the shortcuts CTRL+C / CTRL+V).
Make sure you have two objects. If there is only one, make sure one is not placed exactly on top of the other: Click on the object and move it away.
6. Change the size of one of them to create a frame. I set it to 400mm to make a bigger frame.
But now it is not centered…
7. Center the smaller polygon inside the bigger one. First, click the smaller one (this will move), and while holding the Shift key, click the bigger one (which will stay in place).
At the top right, you can align the objects.
8. Now I want a nice icon in the middle. I am not a media designer, so I search for a black-and-white icon on Google. I chose a minimalist bee.
There are two options to bring the bee into Inkscape:
- The fastest way: Copy the image and paste it into Inkscape.
- If you want to keep the image for later: Save it and import it (File > Import).
Here, you can see that I resized and centered it. These are steps I showed you before. If you don’t remember, check the previous steps.
9. Create a vector file. You don’t want a pixel graphic for laser cutting or vinyl cutting. You need a vector graphic.
So, click on the image, go to “Path,” and select “Trace Bitmap.”
A new window will open on the left where you can adjust the bitmap settings. In this case, I use “Brightness cutoff.” If you are happy with the preview, click “Apply.”
Now you have one vector bee above the pixel bee (they look like one). Move one bee to the side, and you will see that one is the pixel version. Delete the pixel bee if you don’t need it anymore.
10. Do you remember how to center the bee in the middle of the polygon? But first, group the two polygons: Select both and right-click to choose “Group.” Then, you can center them like in step 7.
11. If you want to check whether it is a vector file, click on the left side on the “Edit paths by nodes” tool.
Click on your object: You will see the path points on your object.
12. But the polygons must also be converted to a vector. So, select the polygons, go to “Path,” and click “Object to Path.”
So you got it! But don’t forget to save it as an SVG file.
13. Open “File” and click “Save As” (SVG). If you need a different file format, use “Export.” I use SVG for vinyl cutting, but for laser cutting, I need a DXF file.
If you need my SVG file, click here: SVG file
Alles klar! Hier ist dein Text mit den nummerierten Überschriften im ursprünglichen Format:
Adobe to Affinity for a Pixel Graphic
In this tutorial, I will explain step by step how I switched from Adobe Photoshop to Affinity Photo due to language issues. Then, I will demonstrate how to create and color a polygon, insert a JPG image, cut it out, and place it.
1. Problem with Adobe Photoshop
I wanted to change the language in Adobe Photoshop, but unfortunately, it was not possible.
Tried Solutions:
Changing the language in Preferences → Not available > only in German
Switching the language via Adobe Creative Cloud App → Required a reinstall, which was not practical
Since there was no quick solution, I decided to use Affinity Photo as an alternative.
2. Switching to Affinity Photo
I downloaded and installed Affinity Photo as it is a powerful alternative to Photoshop and suits my needs well. Link to affinity photo software
Changing the language was so easy, by the way.
3. Creating a Polygon
Open a new document
File → New → Set desired size and resolution.
I chose a DIN A4 format, but you can choose whatever you need.
Select the Polygon Tool on the left side.
Set the number of sides (e.g., 5 or 6) in the top menu. There are some options you can choose.
Draw the polygon on the canvas and drag it to the desired size or change the size in the right under menu.
Change the fill color. I changed the color to purple.
Select a color from the top color bar or define it in the right color panel.
Adjust the stroke (optional).
Add a stroke or adjust the line thickness if needed.
4. Adding Some Text
On the left side, there is the Text Tool
.
Create a text frame inside the polygon and write your text.
I used my final project name.
You can also change the font and size.
5. Inserting and Cutting Out a JPG Image
I chose my bee icon again to see the difference between a vector and a pixel graphic.
File → Place → Select the desired JPG image or drag it into the program.
Drag and scale the image onto the canvas.
Here, you can see what a pixel graphic is. It doesn’t have sharp lines or paths. Instead, it’s composed of individual colored pixels.
Select the Selection Brush Tool on the left side.
Click on Subtract and set the pixel size.
Move over the parts you want to remove.
Make sure you have a different background color under the object to see what you are actually cutting off.
If there are parts you want to keep, change the setting to Add.
Click Refine to improve the selection.
You have different options. I changed it to overlay and Mask.
If you use a mask, you can edit the object later.
Click apply when you’re happy with the selection.
Place the cut-out image (your free bee or any other object) in the desired position, adjust the size, and you’re done! 🎉
6. Exporting the Final Image
If you are finished, you can save the file as an Affinity file or, like me, as a JPG with the export button:
File → Export → Choose format (JPG, PNG, etc.) → Name it → Save it
Here you can download my jpg file
