Week 02 — Computer-Aided Design

0. Overview

This week focuses on exploring and documenting computer-aided design (CAD) tools. According to the Fab Academy requirements, the goal is to model in 2D/3D (raster, vector), document the process with screenshots, compress media when needed, and publish original design files.

In this first iteration, I document my vector design workflow using Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape. Raster and 3D workflows will be added as I continue the assignment.

1. Vector Design

Vector graphics are based on mathematical paths (not pixels), which makes them ideal for digital fabrication workflows such as laser cutting, CNC, and documentation diagrams. In this section I compare two vector tools: Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.

Adobe Illustrator

Vector label layout and raster-to-vector conversion

A5 layout + offset path + curvature tool + image trace + composition with QR (SVG).

Step 1 — Setup and open vector file

I opened Adobe Illustrator, created a new document using an A5 artboard, and then opened an existing .ai logo file via File → Open.

Illustrator - new A5 document and opening .ai file — ai1 — New A5 artboard and opening an existing .ai logo file.

Step 2 — Offset path and contour shaping

I selected the logo and created an external contour using: Object → Path → Offset Path with a value of 3 mm and rounded corners. Then, I used the Curvature Tool to build the top contour of the A5 layout based on the logo silhouette.

Illustrator - offset path and curvature tool contour — ai2 — Offset Path (3 mm) + Curvature Tool to shape the contour.

Step 3 — Convert a raster icon image to vector (Image Trace)

I imported a raster image with social network icons and converted it into vector paths using: Image Trace, then Expand, and finally Ungroup. From the resulting vector shapes, I kept only the WhatsApp and Instagram icons.

Illustrator - Image trace and expand to get vector icons — ai3 — Image Trace → Expand → Ungroup to extract editable vector icons.

Step 4 — Final composition (logo + icons + QR + gradient)

I arranged the elements with the Selection Tool, added the StartUPS logo, and applied a Gradient to simulate a gold tone. I also imported a QR code as an .SVG, so it remained fully editable as vector geometry. Finally, I built additional rectangles and shapes using Illustrator’s geometry tools and adjusted dimensions to match the layout.

Illustrator - final vector label design — ai4 — Final A5 vector composition: logo + offset + icons + SVG QR + gradient.

Download original file: label.ai

Inkscape

Bitmap vectorization + mirror + matrix layout

Import bitmap → Trace Bitmap → mirror → compare raster vs vector → 2×4 grid.

Step 1 — Import raster image

I downloaded a raster image and imported it into Inkscape to practice vectorization tools.

Inkscape - imported raster image — insk1 — Importing a raster image into Inkscape.

Step 2 — Vectorize bitmap (Trace Bitmap)

To convert the raster image into vector paths, I used: Path → Trace Bitmap. This generated a scalable vector version of the image.

Inkscape - Trace Bitmap menu — insk2 — Path → Trace Bitmap to generate vector paths.

Step 3 — Mirror and comparison

I duplicated the vectorized result, applied a mirror transformation, and placed the original raster and the vector output side by side to compare quality and structure.

Inkscape - raster and vector comparison with mirror — insk3 — Mirrored version + raster vs vector side-by-side comparison.

Step 4 — Build a matrix (2 rows × 4 columns)

To build a matrix layout, I selected the objects and used: Object → Align and Distribute. Then I arranged the items into a grid of 2 rows and 4 columns.

Inkscape - align and distribute matrix — insk4 — Creating a 2×4 matrix using Align and Distribute.

Download original file: vectorize.svg

2. Status and next steps

At this stage, I completed and documented the vector workflow in two different tools. Next, I will add:

Raster design: GIMP / Photoshop exercises + compression workflow.
3D design: modelling (SolidWorks / Inventor / Onshape / FreeCAD) and exports.
Compression evidence: before/after file sizes for images/videos.
Original files: upload and link all source files used each week.

3. Checklist (Week 02)

✅ Modelled experimental objects in 2D (vector).
✅ Documented the process with screenshots and explanations.
⬜ Compressed images/videos (to be completed in raster section).
✅ Included original design files (label.ai, vectorize.svg).
⬜ Add raster and 3D workflows in the same page.