PATHTRACE MANUAL - Framers Corner Trace User Guide.pdf · PathTrace Manual: This is an on-line...

PATHTRACE MANUALRevision A

Software Version 5.4MatDesigner™

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Wizard™ International, Inc., 4600 116th St. SW, PO Box 66, Mukilteo, WA 98275 888/855-3335 Fax: 425/551-4350 wizardint.com

NOTES:

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MatDesigner™ PathTrace ManualWizard™ MatDesigner™ and CMC

ContentsHelp - Context Sensitive Help....................................................................7

Help Button on Menu Bar ....................................................................................7F1 for Help ............................................................................................................7Help Menu .............................................................................................................7

Help Screen ...............................................................................................................8Contents ...............................................................................................................8Index .....................................................................................................................9Search ...................................................................................................................9Favorites .............................................................................................................10Print .....................................................................................................................10

Website ....................................................................................................................10Load the Design/the Image into PathTrace to Edit ................................10

Load the Design into PathTrace by one of the following: ...................................10Load from the MatDesigner Cut Preview .........................................................10Save the MatDesigner as a Path (then Load the Path into PathTrace) ......... 11Loading the Path / WCA / VCD / DXF Files into PathTrace ............................1�Load an Image in PathTrace to draw over .......................................................1�

PathTrace Menu Bar .................................................................................1�File ............................................................................................................................1�View ..........................................................................................................................1�Edit ...........................................................................................................................14Help ..........................................................................................................................14Status Bar ................................................................................................................14

Zoom Buttons ...........................................................................................15Tools Buttons ............................................................................................15Prep Design Tab .......................................................................................15

Join Segments: .....................................................................................................16

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Close Circuit: .........................................................................................................16Delete Object: ........................................................................................................17Merge Circuits: ........................................................................................................17Break Intersection:..................................................................................................18Tangify Segments: ..................................................................................................18Offset Circuit: ..........................................................................................................19Explode Circuit: .......................................................................................................19

Set Bevels Tab - Tracing the Design .......................................................�0Tracing the Design ..................................................................................................�0Select Bevel Type ....................................................................................................�0Select Cutting Side .................................................................................................�0Trace the Object ......................................................................................................�1Trace the Next Layer ...............................................................................................��

Save the Mat..............................................................................................��Loading the Mat to Cut .............................................................................��

Load from within PathTrace ...................................................................................��Load as a CutArt (WCA) file ...................................................................................��Load as a Path (PATH) file ......................................................................................�4

Order Cuts Tab ..........................................................................................�4Trace and Draw Tab ..................................................................................�6

Draw Line .................................................................................................................�6Draw Arc ..................................................................................................................�6Draw Oval.................................................................................................................�6Move Point ...............................................................................................................�7Copy Object .............................................................................................................�7Move Object .............................................................................................................�7Mirror Object ............................................................................................................�8Delete Object ...........................................................................................................�8Load Image ..............................................................................................................�8

The Lessons: Gaining Familiarity ...........................................................�9Lesson One: Adjusting an Opening Freehand ......................................�9

Design In MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................�9Move Point ..........................................................................................................�9Draw Line ............................................................................................................�0Explode Circuit ..................................................................................................�0Delete Object ......................................................................................................�0Join Segments ...................................................................................................�1Mirror Object ......................................................................................................�1Join Segments ...................................................................................................�1Offset Circuit ......................................................................................................��Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................��

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Trace, Save, Cut .................................................................................................��Lesson Two: Altering a Template ............................................................��

Design In MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................��Explode All .........................................................................................................��Delete Object ......................................................................................................��Offset Object ......................................................................................................��Delete Object ......................................................................................................�4Join Segments ...................................................................................................�4

Lesson Three: Camel V-Groove ..............................................................�5Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................�5Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................�6Trace the Design ................................................................................................�6Save, Cut ............................................................................................................�6

Lesson Four: Name Plate V-Groove .......................................................�7Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................�7Break Intersection .............................................................................................�7Delete Object ......................................................................................................�8Join Segments ...................................................................................................�8Trace the Design ................................................................................................�8

Lesson Five: CutArt on a different layer ................................................�9Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................�9Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................�9Trace the Design ................................................................................................�9

Lesson Six: Break a CutArt as a V-Groove ............................................40Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................40Explode Circuit ..................................................................................................40Delete Object ......................................................................................................41Join Segments ...................................................................................................41Draw Line ............................................................................................................41Mirror Object ......................................................................................................41Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................4�Trace the Design ................................................................................................4�

Lesson Seven: Stained Glass Window ...................................................4�Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................4�Break all Intersections ......................................................................................4�Join Segments ...................................................................................................4�Delete Object ......................................................................................................44Trace, Save, Cut .................................................................................................44

Lesson Eight: Doily ..................................................................................44Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................44

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Draw Line ............................................................................................................45Mirror Object ......................................................................................................45Delete Object ......................................................................................................46Break all Intersections ......................................................................................46Join Segments ...................................................................................................46Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................46Trace, Save, Cut .................................................................................................46

Lesson Nine: Load an Image ...................................................................46Load Image .........................................................................................................46Enter Width/Height of Image .............................................................................46Draw Arc / Draw Line .........................................................................................47Join Segments ...................................................................................................48Offset Circuit ......................................................................................................48Explode Circuit ..................................................................................................48Break Intersection .............................................................................................49Join Segments ...................................................................................................49Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................49Trace, Save, Cut .................................................................................................49

Lesson Ten: Multi-Layered Oval Inset ....................................................50Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTrace .................................................50Break All Intersections ......................................................................................50Zoom Buttons ....................................................................................................51Undo Button .......................................................................................................51Join Segments / Close Circuit ..........................................................................51Tangify/Convert to Splines ...............................................................................5�Trace, Save, Cut .................................................................................................5�


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MatDesigner™ PathTrace ManualThe PathTrace program allows you to further edit the current mat or a saved mat. You can draw around an image. You can change the bevel type. You can change the cutting order. You can even break objects and reconnect them. You can do much more. When you have finished editing the design, you will trace it for the MatDesigner to cut.

Help - Context Sensitive HelpThere are several methods to get to the Help Screen.

Help Button on Menu BarFor context sensitive help, click on the [?] on the Menu Bar. The cursor will change to a question mark. Click on the item you want more information on, such as the Cut Button on the Editor. This will open the Help Screen.

Fig A. Fig B.Fig A: Click on the [?]. Fig B: Cursor changes to a question mark.

F1 for HelpWhen an item is in focus, it is highlighted in yellow. Hit F1 to get information about the current item in focus. This will open the Help Screen.

Help MenuPathTrace Manual: This is an on-line version of this manual.

Fig C.Fig C: Help Menu

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Help ScreenThe Help screen will appear and display information about the current item. The current topic will be highlighted on the topics list on the left.

Fig D.Fig D: The Help screen.

ContentsYou can navigate through the help topics manually through the Contents Tab. Click on a topic to display the Help information. Click + to expand a topic; Click - to collapse it.

Fig E.Fig E: The Contents Tab on the Help screen.


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IndexYou can navigate through the help topics manually through the Index Tab. Double-click on a topic to display the Help information.ORType in a keyword to search for and click Display at the bottom of the screen.

Fig F.Fig F: The Index Tab on the Help screen.

SearchType in a keyword to search for and click List Topics. Select one of the Topics listed and click Display to display the Help information.You can also select the following search parameters at the bottom of the screen:

Search Previous ResultsMatch Similar WordsSearch Titles Only

Fig G.

Fig G: The Search Tab on the Help screen.

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FavoritesYou can save Topics in the Favorites Tab for future reference. With the desired topic dis-played, select Add at the bottom of the screen in the Favorites Tab. The new topic will be added to Favorites.Display the topics by clicking on it and selecting Display.Remove the topics from the Favorites tab by selecting it and selecting Remove (this does not remove it permanently, only from the Favorites List).

Fig H.Fig H: The Favorites Tab on the Help screen.

PrintClick the Print Icon at the top of the Help Screen to print the current topic.

WebsiteCheck out our website at www.wizardint.com. There you can find useful articles, manuals, and even a Webstore where you can purchase emergency Corners if you run out after hours.

Load the Design/the Image into PathTrace to EditYou have several options of getting the designs into PathTrace to further edit.

Load the Design into PathTrace by one of the following:- From the MatDesigner Cut Preview.- Save the MatDesigner mat as a Path (then Load the Path into PathTrace).- Load the Path / WCA / VCD / DXF files into PathTrace.- Load an Image into PathTrace to draw over.

Load from the MatDesigner Cut PreviewDesign the desired mat in MatDesigner and go to the Cut Preview (Fig A). Click PathTrace (Fig B) to load the current mat into PathTrace. You will be prompted to save the current mat before entering PathTrace (Fig C). This is recommended in case you need to start over.


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Click Yes to save the mat. Click No to not save the mat. Click Cancel to not bring the Mat into PathTrace. Click "Do not ask me again" checkbox to not be prompted in the future to save the mat before entering PathTrace.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.

Fig A: Design mat and go to the Cut Preview. Fig B: Click PathTrace. Fig C: Save the mat before using PathTrace.

Save the MatDesigner as a Path (then Load the Path into Path-Trace)

Save the MatDesigner file as a Path so that you can edit it in PathTrace.Design the desired mat in MatDesigner. In the Editor, click File then Save Path As (Fig A-B). Give it a filename and click Save (Fig C). Click OK on the ac-knowledgment (Fig D).

Do not use punctuation in your filename. Paths can be loaded into the PathTrace program (See Loading Path / WCA / VCD / DXF Files into PathTrace).

Fig. A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D.

Fig A-B: Select Path As. Fig C: Give it a filename. Fig D: Click OK on confirmation.

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Loading the Path / WCA / VCD / DXF Files into PathTraceYou can load the Path files (those saved from MatDesigner). You can load WCA files (Wizard CutArt). You can load some VCD Files. You can load some DXF files (Drawing Exchange Format) into PathTrace.

Start the PathTrace program (usually under Start > Programs > Wizard > Tools). Click File > Open (Fig A). Locate the desired file and click Open.

Fig A.Fig A: Click File Open to open files.

Load an Image in PathTrace to draw overStart the PathTrace program (usually under Start > Programs > Wizard > Tools). Click on the Trace and Draw Tab. Click Load Image (Fig A), select the desired image. Click Open to place the image on the background (Fig B). Enter the size of the image under Width/Height that you will draw (Fig C)

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.Fig A: Click Load Image. Fig B: Image appears on background. Fig C: Enter Width and Height of Image.

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PathTrace Menu Bar

FileOpen File: Opens a saved file. This includes Path Files, VCD, WCA, and some DXF files.Save File: Save the file.Save File As: Save the file under a new filename or a new file type.Cut Current Design: Bring the current design into MatDesigner to cut (remember to trace first).Clear Segments: Starts over with an empty design. This operation cannot be un-done.Clear Image: Removes the Image currently loaded into the background.Exit: Exit the program.

File Menu

ViewZoom All: View the entire drawing.Zoom Window: Draw a box around a specific area to zoom in to view.Zoom Previous: Return to previous view.View from Front: View the drawing from the front.View from Back: View the drawing from the back.Start Points: Displays an arrow showing the starting cut point of each object on the current layer.Cut Order Numbers: Displays the cut order of the current layer using numbers.

View Menu

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EditUndo: Undo the last command.Redo: Redo the last command.Convert Arcs to Splines: Converts circular and elliptical arcs to Bezier spline curves. Beziers can be tangified with less distortion.Break All Intersections: Break all intersecting lines/arcs. Breaks them at the intersec-tions where they cross one another.Tangify all Circuits: Smooths all connections between segments below a certain angle. This provides a smoother cutting transition between arcs. The angle can be specified. Click on the Prep Design Tab, select Tangify Circuits and enter in the Max Angle.Autojoin Segments: Have PathTrace automatically connect adjoining segments.Explode All: Breaks all objects into individual entities (i.e., one square will be broken into four lines, where each line can be edited separately).

Edit Menu

HelpPathTrace Manual: This is an on-line version of this manual.

Help Menu

Status BarThe left side of the Status Bar will display information about the current command (if ap-propriate). The right side of the Status Bar will display the size of the current editor window, which can be useful for determining the size of a CutArt, and whether you are viewing the current project from the front or the back.

Status Bar


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Zoom ButtonsZoom All: Moves the view outward so that you can see entire design.Zoom to Window: Allows you to draw a box around a specific area to zoom in to.Zoom to Previous View: Allows you to zoom in/out to the last view used

The Zoom Buttons

Tools ButtonsOpen File: Opens a new file to edit. You can load Path files (those saved from MatDesigner). You can load WCA files (Wizard CutArt) You can Load some DXF files (Drawing Exchange Format) into PathTrace.Save File: Save the current mat. The default file type is Wizard CutArt (WCA). Because of the flexibility of CutArt, this is the preferred method. Cut Current Design: Bring the current design to the Cut Preview Screen to cut. Remember to trace it first.Undo: Undo the last command. Undo does not include Zooms.

The Tools Buttons

Prep Design TabUse these tools on the Prep Design Tab to further edit the design. You can break the intersec-tions. You can join the intersections together. You can close the circuits. You can tangify the arcs. You can create a completely new design from the existing design. If you get undesired results, click Undo.

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Join Segments: Join Segments (Fig A) is used to connect two separate segments together.

Select Join Segments and click on the first segment. Object will turn white (Fig B). Click on the next segment. The two segments will now be connected together and both will be white (Fig C). Continue until you have all but the last segment connected. Click Close Circuit or R-clicking on the object will close the last segment (Fig D-E).

(NOTE: Selected segments below are not displayed in white for printing purposes).HINT: For objects that appear to be joined but still display white (untraceable), click Join Segments then R-click on the object. Or, click Close Circuit to see if that will join it.NOTE: Join Segments is a continuous function. It will attempt to join each object that you click on. Click Join Segments again to start a new series if you wish to join an object in a different way.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D. Fig E.Fig A: Join Segments button. Fig B: Click on the lower left line then the upper arc. Fib C: Both display white and con-nected. Fig D: Click the lower right line to connect to the upper arc. Fig E: Click the lower arc to connect to the lower

left line.

Close Circuit: Close Circuit (Fig A) will close the remaining gap of an object (last step to close an open-ing).

Select Close Circuit and click on the partial opening (Fig B). The opening should now be connected (Fig C).

HINT: For objects that appear to be complete but still display white (untraceable), click Join Segments then R-click on the object. Or, click Close Circuit to see if that will join it.


Fig A: Select Close Circuit. Fig B: Click on the opening. Fig C: The remaining Circuit is closed.


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Delete Object: Select Delete Object (Fig A) then click on the object to be deleted (Fig B). Object is deleted (Fig C).

NOTE: The rectangle displayed here had been exploded (using Explode Circuit). So, only one line was deleted, rather than the entire rectangle.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.Fig A: Click Delete Object Fig B: Click the object. Fig C: The Object is deleted.

Merge Circuits:Merge circuits (Fig A) will combine overlapping objects into a single object.

Click Merge Circuits. Click on an object; it will turn white (displayed here in contrast for printing purposes) (Fig B). Click on an intersecting object (Fig C). The two objects will merge (Fig D).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D.

Fig A: Click Merge Circuits. Fig B: Click first opening. Fig C: Click second opening. Fig D: Openings are merged.

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Break Intersection:In order to create some designs (like in Fig E), you will need to break an object in order to edit it. One of the easiest ways to do this is to have an intersecting (overlapping) object that you can break at the intersections. Then, use other commands to join them in the desired manner.

Click Break Intersection (Fig A). Click on an object; it will turn white (Fig B) (displayed here in contrast for printing purposes). Click on an intersecting object (Fig C). The objects are now broken where they intersected (Fig D). Each new object can now be edited separately. You can recon-nect them with Join Segments (Fig E).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D. Fig E. Fig A: Click Break Intersections. Fig B: Select the first opening. Fig C: Select second opening. Fig D: Objects are now

broken into separate pieces at the intersections. Fig E: You can connect these separate pieces together.

Tangify Segments:Tangify Segments (Fig A) smooths all connections between segments below a certain angle. This provides a smoother cutting transition between arcs.

Click Tangify Segments (Fig A). Enter the Max Angle or leave at default value (Fig B). Click on the object (Fig C). You will see any previously untangent arcs line up to each other (Fig D).

Do not enter too high of a number, or you will turn rectangles into ovals.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D.Fig A: Click Tangify Segments. Fig B: Enter the number of max angles or leave at default. Fig C: Select object. Fig D:

Object is now tangified


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Offset Circuit:Offset Circuit (Fig A) will create a duplicate new object at the specified distance in the Reveal box.

Click Offset Circuit (Fig A). Enter the desired Reveal (Fig B). L-click on the desired object (Fig C) to place the new Offset around the highlighted object (Fig D). R-click will place the Offset to the inside of the highlighted ob-ject.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D.Fig A: Click Offset Circuit. Fig B: Enter the Reveal amount. Fig C: Click or R-click on object. Fig D: Offset is placed.

Explode Circuit:Click Explode Circuit (Fig A) then click on the desired object (Fig B). The selected object will be broken into individual segments (Fig C). For instance, one square will be broken into four lines, where each line can be edited separately (Fig D-E).

Select another command, such as Join Segments. Move the cursor over the design and you can see that each entity of the design is now separated. Exploded, the design below consists of several arcs (Fig C). I can delete one if I desire (Fig D). HINT: You exploded the object and it is not breaking up where you want it to? Use the Draw Line command and draw two lines that intersect where you wish to break the object. Use Break Intersection. Delete the lines and edit the design as desired (Fig E).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D. Fig E.

Fig A: Click Explode Circuit. Fig B: Click on object. Fig C: Object will be exploded into individual segments. Fig D: Use Draw Line and Break Intersection to break up an object in a more specific manner.

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Set Bevels Tab - Tracing the Design

Tracing the DesignAfter editing the design, you must trace it for the MatDesigner to cut it. The tracing infor-mation includes the design itself, what bevel type to cut the design, the side you want to cut it on, and where you want it to start cutting. You will first select the Bevel type. Then you will select the cutting side. Then you will trace the object. If the design is more than one layer, you will change layer number before tracing the next layer.

Select Bevel TypeBefore tracing the object, select the desired Bevel type (Fig A). Default is Normal Bevel.

The bevel type selected will use the corresponding configuration when cutting (i.e., Reverse Bevel will use the Reverse Bevel Configuration). Choices are:

Normal Bevel - Standard bevelReverse Bevel - Reverse bevelNormal Drop - Standard bevel using the dropoutReverse Drop - Reverse bevel using the dropoutOutside of Mat - Outside Cut for nonstandard shaped mat (i.e., not a rectangle or oval outside shape)VGroove - V-GrooveOutGroove - Outside cut of a V-GrooveInGroove - Inside cut of a V-Groove

Fig A.Fig A: Select a Bevel Type

Select Cutting SideSelect the cutting side for this design (Fig B). Default is Cut from Back.

NOTE: CutArt (WCA) cannot be saved “Cut from Front”. However, if a layer contains a V-Groove, that layer and any openings on that layer will cut from the front regardless.

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NOTE: The color of the traced object will also indicate cutting side. Bright colored bevels on traced objects indicate that it is cutting from the front. Darker colored bevels on traced objects indicate it is cutting from the back. For instance, Normal Bevel from back is dark blue, and Normal Bevel from front is a brighter blue.

Fig B.Fig B: Select the side to cut it from.

Trace the ObjectAs you move the cursor, you can see the Reference Point move (Fig C) (shown exagger-ated).

Place the Reference Point at the point where you want it to start cutting this object (usually lower left corner of object). Click to trace the opening. The opening will turn the color of the selected bevel type (i.e., blue for Normal Bevel).

NOTE: The color of the traced object will also indicate cutting side. Bright colored bevels on traced objects indicate that it is cutting from the front. Darker colored bevels on traced objects indicate it is cutting from the back. For instance, Normal Bevel from back is dark blue, and Normal Bevel from front is a brighter blue.

Click on each opening on this layer to trace it. Remember to trace multi openings from the bottom up so that fallouts will not interfere with openings being cut.

Fig C.Fig C: Place Reference point where desired and click to trace object.

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Trace the Next LayerFor multi layer mats, click the next layer number under Current Layer. Click 2 for layer 2. Trace the next layer (Fig D).

Fig D.Fig D: Change the layer number to trace the next layer.

HINT: If you are tracing the same item on more than one layer (such as the outside cut), hold down the CTRL key before clicking to trace that item. Holding down the CTRL key before tracing the item puts a “copy” of that item on that layer.

Save the MatAfter tracing the mat, click on the Save File Button (Fig A) or click File > Save File. The default file type is Wizard CutArt (WCA). Because of the flexibility of CutArt, this is the preferred method. Give the design a filename and select Save (Fig B).

To select a different file type, click on the small down arrow on Save as Type and select from the following:

Wizard CutArt (WCA) - [Load through Multi to cut]Wizard Path (PATH) - [Load through Explorer to cut]

Fig A. Fig B.Fig A: Save File Button. Fig B: Save the Mat.

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Loading the Mat to Cut

Load from within PathTraceClick on the Cut Current Design Button (Fig A). Or, click File > Cut Current Design. You will be prompted for the size of the mat (Fig B). The current design will be loaded into the MatDesigner Cut Preview (Fig C).

NOTE: The prompt for the size of the mat (Fig B) is the size of the design plus 2" (5cm) all around to make sure the Head does not hit the rail. Only traced information will go to the Cut Preview. If you have forgotten something, click on PathTrace which is minimized on the Taskbar to restore it (Fig D).

NOTE: Did you trace the design first? Only traced information will go to the Cut Preview. If you have forgotten something, click on PathTrace which is minimized on the Taskbar to restore it.


Fig A: Cut Current Design Button. Fig B: Prompt for size. Fig C. Design loaded on the Cut Preview Screen. Fig D: Click on PathTrace to restore it if you have forgotten something.

Load as a CutArt (WCA) fileClick on Edit New Mat and click Cancel to start with the default outside dimen-sion. Click on Add CutArt Opening from the Openings Tab (Fig A). Locate the CutArt file and click on it (Fig B).

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The CutArt will be previewed on the right. Click OK to place it on the Work Space (Fig C). See the User Guide: Editor for more information.

. Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.

Fig A: Add CutArt Opening Button. Fig B: Select the desired CutArt. Fig C: Place CutArt onto the Work Space.

Load as a Path (PATH) fileUsing Explorer (R-click on Start and select Explore), locate the desired file (Fig A). Double-click on it to load it into the MatDesigner Cut Preview to cut (Fig B).

NOTE: Loading a Path file to cut in this manner is not as flexible as saving the design as a CutArt (WCA). Paths will only cut the size they were drawn. Paths will only cut at the position they were drawn in. CutArts are flexible in size, position, and orientation.

Fig A. Fig B.

Fig A: Double-click the desired PATH file. Fig B: File load into the Cut Preview.

Order Cuts TabThis is used if you wish to change the cut order of a mat from the way it was originally traced.

With the traced mat on the screen, click Order Cuts Tab (Fig A). Place cursor over the desired opening; current opening will turn white. Change the cutting order of this opening by clicking the appropriate button.

To display the cut order numbers on the openings, make sure Cut Order Numbers is checked under View.


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NOTE: The color of the traced object will also indicate cutting side. Bright colored bevels cut from the front. Darker colored bevels cut from the back. For instance, Normal Bevel from back is dark blue, Normal Bevel from front is a brighter blue.NOTE: Selected openings below are not displayed in the colors mentioned for printing purposes.

Greyed out openings will cut after currently selected opening.Darker openings will cut before currently selected opening.By moving the cursor around you can see what the current cut order is.

Fig A.Fig A: The darker openings cut before the selected opening, and the lighter openings cut after it.

Cut Earlier: With Cut Earlier selected, click on an opening. Opening will move up one in the cut order with each click of the Button.

Cut Later: With Cut Later selected, click on an opening. Opening will move down one in the cut order with each click of the Button.

Change Start: Change Start will change where the opening's cut sequence begins and ends. Click Change Start then click on the point of the opening where you want it to begin cutting this object. The object will now start cutting at this point the next time it is loaded to cut.

Cutting SideSelect Cut from Back to adjust the order of cuts made from the back. Cuts made from the front of the mat are displayed in bold since they are already cut before cutting from the back.Select Cut from Front to adjust the cutting order of cuts made from the back. V-Grooves are displayed in bold since they are cut before the openings.Select V-Grooves to adjust the cutting order of V-Grooves.

Current Layer: Select the layer you wish to edit.

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Trace and Draw TabThe Trace and Draw tab allows you to further draw on the current design or an image to fully customize/complete your design. The Trace and Draw tab also allows you to load an image into the background so that you can draw the shape. For instance, scan in a customer's patch and load the picture into Path-Trace so you can draw out the shape.

Draw LineDraw Line draws a line. L-click sets the point under the cursor. R-click snaps to the nearest point. Holding down the CTRL key will only draw horizontal and vertical lines.

Click Draw Line to draw a line.

Draw ArcDraw Arc draws a three-point arc, which consists of a start, middle, and ending point. L-click sets the point under the cursor. R-click snaps to the nearest point.

Click Draw Arc to draw a three-point arc.

Draw OvalDraw Oval draws an oval. L-click sets the point under the cursor. R-click snaps to the nearest point. Holding down the CTRL key draws a circle.Example below shows an oval, and a circle.

Click Draw Oval to draw ovals and circles.


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Move PointMove Point moves a point of an entity (i.e., the center point of an arc). Moving the midpoint of a line deforms it into a curve. R-click can be used to snap to nearest point. Circles and Ovals need to be exploded before being changed. Holding down the CTRL key will move a point only vertically or horizontally.Example below shows the midpoint of the right side of the rectangle has been moved out-ward, creating a curve.

.

Click Move Point to move a point of an object.

Copy ObjectCopy Object makes an identical copy of an object. R-click can be used to snap to the nearest point when grabbing and releasing an object. Holding the Shift key will move an object rather than copy it. Holding the CTRL key will copy/move the object only horizontally or vertically.

Click Copy Object to make a copy of an object.

Move ObjectCopy Object will move an object if the Shift key is held down. Select the Copy function and select the object, but hold down the Shift key to move it rather than copying it. R-click can be used to snap to the nearest point when grabbing and releasing an object. Holding the CTRL key will copy/move the object only horizontally or vertically.

Click Copy Object but hold down the Shift key to move an object.

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Mirror ObjectMirror Object creates a mirror copy of an original object along an axis. Any existing line in the design can be used as the axis, or use Draw Line or Offset Circuit to create one where one is needed. Holding the Shift key will perform a move rather than a copy.The object below was mirrored using the left line for the axis. After using Explode Circuit, the middle lines were Deleted (one line per object).


Fig A: Click Mirror Object. Fig B: Select Object then line to use for axis. Fig C: Object is mirrored. Fig D: Object is Exploded (Explode Circuit) and middle lines are Deleted.

Delete ObjectSelect Delete Object then click on the object to be deleted. Object is deleted.NOTE: The rectangle displayed here had been exploded. Only one line was deleted rather than the entire rectangle.

Click Delete Object to delete an object.

Load ImageLoad Image allows you to load an image into the background so that you can draw the shape. For instance, scan in a customer's patch and load the picture into PathTrace so you can draw out the shape.

OpacityOpacity determines the intensity/brightness of the image. Move the scroll bar to the left to make the image dimmer. Move the scroll bar to the right to make the image brighter.

WidthDesired width of the design based on the image. For instance, if you have scanned in a 5x7 image and want the CutArt to be the same size, enter 5x7 for the width/height of the image.If you want the CutArt to have a reveal around the original image, draw it true to size then use the Offset feature for the reveal.


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HeightDesired height of the design based on the image. For instance, if you have scanned in a 5x7 image and want the CutArt to be the same size, enter 5x7 for the width/height of the image. If you want the CutArt to have a reveal around the original image, draw it true to size then use the Offset feature for the reveals.


Fig A: Click Load Image. Fig B: The image appears on the background. Fig C: Enter the Width and Height of Image.

The Lessons: Gaining FamiliarityThe following lessons will help you gain familiarity with PathTrace. The lessons will show you the different things you can accomplish. Follow the lessons and try out the different features. See the User Guide: Editor if you need information on placing openings, align-ment, etc.

Lesson One: Adjusting an Opening FreehandWe will be adjusting only the right side of a Heart. We will delete the left side of the Heart. Then we will mirror it to create our new Heart.

Design In MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceIn MatDesigner, design a one layer Heart (Fig A). Save as Path. Open up PathTrace and load the Heart Path (Fig B).

Move PointClick the Trace and Draw Tab. Click Move Point. Click on the lower right arc of the Heart. Move the cursor in toward the center of the Heart a bit. Click to place it (Fig C).

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Now click on the point that was created, between the top arc and the bottom arc (Fig D). Move your cursor down and to the right a bit. See how the design changes. Click when you are satisfied (Fig E).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D. Fig E.

Fig A: Design in MatDesigner. Fig B: Open the Path in PathTrace. Fig C: Move the lower right arc inward. Fig D: Click on the point. Fig E: Pull the point down and out a big to make a new curve.

Draw LineNow we need to make an axis line that we will use to mirror our new Heart.

Click Draw Line. R-click on the bottom point of the Heart to Snap to that point. Move the cursor up and hold the CTRL key and click to place it (Fig F).

We can't delete the left side of the Heart until we explode it into the individual entities that make up the Heart.

Fig F.

Fig F: Draw a line that we will use to mirror our heart later.

Explode CircuitClick the Prep Design Tab. Click Explode Circuit. Click on the Heart.

The Heart is now exploded into the separate entities.

Delete ObjectClick Delete Object. Click on each of the entities on the left side of the Heart to delete them.

You now have only the new right half of the Heart (Fig G).


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Join SegmentsClick Join Segments and click on each segment of the Heart to join them (Fig G).

Fig G.Fig G: Delete the left side of the heart. Join the remaining segments of the right side of the heart.

Mirror ObjectNow it is time to mirror our heart half to make the other half of the Heart.

Click on Trace and Draw Tab. Click on Mirror Object. Click on the top arc of the Heart. Click on the Line.

The Heart has been mirrored.

Fig H.Fig H: Click Mirror Object. Click on the top arc of the heart. Click on the line to mirror the heart.

Join SegmentsBefore we Offset Circuit to make the Heart two layers, we need to join the two halves together.

Click on Prep Design Tab. Click Join Segments. Click on both sides of the Heart. R-click to connect them.

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Offset CircuitClick Offset Circuit. Leave the Reveal at .25" and L-click to place the offset outside of the Heart (Fig I).

Fig I.Fig I: Click Offset Circuit. Click on the Heart to offset it.

Tangify/Convert to SplinesClick on Edit > Tangify all Circuits. This makes each arc tangent to each other for smoother cutting.Click Edit > Convert Arcs to Splines.

Trace, Save, CutNow you are ready to trace, save and cut your new Heart!

Fig J.Fig J: The finished design.

Lesson Two: Altering a TemplateThis will show you how to edit a design by deleting lines, adding lines, and ar-ranging them.

Design In MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceIn MatDesigner, design a two layer #604 Taos (Fig A).Save as Path. Open up PathTrace and load the Taos Path (Fig B).

Explode AllClick Edit > Explode All.

This breaks the design up into the individual lines that make up the Taos.

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Delete ObjectClick Trace and Draw Tab. Click Delete Object. Start with the top left corner, delete the small horizontal lines and the small diagonal lines (Fig C-E).

We're going to square off these corners.Do the same with the right side, and the two bottom corners (Fig F).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D. Fig E. Fig F.Fig A: Design in MatDesigner. Fig B: Open Path in PathTrace. Fig C-D: Delete the small diagonal lines and small verti-

cal lines. Fig E: Delete the lines. Fig F: Continue around the design.

Offset ObjectClick the Prep Design Tab. Click Offset Object. Click on the topmost diagonal line. Leave the Reveal at .25" and click to place the new line (Fig G).Do the same with the right side, and the two bottom sides (Fig H).

NOTE: You may need to R-click on the bottom diagonal lines for them to go in the direction we want.

Fig G. Fig H.

Fig G: Offset the small diagonal line. Fig H: Continue around the design.

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Delete ObjectClick Delete Object. Click on the original diagonal lines to delete them (Fig I-K).

It is not actually necessary to remove these lines. By removing them, it makes it clearer which lines we will be working with.

Fig I. Fig J. Fig K.Fig I. Locate the original diagonal line. Fig J: Delete it. Fig K: Continue around the

design.

Join SegmentsClick Join Segments.

Take your time with this next part. Start in the left corner. We'll do the top layer first.

Click on the long vertical line. Then click on the short horizontal line (Fig L). Click on the new diagonal line (Fig M). Click on the long horizontal line (Fig N). Click on the new diagonal line (Fig O). Click on the short horizontal line (Fig P). Click on the on vertical line (Fig Q).

Fig L. Fig M. Fig N. Fig O. Fig P. Fig Q.Fig L: Click on the long vertical line. Then click on the short horizontal line. Fig M: Click on the new diagonal line. Fig

N: Click on the long horizontal line. Fig O: Click on the new diagonal line. Fig P: Click on the short horizontal line. Fig Q: Click on the on vertical line.Continue in the same manner with the bottom lines.

Click on the short horizontal line (Fig R). Click on the new diagonal line (Fig S). Click on the long horizontal line (Fig T).


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Click on the new diagonal line (Fig U). Click on the short horizontal line (Fig V). Click on the long vertical line (Fig W). R-click to connect the entire design.

Fig R. Fig S. Fig T. Fig U. Fig V. Fig W.Fig R: Click on the short horizontal line. Fig S: Click on the new diagonal line. Fig T: Click on the long horizontal line. Fig U: Click on the new diagonal line. Fig V: Click on the short horizontal line. Fig W: Click on the long vertical line.

Now the top layer is connected.Click Join Segments and click on each object of the inner layer to connect, then R-click to join.

Fig X. Fig Y. Fig Z.Fig X: Connect the bottom layer segments. Fig Y: The opening is now connected. Fig Z: The finished piece.

Because this design contains no arcs, we don't need to tangify it or convert them into arcs. Trace, save and cut the mat.

Lesson Three: Camel V-GrooveSometimes when designing a V-Groove around a special shape, it is difficult to get the V-Groove to follow the same arc of that shape. Below shows the simplest solution.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceDesign a 3 layer #314 Camelback Flare. Click on Properties then Params. Change the Arc Height to .5.Change the Chamfer to .25"Click on Reveals. Make layer two .5", and layer one .25". Layer two will be the distance of our V-Groove.

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Save as a Path and bring into PathTrace.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C. Fig D.Fig A: Adjust the Parameters as desired. Fig B: Layer two is the distance to the V-Groove. Fig C: Save as Path. Fig D:

Load into PathTrace.

Tangify/Convert to SplinesClick Edit > Tangify all Circuits.Click Edit > Convert Arcs to Splines.

Trace the DesignClick on the Set Bevels Tab. Click Normal Bevel. Move the reference point to the lower left corner of the bottom opening and click to trace it (Fig E).Click Layer 2. Click V-Groove. Move the reference point to the lower left corner of the outer opening and click to trace it as a V-Groove (Fig F).Click Normal Bevel. Move the reference point to the lower left corner of the middle open-ing and click to trace it (Fig G).

You now have a two-layer mat; the bottom is a normal bevel, and the top consists of a V-Groove and a normal bevel opening (Fig H).

Save, CutYour design is now ready to save and cut!Note that if you save this as a CutArt, you may receive a message that CutArts can-not be saved explicitly from the front but that all cuts on a layer with a V-Groove will implicitly cut from the front (Fig I). This is simply informational. The top layer that contains the V-Groove will cut entirely from the front.

Fig E. Fig F. Fig G. Fig H. Fig I.

Fig E: Trace the bottom layer. Fig F: Trace the V-Groove. Fig G: Trace the top layer. Fig H: The finished mat. Fig I: You may see an informational screen when saving as a CutArt.


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Lesson Four: Name Plate V-GrooveThis lesson will show you how to put a V-Groove around a name plate, or make a V-Groove follow a different shape.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceDesign a #906 Rectangle Key, 2 layers with .25" Reveal.Click Key. Change the Key reveal to .5". This reveal will be a part of our V-Groove.

You may need to click Properties then Params. Change the Key Distance if it is now too close to the opening.

Click on the Openings Tab. Click Add V-Groove. Click OK and resize it as desired. Move the V-Groove so that it is around the opening, and goes through the center of the Name Plate.Save as Path (Fig A) and Load into PathTrace (Fig B).

Fig A. Fig B.Fig A: Design in MatDesigner. Fig B: Bring into PathTrace.

Break IntersectionClick on Prep Design Tab and click Break Intersection. Click on the V-Groove. Click on the outer rectangle of the Name Plate (Fig C). The inter-section is now broken.

Fig C.Fig C: Break the Intersection between the nameplate and the V-Groove.

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Delete ObjectClick Delete Object and click on the horizontal line that runs through the Name Plate to delete it (Fig D-E).

Join SegmentsClick Join Segments. Click on the top half of the name plate, then the bottom half of it (Fig F-G). R-click to join it.

We do not need to connect to the rest of the V-Groove, as we will trace it as a separate V-Groove.

Fig D. Fig E. Fig F. Fig G.Fig D: Delete the horizontal line running through the nameplate. Fig F: Line is deleted. Fig F-G: Connect the two sec-

tions of the nameplate.NOTE: V-Grooves do not have to be closed objects.

Trace the DesignClick Set Bevels Tab. Make sure you are on Layer 1. Click Normal Bevel. Click on the lower left corner of the inside opening, and click to trace it.Select Layer 2. Click V-Groove. Click the outer line of the Name Plate to trace it as a V-Groove (Fig H). Move the Reference Point so that it is on the rest of the V-Groove, and click to trace it (Fig I).Click Normal Bevel. Click the lower left corner of the top opening to trace it. Because this design contains no arcs, we don't need to tangify it or convert them into arcs. Trace, save and cut the mat.

Fig H. Fig I. Fig J.Fig H: Trace the outer nameplate as a V-Groove. Fig I: Trace the remaining V-Groove as a V-Groove. Fig J: The fin-

ished design.


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Lesson Five: CutArt on a different layerThis will show you how to retrace a CutArt or LetterMat or TTF to cut onto a layer other than the top layer.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceClick on Add CutArt button. Double-click on Animals2 and select ButterflySml.WCA and click OK. Add two 2-layer rectangles and place them on either side of the Butterfly.Add a 1-layer larger rectangle, that encompasses the other two rectangles and the Butterfly. You might need to click Advanced and use the Transparency slide bar to see the openings underneath.Save as Path (Fig A) and load into PathTrace (Fig B).

Fig A. Fig B.Fig A: Design in MatDesigner. Fig B: Bring into PathTrace.


Trace the DesignClick on Set Bevel Tab. Make sure you are on Layer 1. Click Normal Bevel. Click the lower left corner of each bottom layer of the inner rectangles (Fig C).Select Layer 2. Click Normal Bevel. Click the lower left corner of each of the top layer of the inner rectangles. Click on the Butterfly (Fig D).Select Layer 3. Click Normal Bevel. Click the lower left corner of the large rectangle (Fig E).

Fig C. Fig D. Fig E.

Fig C: Trace bottom layer. Fig D: Trace middle layer. Fig E: Trace top layer.

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Your design is now ready to save and cut!

Fig F.Fig F: Finished Mat.

Lesson Six: Break a CutArt as a V-GrooveThis will show you how to Break a CutArt to the shape you want and retrace it as a V-Groove. You can also use these same steps to alter a CutArt and merge it with an opening, or any other myriad of ideas.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceDesign a 2-layer #312 Photo in MatDesigner. Click Add CutArt and double-click Edges2 and select EdgesBubble3.WCA and click OK.Line the CutArt up to one side of the opening. Since we are going to mirror it in PathTrace, we only need to place one.Save as Path. Load Path into PathTrace.

Fig A. Fig B.Fig A: Design mat in MatDesigner. Fig B: Load into PathTrace.

Explode CircuitClick Prep Design Tab. Click Explode Circuit and click on the CutArt. The CutArt is now exploded into the individual components that make up the CutArt.


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Delete ObjectClick Delete Object and click on the vertical straight line of the CutArt.

Fig C.Fig C: Delete the vertical line of the CutArt.

Join SegmentsClick Prep Design Tab. Click Join Segments. Click on each segment of the CutArt to join them together.

Draw LineClick Trace and Draw Tab. Click Draw Line. R-click on the center point of the top of the opening. R-click on the center point of the bottom of the opening.

This will be our axis point when we mirror the CutArt.

Fig D.Fig D: Draw a line to use as our axis point when mirroring.

Mirror ObjectClick Mirror Object. Click on the CutArt. Click on the new vertical line we created.

CutArt is now mirrored to the other side of the opening. You may need to click on Zoom All to see the entire design.

Fig E.Fig E: Mirror the CutArt.

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Trace the DesignGo to the Set Bevels Tab. Make sure you are on Layer 1. Click Normal Bevel and trace the bottom mat.Select Layer 2. Click V-Groove. Trace each of the new CutArts. Click Normal Bevel and trace the top layer opening.

Remember that you can also use Move Point, add lines and arcs, and edit CutArts in other fashions.

You are now ready to save and cut tis mat!

Fig F.Fig F: The finished design.


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Lesson Seven: Stained Glass WindowThis lesson will show you how to combine two templates to make a different design.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceIn MatDesigner, create a 4 layer oval. Layer 2 will be the distance of the triangles from the circle (Fig A). So, for instance:

Layer 3 is .25 revealLayer 2 is 1" reveal.Layer 1 is .25" reveal.

Put in a 2 layer Rectangle. Center both openings (Fig B).Save as a Path and load into PathTrace (Fig C)

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.Fig A-B: Design the mat in MatDesigner. Fig C: Open Path in PathTrace.

Break all IntersectionsEdit > Break all Intersections.

Now all intersections are broken, which means every place where one entity crosses over another, they are both broken at the place they cross over.

Join SegmentsClick Prep Design and click Join Segments.Click upper left inner corner of the rectangle (Fig D), then click on the outer corner of the circle; R-click to join them together (Fig E).

Our lower layer of the triangle is now connected. Now let's connect the top layer of the triangle.

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Click on the upper left outer corner of the rectangle (Fig F), then click on the inner corner of the circle; R-click to join them together (Fig G).

Our top layer of the triangle is now connected.

Fig D. Fig E. Fig F. Fig G.Fig D: Click upper left inner corner of the rectangle. Fig E: Click outer corner of the circle; R-click to join. Fig F:

Click on the upper left outer corner of the rectangle. Fig G: Click on the inner corner of the circle; R-click to join them. Now do the same with the other corners. The design should look like Fig H.

Delete ObjectNow that our triangles are joined together, we can trace our design. It is not actually necessary to delete the entities we are not going to trace, but I will just to make it clearer what we are tracing.

Click Delete Object and click on each entity we don't need for our final project (Fig I).

Trace, Save, CutNow go to the Set Bevel Tab and trace then save your design. You have finished!

Fig H. Fig I. Fig J.Fig H: The connected design. Fig I: Deleted the unnecessary entities to make it easier to trace. Fig J: The finished de-

sign.

Lesson Eight: DoilyWe're going to create a shape to go around a doily.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceCreate a #506 Star in MatDesigner of the size desired. We're going to turn it into an Poly-gon.Click Parameters. Change the No. of Points to 6, and the Spikiness to 0 (Fig A).


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Place a small circle in the top portion of the Polygon (Fig B). This circle represents the pedal of the doily.Save as a Path. Load Path into PathTrace (Fig C).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.Fig A: Change the parameters of the Star template to create an Polygon. Fig B: Design in MatDesigner. Fig C: Load

Path into PathTrace.

Draw LineClick Trace and Draw Tab. Click Draw Line. We're going to draw axis lines in order to mirror this circle.R-click on the top part of the Polygon and R-click on the bottom to draw a line (Fig D). R-click on the top right corner of the Polygon, and R-click on the bottom left corner. Con-tinue around the Polygon, drawing lines from the corners, and from the midpoint of the lines (Fig E).

Fig D. Fig E.Fig D: Draw a line. Fig E: Draw lines from point to point and midpoint of each line.

Mirror ObjectClick Mirror Object. Click on the Circle then click on the line just to the right of the Circle (Fig F). The circle is now mirrored using the line as the axis (Fig G). Click on the new Circle and click on the line just to the right of it. Continue around the Polygon until all of the Circles are in place (Fig H).

Fig F. Fig G. Fig H.Fig F: Click circle then click line just to the right of it. Fig G: Circle is mirrored. Fig H: Continue mirroring circles until

they are all in place.

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Delete ObjectIt is not necessary to click Delete Object and delete the lines, but I will to make the screen less crowded.

Click Delete Object and click on each line to delete them (Fig I).

Break all IntersectionsClick Edit > Break all Intersections.

Now the Circles have been broken where they cross each other.

Join SegmentsClick Prep Design Tab. Click Join Segments. Click on the outer arc of each Circle to join them together (Fig J). R-click to join them together (Fig K).


Trace, Save, CutNow go to the Set Bevel Tab and trace then save your design. You have finished!

Fig I. Fig J. Fig K. Fig L.Fig I: Delete the lines. Fig J: Join the outer arcs of the circles. Fig K: Close Circuit. Fig L: The finished design.

Lesson Nine: Load an ImageThis lesson will show you how to make the design follow the shape on a picture. If you have a scanner, you can always scan in your customer's design and load that to draw on top of as well.

Load ImageOpen PathTrace. Click Trace and Draw Tab. Click Load Image. Locate the Images directory under Wizard, and load VanGogh_Flowers.jpg (Fig A).

Enter Width/Height of ImageI know that this image is 6.8 x 8.6", because the customer handed me the photo, and I scanned it in so I could bring it into PathTrace. I want to make sure that I draw it the same size.


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You could also enter in the desired size of the end product, if you are cutting out a logo from a business card for instance.

Under Width put 6.8, and under Height, put 8.6 (Fig B). Click Zoom All to see the entire screen.

Remember, you can click on the scroll bar under Opacity to adjust how faded to make the picture to make it easier to see what you are drawing.

Fig A. Fig B.Fig A: Load the desired image. Fig B: Enter the size of the image.

Draw Arc / Draw LineArcs consists of a beginning, middle and end, so each arc you draw will require three clicks. Lines consist of a beginning and an end.

Click Draw Arc. Starting at the bottom of the vase, click along the edge of the vase to draw the first arc (Fig C).

Depending upon the detail of the object you are drawing, you may need to put several arcs together.

Continue drawing around the object (Fig D). Use as many arcs, lines, etc. as you want to create your design.

Remember you can click Undo if you change your mind about something.

Fig C. Fig D. Fig C: Begin to draw your design. Fig D: Continue around the design using lines and arcs.

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Join SegmentsClick Prep Design Tab. Click Join Segments. Click on each object to join them together, then R-click to Close the Circuit.

But, I don't want the outline of this cut to be this close to the image, so therefore I want to offset the design.

Fig E. Fig E: Join the segments.

Offset CircuitClick Offset Circuit, and enter .5" in the Reveal box. Click on the drawing. Object will now be offset.

Fig F. Fig F: Offset the object.

Explode CircuitSometimes an Offset Object may fold in on itself as shown below. Click Explode Circuit so that we can edit it.


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Break IntersectionClick Break Intersection, and click on the two Arcs on the right to break them.

Fig G. Fig G: Explode Circuit then Break Intersection.

Join SegmentsClick Join Segments, and click each segment. R-click to Close the Circuit (Fig H). You now have your finished design (Fig I).

Fig H. Fig I. Fig H: Join the desired arcs. Fig I: The finished design.


Trace, Save, CutNow you are ready to trace, save and cut your new design!

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Lesson Ten: Multi-Layered Oval InsetAs the design becomes more and more involved, more and more thought and planning is required.

Design in MatDesigner, Bring into PathTraceTo make this a double mat, the larger oval will need to be two layers and the inset ovals will each need to be four layers.

- The width of the inner reveal will be how much of the inner mat shows. - Set the middle reveal to the width of the bridge between the two openings. - The outer reveal will be the inner mat of the bridge on the large opening side.

It may be easier to print out the design then highlight which lines will connect for which openings (use different colored pens if desired). If you have a printer at-tached to your MatDesigner, click File > Print Mat Dimensions.

Save as a Path. Load into PathTrace.


Fig A: Oval Inset mat. Fig B: Layout ovals in MatDesigner. Fig C: Print out and highlight layers if desired. Fig D: Bring into PathTrace.

Break All IntersectionsBecause of the complexity of this design, it is easier to break all of the intersections and reconnect the specific arcs we want for the end design.

Click Edit > Break all Intersections.All intersecting arcs are now broken and each arc can be treated as a separate entity.

Fig E. Fig F. Fig E: Break all Intersections. Fig F: All intersecting arcs are now individual arcs.


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Zoom ButtonsThe Zoom Buttons are your friend. You will be using them to zoom in and out of the design in order to pick out the arcs that you want to connect.

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.Fig A: Zoom All. Fig B: Zoom to Window. Fig C: Zoom to Previous.

Undo ButtonYour other friend is the Undo button. If you click on the wrong arc, or join the wrong object, click Undo.

Fig A.Fig A: Undo button.

Join Segments / Close CircuitNow comes the fun part. Because we have exploded all intersections, this design now comprises of many arcs. You may need to zoom in/zoom out in order to select the smaller arcs (Fig A).

Click Prep Design Tab. Click Join Segments and start connecting the arcs to form the inner layer of the lower oval. By clicking on each arc (Fig B). When the oval is completely selected, either R-click to close it, or click Close Circuit then click on the oval again (Fig C).

Fig A. Fig B. Fig C.Fig A: Overlapping arcs now consist of individual arcs. Fig B: Begin connecting the inner lower oval. Fig C: Connect

the inner lower oval.

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Now connect the outer layer of the bottom oval (Fig D). Now connect the arcs for the bottom layer of the top oval (Fig E). Note how we're using arcs from the outer layer of the bottom oval to form the top oval. Connect the arcs for the top layer of the top oval (Fig F).

Fig D. Fig E. Fig F.Fig D: Connect the outer lower oval. Fig E: Connect the inner upper oval. Fig F: Connect the outer upper oval.

Now connect the inner layer of the large oval in the same manner (Fig G). Note how we're using arcs from the outer layer of the smaller ovals to form the large oval. Connect the arcs for the top layer of the large oval (Fig H). Your Ovals will be completed.

NOTE: It is not necessary to delete the left over arcs. Simply trace just the objects you want traced.

Fig G. Fig H. Fig I.Fig G: Connect the inner large oval. Fig H: Connect the outer large oval. Fig I: Completed design.



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Trace, Save, CutNow you are ready to trace, save and cut your new design! You have completed the Oval Inset mat!

Fig J. Fig J: Finished design.

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NOTES:

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