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Outlines of warped text for vinyl cutting?
Hello,
I’m not super-experienced in Illustrator but I can usually get around and get done what I need to do. I am trying to help a friend with graphics needs for a startup vinyl cutting business. As many of you know, vinyl cutting is all about outlines (which I’m having to learn the hard way).
I’m trying to recreate a logo that has arched text. I’ve arched the text and matched it perfectly in using the Warp/Arch effect. However, when I view it in Outlines view, the text still looks normal (non-arched) even before or after converting to outlines?!?
Should I be concerned about this? My friend has always asked me to view what I do in outlines to minimize overlapping paths, etc etc. I want to make sure his vinyl cutter cuts the “arched” lines and not how it’s looks when viewed in Outline mode.
Thanks very much!
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4 Replies
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Select the arched logo, then Object > Expand Appearance.
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Perfect! Thanks Les!! That did the trick! I love this forum!!!
Thanks again!
Pat
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thanks! 10yrs later but work for me too
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The drop shadow in inkscape, like most vector applications I know of, is a raster effect or a bitmap when it has a drop shadow. All paths are required for the vinyl cutter, so it can not operate with a bitmap. A drop shadow is also a raster effect as it gives it a natural look as it is blurry around the edges. Fuzzy, which is all straight line, does not fit well as cut vinyl. If you want a solid block or shape, just draw it as a shadow. Alternatively, you can work with a replica of the main form and distort it such that it is inverted and / or upside down or angled to whatever scale you want a shadow to imitate. Only catch the edge of the copy and begin to drag it.
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