Here is an image that we will be working with for this lesson The technique I use here is the technique I use on all my photos. I do not use the so called specialized photo processes as these techniques produce just a good image as they do. It takes 2 minutes to do and the control over my image is a lot better.

Select the photo. My first step is to select the EFFECTS (1) ADJUST (2) CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT (3).

The next step is to increase the contrast or tonality of the image. In this step I am looking to create both more white area and black area in my photo. To much shades of gray will not laser very well on a tile. Our Original image is on the left (1). The adjusted image is on the right (2). The slider at the top left when moved right will cause the darker tones in the image to become darker (3). Vice Versa the triangle slider on the right when moved left will cause the lighter tones in the image to become lighter (4). Note: to see your adjustments make sure you have the lock button engaged (5).

Our contrast enhancement has been applied.

Before I print any photo whether it is on my laser or on my full colour printer I sharpen the image. The sharpening process brings out the detail in my image so that pops out at you. Most photos you take or get tend to be blurry and thus seem out of focus. Shapening the image gets rid of this issue. To access the Unsharp mask command go to BITMAPS | SHARPEN (2) | UNSHARP MASK (3).

The Unsharp dialogue box is pictured above. The original image is on the left (1). The sharpened image is on the right (2). The two sliders or controls that I work with are the Percentage slider (3) and the Radius slider (4). When it comes to porous material such as tile I usually slide the slider up to 500 (3). The Radius I adjust as is needed. But the more porous the material the more I slide the slider or increase the value. I do not typically adjust the Threshold slider (5).

Here is our Image Sharpened. Notice our our image pops now.

In the Convert To 1 Bit dialogue box you can see that our image has been transposed to strictly either black or white (2). Our original image on the left (1) is the grayscale image that is still composed of shades of gray. There is a bit of detail lost but not much – but htis is critical you want to lose detail in the image so that there is more detail when you laser the image in the tile. You have a number of choices to use in the conversion I typically use Jarvis, Stuckey or Floyd Steinberg (3). The Intensity slider decreases the amount of diffusion that is done in the image in that it becomes lighter.

Our image after it has had the error diffusion algorithm applied.

Here is the finished image on a 33 cent Home Depot tile. The reason that I think this tile looks so good is because I have taken out a certain amount of detail which has accentuated the remaining detail in the tile. When you look at the hair it jumps out at you and the face is easily recognizable with the original. If you remember what our original image looked like after we sharpened it you may be surprised to see this image. But again I reiterate that reducing detail actually increases detail. So even though it looks bad on the screen it will look good on the finished product.

This is the top of the box.

I have a vertical line at 3.25 (1) 3 (2) and .25 (3). There are horizontal lines at 3.75 (4) and 3.5 (5).

Draw a rectangle that is 2.75 inches wide and 3.25 inches tall (1).

Locate the box up to the top left hand corner .25 inches away on both sides. Uncheck the Relative Position box (1). The anchor is the top left hand corner (2). The coordinates are .25 inches on the H and 4.00 on the V (4).

Create a rectangle that is 3.25 inches long by .25 inches tall (1).

Open the Shaping Docker (1). Select the Weld command (2). Make sure the smaller rectangle is selected.

With the Weld command selected your cursor will turn into two rectangles joined.

Our image is now finished.

Here is the side that we need to reproduce. This side is like the other sides except that we have a 45 degree angle running up the right side (1). We will need to reproduce this.

We need to first draw a rectangle that is 3.25 inches wide by 2.5 inches tall (1).

We need to place our rectangle at the top left hand corner. To do this open up the Transformation Docker. Make sure that Relative Position is unchecked (1). Select our Left hand anchor (selection handle) (2). Place in 0 for your H and 4 for your V (3). Next click the Apply button (4). Our rectangle will relocate to the top left hand corner.

We need to add in some guidelines to our setup. Our first guideline needs to be horizontal and needs to be placed at the 3.75 inch mark (4 -.25 = 3.75

We now need to conniver the rectangle to curves. This is because the image is a special image and needs to be converted to curves so that we can manipulate the nodes on the rectangle. Go to ARRANGE (1) CONVERT TO CURVES (2).

Set your snap to "Snap to Objects". Go to View (1) Snap to Objects (2)

We need the manipulate the nodes on the rectangle that we created so that it looks like our original shape. We do this by dragging or adding nodes to our design. In this example we will need to add a node and move nodes around.

With the shape tool selected our mouse turns into a big triangle. Click on the rectangle that we created. The rectangle will become selected.

When you move the cursor over the rectangle you will notice that it changes a couple of times in terms of the mouse. When we are working on a segment we want the triangle to have the line that is curved (1) Next we need to add a node so that we can change our shape.Move the mouse over to the line and double click on the line. This will add a node. Note do not worry where the node is in terms of being on the cross between the guidelines. We can move it later on.

The blue dot indicates the node that I have added (1)

Click and Drag the node so that it intersects with the two crossed guidelines (1).

We are going to drag the node that is located at the top left hand corner. Drag it down so that it located at the point where the two guidelines intersect.

We need to add another node to our line. Double click on the line to add the node (1).

Drag up the node till it is at the intersection of the two guidelines (1). Notice that because we have the snap turned on the software will indicate that it is the edge and the intersection.

The one line on our piece goes at 45 degree. I am going to use a guideline to check the angle of the line and to see if it is right. It is easiest to rotate the guideline. Next place another guideline at the 2.5 inch mark. This is where our line is going at a 45 degree angle upwards (3). Double click on the line so that you see the two sided arrow – yellow box). We can rotate the guideline. We want to rotate the guideline at the intersection of the horizontal guideline and the vertical guideline. To do this requires that we place the anchor point at the 2.5 and 3.75 inch mark (4). You will notice that there is a circle with a dot in the middle. When we rotate the line it will rotate from that point.

Type in 45 degrees to angled the line (1). You can see that our line is right in line with the 45 degree guideline that we created (2).

I have super imposed my original object onto the guidelines so that you can see that the guideline matches up.

To show how you can use an existing design to allow you to draw over top of the original image I have used the original design to easily create the ellipses that I will use to trim out my design. Because the rectangle is exactly in the same location (the original design is on one page and the one – the rectangle is on the next page) all I need to do is to go Ctrl C and than go the page with the rectangle and press Ctrl V to paste the ellipse over the rectangle

The Ellipse size needs to be 2.283 on the H and 1.376 on the V (1)

Position our ellipse at 1.625 H and 1.425 V (1). The arrows point to the center of the ellipse.

Open up the trim docker. Make sure both Source and Target are unchecked. Make sure that the ellipses is selected.

Click on the "Trim" button. Your cursor will turn in to two rectangles one solid and one not. With the ellipse selected we are telling the software that we want to trim the rectangle with the ellipse. Click on the rectangle with the mouse.

Here is our object trimmed. We now need to place in the rectangle cuts.

Now that we have created our shape we need to now create our cut outs. Each one of the cut outs is .25 inches in square. So we need to draw a rectangle that is .25 inches by .25 inches.

Make sure the relative position is unchecked (1). Next we are going to use the top left hand corner for our anchor point (2). Make your copies 0 (3). Type in the coordinates (4) and than click on the Apply button. This will locate the rectangle where you need it.

We are going to duplicate the rectangle downwards to create 3 rectangles. First set your Relative Position to checked (1). Next set the number of Copies to 2 (2). Third set the h as 0 and the V to -5 as we are going down (3).

With the rectangle shapes on the left selected we can duplicate them and move the duplicates over to the right side. Make sure the position menu is open (1). Next check the relative position (2). Make your copies 1 (3). Type in 3 for H – because I want to move over 3 inches with the duplicate (4). Than click on the apply button (5).

I need to square off the bottom. before I can place in the rectangles. To be able to do this requires that I draw a rectangle and weld the two together. Draw a rectangle. Notice that I have used guidelines to help in placing the rectangle. Next in the Transformation docker select the Size Menu (1) My rectangle has to be 1.25 inches wide and at least a value that clears the hump of the oval. In this case I have used .2 inches (2). Click on the Apply button (3)

My rectangle needs to be in the proper position so that I can square off the bottom. You can see from the Transformation docker hat the position is 1.625 by 2.0 (1). I am measuring from the bottom middle anchor point (2).

Make sure that the Shaping Docker is open. Make sure the rectangle is selected. Select the Weld option (1). Click on the Weld button (2). Than you will notice the mouse change to two joined boxes and than click on the original shape (3).

Here is our piece with the rectangles on both sides and the bottom squared off. The image is coming together.

To duplicate the rectangles click on the Position command (1). Select the Relative Position make sure that it is check marked (2). Make your copies 1 (3). Your H and V values need to be 0 and 0 (4). Click on the Apply button (5) and your rectangles will be duplicated over top of the originals. Note: Make sure that you do not deselect the rectangles as it will require to select each one and holding down the shift key to do a multiple selection.

I have opened the rotate command in the Transform docker (1). Type in my rotation which is 90 (2). Click on the apply button (3).

I have selected the 3 rectangles and have located them to their location. It was easiest to use a bottom middle anchor (1). My position numbers are listed (2).

Make sure that the Shaping Docker is Open. Make sure that the 3 rectangles are selected. Select the Trim command (1). Select the Trim button (2). Your cursor will turn into a cursor with a black and white rectangle. Repeat on the other rectangles.

Here is the piece done after we have completed our trim. All we need to do is to add in the circle at the top left.

The last step in creating this piece is to create the circle that is located in the top right had corner. From the original dimensions I have .366 by .366 (1).

Now that the circle is done we need to position it. To do this requires that we open up the position tab (1) in the transformation docker. Make sure that we are using the center handle (2). Our position numbers where placed in the for the H and the V position (3). Click the Apply button (4).

Here is the finished image. There are two sides of this design. To do the other side all we have to do with this piece is to copy the piece and flip it 180 degrees.

The image on the left is the image that we created in our second project. The image on the right is the image that we ned to recreate. You will notice from these two images that the image on the right is almost the same as the image on the left. The only difference is we are missing the tab at the top. So all we need to do than is to duplicate the image on the left and adjust to so that it looks like our left image.

Duplicate the side that we created in our 2nd project.

We are going to position the side image at the 0 and the 4 inch make as I measure from the top left hand anchor point (1) Make sure Relative Position is unchecked (2) and the copies are set to 0. Make your copies 0 (3) and click on the Apply button (4).
Now you may be wondering why I am putting this object where it is and why I am even using this image. Well all I need to do it to crop of the top of tab and I have my next object that I need. I will show you two ways you can do this.

To aid in our positioning we will need to position a guideline at the 3.75 inch mark. This will be the top of the new side that we will be creating.

Select the Shape tool from the ToolBox. Note make sure that the image that you are working on has been ungrouped.

You will notice that your cursor will turn into a rectangle with a rectangle below it. Click on the line.

Once you have clicked on the object you will notice that a bunch of nodes will become visible. These nodes control the shape of the object.

Drag select with your mouse so that you select the top left node and only this node. You will know that it is selected as the node will become bold. Press the delete key. This will delete the node.

You can see that the node is deleted.

Select the other node and delete that node. You will now have straight line and our object is done.

Add two guidelines at the .25 inch mark and the 3 inch mark. We need to delete this part of the shape. I will be using a rectangle to trim the shape and I need it to be exact so I can do this with the guidelines.

To make sure that the rectangle I create snaps to the guideline I have enabled "Snap to Guidelines (2). Make sure there is a check mark beside the text.

Next we need to create our rectangle so select the rectangle tool located in the ToolBox

Place your rectangle so that it lies over the shape. Note: I have placed in a guideline on the horizontal position (1). Because we have Snap to Guidelines on our box will snap into place once it gets close to the guidelines.

To make this technique work requires that we extend the rectangle beyond the guidelines. It does not matter how much just that it has been expanded beyond the original guidelines.

Open up the shaping docker which is located in the ARRANGE | SHAPING | TRIM menu.

Make sure that the rectangle that we drew is selected. Now from the Shaping Docker select the Trim button. Your cursor will change into the above image (1). Click on the original object.

Now the the line is cut we can select each node and drag inwards to the middle.

Select the Shape Tool (1)

Now Click on the node either on the right side or the left side (1) and drag to the left. Because you have Snap to Guideline on the node will snap to the line. You can also hold down the ctrl key and the line will stay as an ortho line for you.

Because we have the guideline at the /25 inch mark when our node goes over the line there is text that is displayed that shows us the word intersection.

Once you drop the one node onto the other the line closes off.

There is another way to do this and it involves the knife tool which is located in the Tool Box (1).

Move the knife to the first node. You will notice that because our Snap to Guidelines is activated that when I hover over the intersection of the guidelines that CorelDraw high lights it (1). Click to start the cut and drag to the left.

Because the Snap to Guideline is active the line travels along the guideline as indicated by the word "Edge" (1)

Once the mouse is over the other intersection is is indicated by the word intersection (1). Click again.

Our image is done.

Here is the one side of our box that we will be recreating.

As we did in the Part 1 we need to place the original box in the top left hand corner so that we can do proper measure measurements.

In our measurements we have established that the tabs are like those in Part 1. The tabs are .25 inches in size and there is a .25 inch space between them.. They start at the .25 inch mark on the Y axis.

The lower tabs measurements are as follows. The top of the tabs are at 2.75. The bottom of the tabs are at 2.5 inches. Each tab is the same in size .25 inches wide and the space is .25 inches.

Now that we have measured out for the tabs we need to measure out for the legs. If we look at the legs you will notice that they are based on a semi circle or oval. Thus to create these will require us to create an oval to trim into the shape of the two legs. Because I have the original drawing I could just by eye create a circle

Now that we have got our measurements done up and our guidelines in place we can now start to create our box. Our overall box size with the tabs is 3.25 inches wide and 2 inches tall. Because we have the tabs to concern ourselves with we need to subtract his from our measurement. there are two tabs that are .25 inches in size sticking out from the edge so we need to take off 5 inches in width from the 3.25 inches. Seeing the height has no tabs we do not need to concern ourselves with this side. Thus our rectangle has to be 2.75 inches wide (3.25 – .5) and 2 inches. First create the rectangle and than can place the rectangle height and width in the property bar. Make sure the "Lock" icon is unchecked (step 1 with blue box) as this allows you to place in the two separate values.

With the rectangle sized properly we need to place it at the top left corner of our document. Open up the position menu in the Transformation docker. First make sure that the Relative Position is unchecked (1). Next check the top left handle so the values we enter relate to the top left hand of the box (2). Place in the values that we ned H = 0.25 and V = 4.0 (3). Set copies to 0 (4) and than click on Apply (5).

Our rectangle is now placed properly .25 inches away from the left corner and right on the top edge. We now need to make the oval to cutout our legs.

Select the Ellipse tool from the tool bar (1).

The reason we have drawing the guidelines is for 2 reasons. The first is that it allows us to measure the piece so that we can get the proper dimensions. The second reason is that it allows is to create a starting point for our ellipse. This is standard with drawing any circles. I learned this trick years ago. So start to draw your ellipse by dragging from the intersection points of the guidelines see step one and where the arrow is pointing to. Next drag to the right and down to create your ellipse (2).

I have now finished off the ellipse so that it is recreating the legs of the box. Because I have used the original image as my template I need to place the oval in place along with the rectangle. I have the rectangle on page 2 and the original image is on page 1. So all I need to do is to cut the image (ctrl X) and than go to page 2 and paste the image (ctrl V). This will place the oval in the exact position that it was when it was on page 1.

Open up the Trim command in the shaping docker. Make sure that nothing is selected in the docker in terms of Source or Target objects. Next select the oval (1) and than click on the Trim button in the shaping docker (2).

When you move your cursor out you will see it turn into the two boxes (1). Click on the rectangle.

If you look at our original image the top of the ellipse is squared off. If I go back and measure the squared off piece you will see that I have placed guidelines to correspond with the measurements. I have a horizontal guideline at the 3.5 inch mark (1) and two vertical lines at 1 inch (2) and 2.25 inches (3).

Note: Because we have used the guidelines to do an exact placement of the rectangle that we need to create to draw the box exactly is easiest if we turn our "Snap to Guidelines" on. Go to View (1) "Snap to Guidelines" (2).

Now with the snap function turned on I can draw the rectangle and the cursor will snap to the guideline as I draw the shape of the box, My rectangle location is 1.625 inches (1) on the H and 2.5 on the V (2) measured from the bottom center handle (3).

Select the two shapes because we will be welding them together.

Make sure that the Shaping Docker is open and docked on the right side of the screen. Select the Weld option (1). Click on "Weld To" (2). Your cursor will turn into a black arrow and two rectangles welded together (3). With your cursor click on the rectangle as per step 3.

Here is our finished shape that has been welded together. We can now add in our tabs.

Draw a rectangle and than resize it so that it is .25 inches wide by .5 inches tall.

I need to place the tab in the proper place. To do this requires that the Transformation docker be opened and the position menu it available. Set your anchor point as the middle left (1). Next set your copies to 0 (2). Your H position is 1.0 and your V position is 2.5 (3). Click on the Apply button.

We need to create two more tabs to finish off the bottom tabs. Select the Relative Position (1). Next set your H position to .5 as this is the offset distance. make your copies 2 (3).

Here is our 3 tabs along the bottom.

We now need to duplicate the 3 tabs. Because there is no tabs at the top we will need to duplicate our tabs to the right and the left on our rectangle. Because the tabs need to be duplicated the best thing to due is to copy and paste the tabs. I like to do it this was because the extra tabs are out of the way.

Select EDIT (1) | Copy (2). This copies the tabs to the clipboard

Make sure that the 3 tabs and the rectangle are both selected. We are now going to Trim the Tabs so that we create the interlocking tabs at the bottom. Make sure the Shaping Docker is open. Open the Trim menu (1). Click on Trim (2). WIth your cursor now as two rectangles click on the original rectangle (3).

Here is our image finished with the completed Trim

Now we are going to paste in our tabs that we copied to the clipboard in our previous step. Go to EDIT (1) and than Paste (2).

Our pasted in tabs are in the exact same location as the original tabs (1).

Here is our original image and you can see from guidelines the location of where the tabs are suppose to be

Make sure that the tabs are selected (1). In the property bar make the rotation angle 90 degrees (2).

We are going to move the tabs to the right side. Select our anchor point as the top left corner (1). make your copies 1 (2). Than make our H position (3.25 and our V position 3.75 (3). Click the Apply button (4).

Make sure that you have the right hand tabs still selected as we will be coping them. Make sure that you have Relative Position checked (1). Make your copies 1 (2). Our H distance is -2.75 has I am going left (3). Click on the Apply button (4).

Our left hand tabs are done.

Now that the tabs are created select them and the rectangle.

We will now use the Trim command that is in the shaping docker. With all the tabs and the rectangle selected make sure that the trim command is open (1). Click on Trim (2). Now once you mouse has changed to the two rectangles click on the rectangle. You object is now complete.

After we have trimmed the tabs / rectangles we are left with a completed side to our box.

You can see that the music box consists of 6 pieces. Note: If you want the file go to Epilogs website and download the file it is located in the sample section of the website

In this example I am going to create a page that is 4 inches by 12 inches

To make things easy I like to work from the 0 , 0 origin. If I move the music box sample to the top left corner you will notice that I am .25 inches away on both corners.

If I drag over a couple of rulers you will see that the .25 inches is true on both sides.

If I bring over my guide lines you will see that each one of my steps is .25 inches in size and the gap is .25 inches.

Because I have the tabs on all sides I can now measure the box size just by selecting the box. In this example I used the Parallel Dimension which is located in the TOOLBOX

Make a rectangle that is 2.75 inches by 2.75 inches. This is my box dimensions

I know that the box is .25 inches off the edge of the page so I need to have the box fall .25 inches from the top and the left. Thus my H value is .25 and the V value is 3.75 (4 – .25). The anchor point is the top left handle which is reflected by the red box and the arrow. Now our rectangle is created and we can place in the tabs that are needed.

We know our tabs are .25 inches wide and .5 inches tall. So create your first rectangle that is .25 inches by .5 inches.

We need to create our first tab. We know that the tab is .25 inches in width and .5 inches tall. Draw a rectangle and than resize it to .35 inches wide by .5 inches tall

If the transformation docker make sure that the position tab is open. Turn off the Relative Position check box. Next select the top left hand anchor point. Than type in 1 inch on the H and 4 inches on the V. Make sure your copies are 0 and click on the Apply button. This moves the rectangle to the proper location.

We need 3 tabs on each side. So we need to create 3 more tabs. We already have one so we need to create 2 more tabs. We can do this by duplicating the first tab. First check the Relative Position check box (1). Our duplicate value is .5 on the H direction and 0 on the V position (2). The number of copies is 2 (3). Select the Apply button (4).

To position the first rectangle we will again use the top left hand handle. I know the tabs start at 1 inch so my H value is 1 inch and my V value is 4 inches. Remember in my original image at the top the tabs where right on the edge of the page. This means that they have to be at the 4 inch mark.

We need to create 2 more copies of the first rectangle. To do this requires that we select the first rectangle. Next check "Relative Position" (1). Next type in .5 inches for the distance of the copy (.25 inches for the tab and .25 for the space) (2). Than select 2 copies (in X4 and less just press the Apply button twice (3). Click Apply and you have your 3 rectangles. Note: Because we have the three rectangles done and each side has 3 rectangles than we can just duplicate the 3 rectangles.

It is easy to duplicate the 3 rectangles down. Set the H distance to 0 and the V distance to -2.75 (1). Make you copies 1 (2) and click on Apply (3).

To create the next set of rectangles for our box we need to first duplicate the bottom set of rectangles. You can do this a couple of ways. First select the 3 rectangles. Next you can just press the Big plus key on the number pad on your keyboard or you can change your settings in your object manager to Relative Position checked and have the H and the V as 0. Than make sure the copies are set to one and than press the Apply button.

Now we need to rotate the boxes 90 degrees. Select the rotation angle as 90 in the rotate angle box in the property bar.

The rectangles are rotated 90 degrees.

Make sure that Relative Position is not checked (1). Type in the values to move the rectangles to (2). Click Apply.

To create our final set of rectangles we need to duplicate the third row. Make sure that the 3 rectangles are selected. Select Relative Position (1). Type in the movement -2.75. make sure that the negative is there so the object will move left (2). Make your copies 1 (3) and than click on Apply (4).

Select all the objects that you want to weld. Which happens to be the box and all the tabs. Select the weld button in the property bar (1) and click on it. Note: you can also have the shaping docker be active by selecting it from ARRANGE | SHAPING | SHAPING.

Our above image is now complete. In our next lesson we will look at the rest of the parts of the image.

Import in a scan of the part we want to reproduce. I have straightened it up so that it it horizontal.

Draw an ellipse so that is lines up with the inside arc of the part. Use the selection handles to adjust the ellipse.

I always like to turn my view into wireframe when I am drawing. Go to VIEW (1) | WIREFRAME (2).

Here is wireframe view. You can still see the layout but anything you draw on top will be easier to see.

Select the bottom right handle (1). Now hold the left mose4 button down and the shift key and drag down and to the right. Your Ellipse will duplicate (2) – the light green line. When you get to the desired location right click on with the mouse and let go of the left mouse button.

Our second circle is created and should be close to the text.

Select the text tool in the ToolBox (1)

Move your cursor so that it is right over the ellipse line (1) – your cursor will turn into an I with an A and a line below it – red circle. This indicates you can place text directly on the arc. Click on the line so that the cursor starts flashing on the line.

Make sure that the cursor line is flashing on the line.

I have started to type in my text. Do not worry as it is upside down we can correct that (1).

Our text is now inputted on the arc (1)

Click on the Mirror Text Horizontally (1).

Select the Mirror Text Vertically (2)

Select your Pick Tool and than move your mouse over the text until the cursor turns into 4 arrows.

Hold the left mouse button down and while holding it down move the text along the arc. It will turn green which indicates where it is as you move it.

Click on the middle handle and drag to increase the size of the text

Drag the handle till the text is sized to what you want. The black text indicates the original text (1). The green and blue outline indicates the new text location (2)

Here is the finished text. Once you are done repeat for all the text on the arc. Once you are done there you can create a new arc and place on more text.

I have emailed the customer file to my gmail account. If you have word open the file in word. Click on View (1).

Here is the image in Google Docs

Right Click on the image in Google Docs or Word and select Copy Image (1).

Right click on the workspace and select Paste (1).

The whole page came in so I cropped the page to just include the logo.

On a logo like this I like to convert it first to black and white. Select BITMAPS (1) MODE (2) BLACK AND WHITE (3)

I have selected Line Art from the pull down menu (1). Notice that there is some issues in the blue box where the lines are not straight

I have increased the Threshold (made the image bolder) to 166. You can do this by moving the slider from left (1) to right. The number is now 166. Notice how the image has cleared up in the blue box. Click OK

Select the Pick tool so we can select the logo (1). Select the logo.

To trace a bitmap make sure that it is selected and select TRACE BITMAP (1) | OUTLINE TRACE(2) | LINE ART (3)

Above is the resulting trace. You can see that the results are pretty good. It is now easier for me to laser this image in sections.

With the logo selected you can see from the status bar that it is an object which means it has been vectored. We can now ungroup it to paint it.

I am doing the name tag in reverse material. The multiple is going to be on a 12 by 12 and the name badge is going to be 1 by 3. The logo has been laid out and placed in the 1 by 3 area so that it is in the middle of the tag (1). We are measuring from the middle of the logo (2).

I have placed the text in the middle of the plate and located it left to right where I want it. Step 1 shows I am measuring from the middle and step 2 shows me the actual values. Notice I have mirrored both the text and the logo.

To horizontal mirror (1) make sure the image is selected. Next click the icon in the property bar. To vertical mirror click the second icon (2).

Save the File.

Delete only what you want to engrave.

Select Relative Position (1). Next you want to duplicate the logo every 3 inches as this is the size of the plate (2) on the horizontal. Do 1 copy at a time (3). Click apply (4).

Select the whole row of duplicated plates. Now we are going to duplicate downwards. Make your Vertical value (-1). Do one copy at a time (2). Click Apply (3) to fill up the plate.

I have duplicated the image 4 times across and 5 rows down. Now I will send the job to the engraver. Than I will spray paint the material with my colour.
Note: You could do this faster if you placed each part of the logo on its own layer and than printed each layer individually.
Repeat for each part of the logo and the text. Make sure you always place the plastic sheet against the ruler so your registration is always the same.

Here is a sample setup. You can see that the text is evenly spaced out and flows in the 3 columns.

Click on the table tool icon in the ToolBox (1)

In this example I placed in 6 rows and 3 columns

With the Table Tool active your cursor will turn into a plus symbol plus a grid (1).

We need to make the table the size that we want it to be. I have 3 columns and the plates are 3 inches wide. This means I need 9 inches of width. I have a .25 inch margin between two columns so the over all width is 9.5 inches. The height is 6 rows at 1 inch no margin. Thus the height is 6 inches. So we need to resize the table to 9.5 by 6 inches. We do this by using the size command in the transformation docker.

First uncheck the Proportional Check box (1). Next enter in your table height and width (2)

By default setting of our table has no justification either vertical or horizontal. The font size also needs to be changed.

To make changes to the fonts, text size or italics requires us to open the Character formatting docker. It is located under TEXT (1) | CHARACTER FORMATTING (2)

Here you can make changes to the font (1) and the text size (2).

To change the justification requires us to open the Paragraph Formatting docker. It is located under TEXT (1) | PARAGRAPH FORMATTING (2).

Change your Vertical and Horizontal justification to center (1) and (2).

To place in text requires us to activate the text tool. Click on the Text tool in the Tool box (1).

To enter in text for the first box click inside the box. You will see the cursor flashing and there will be selection handles around the cell (1). If you want to change any text attributes you can do it here (2) and (3).

If you type in a name you can see that the justification is proper. Both top and bottom

Enter in your names till you fill up the table

To make changes to the table means we have to select the table.

In this example I do not want to have the borders of the table print. Thus I have to select the table and than select the border (1). I have selected the All selection (2).

Select the line style (1) as None (2).

We have no borders

Sometimes when are doing layouts in columns we want the left column to be left justified and the right column right justified. First select the table icon in the Tool Box (1).

Move your cursor over the table till it becomes a black arrow (1). Note: it may be better to do this when you a border that is seen.

You column is now selected as it has a blue hash

From the Character Formatting Docker select Left (1)