how do i import illustrator files into signlab please?

[Kev Mayger]

Sounds like she needs to outline her strokes. This depends on how complex the design is but try this – select the object/s and goto the OBJECT menu select PATH then OUTLINE STROKE. Hope this helps.

Kev

[Andy Gorman]

I have had this problem from corel into signlab. If strokes AND fills are applied you get a double line.

[autosign]

That’s how Illustrator works, some artwork is impossible to convert for cutting. Strokes all over the place. I’ve had to resort to converting to bitmap and retracing.

[Andrew Boyle]

illustrator is good for getting files ready for cutting……

need to check artwork:

Type – Create Outlines

Object – Path – Outline Stroke [this the point double strokes may appear when working with text etc]

View – Outline for final check and save as ill3 or 5.5

[use pathfinder to weld certain items like you would do in FlexiSign]

should be fine

Cheers

Andrew

[Frank Droog]

Dave.
I do a lot of work on the import filters in Signlab.
Can you email me a (simple) sample file that has this double line.
I mean , send me the Ai or Eps file, not your cdl file.
I may be able to add some code to eliminate it automatically.
I could then email back a new import filter.

I am trying to add some code to make importing of AI/EPS/PDF work for people who want to print or cut.
Cutting people dont want thick lines while printing people do.

There is a chance there is allready a Hidden INI file setting that does what you want. I added this for a special customer and its OFF by default.
If you are comfortable editing INI files,
1: close signlab
2: find and edit signlab7.ini with NotePad (or signlab6.ini)
3: search for [IMPEPS] <– including the brackets
4: add new line just below called AllwaysHairline=1

eg.
[ImpEps]
AllwaysHairline=1

frank

(mod-edit)

[Dave Bruce]

Thanks guys the customer is going to try your ideas.

Frank I would if I had your Email.

Cheers

Dave

[Frank Droog]

sorry. forgot.

(mod-edit)

Sorry again.
I didnt read rule 7 about email addresses.
And i dont seem to have permission to reply via PM.

[Dave Bruce]

(:) :lol1:

[Dave Bruce]

Here you go Frank

Cheers

Dave

(mod-edit) Please read board rules :police: admin@uksignboards.com please use the pm system which you have access to, not the public forum for posting contact details.

[Gordon Forbes]

You usually just weld when you import to signlab to get rid of the double outline tells you this in signlab somewhere I think.

[Dave Bruce]

Yer I tried that, didn’t work in this case.

Thanks anyway

Dave

[David Rowland]

Just a quick tip Frank, people who have UKSG access to this board can access your website and email you direct. If you have filled in your “profile” correctly (see button at top), the UKSG members could contact you at their descretion.

[Frank Droog]

Thanks Dave R. I think i updated my profile as you sugested.

The AI files in question where created in Illustrator 10. They consist of objects with NO fill and everything has a 1 point outline according to the menu items in Adobe. But for some reason, they dont export as thick lines. Instead they export as a filled series of curves that describe the outline of the thick line. Looks like a bunch of neon tubes.
I cant find how to force Adobe 10 to export thick lines.
Tried saving as earlier version but same result.
If i do the same in Adobe 7, it does export as thick lines.

The only thing that does work is to Select All in Adobe, give everything 0 width and give it a fill color. Doing this also shows that few if any of the paths are connected properly.

I will keep diging on how to export Thick lines with Adobe 10.
Really baffeling.
Corel 12 also imports the files with this tube shape of objects.

frank

[Dave Bruce]

Ok we are making headway I think. Customer needs to know how to Xoweld in Illustrator, in other words remove something from the background.

Cheers

Dave

[Gordon Forbes]

Donno if I am reading this right but in illustrator use the pathfinder and highlight the shape in th larger shape highlight both then choose exclude overlapping shapes.

If thats what you want but i’m not sure.

Goop