ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR ARTWORK GUIDE
Here are a few tips on how to create laser ready artwork with Adobe Illustrator.
DOCUMENT SET UP
Make sure you are working in RGB colour mode and set your Artboard units to Millimetres
Document Setup > Millimeters
File > Document Colour Mode > RGB
COLOUR CODING
Laser Cutting Path: Red Lines: RGB: 255,0,0. Stroke Weight: 0.01mm/0.25 pt
Scoring (Vector Engrave) Path: Blue Lines: RGB: 0,0,255. Stroke Weight: 0.01mm/0.25 pt
Laser Engraving: Black Lines/Fills: RGB: 0,0,0. Stroke weight: minimum 0.40mm/1pt (Anything thinner won’t engrave)
Scoring (Vector Engrave) Path: Blue Lines: RGB: 0,0,255. Stroke Weight: 0.01mm/0.25 pt
Laser Engraving: Black Lines/Fills: RGB: 0,0,0. Stroke weight: minimum 0.40mm/1pt (Anything thinner won’t engrave)
CREATING TEXT
All text must be converted into outlines once written in your chosen font and correct size.
Type > Font > Create Outlines
*Please Note - that the middle 'island parts' of letters will fall out, therefore you may need to alter your font or chose a stencil format.
Type > Font > Create Outlines
*Please Note - that the middle 'island parts' of letters will fall out, therefore you may need to alter your font or chose a stencil format.
UNGROUP OBJECTS
Before saving and sending you artwork please ungroup all objects. You can double-check this by looking in the layers window and checking there are no grouped paths.
Object > Ungroup
Object > Ungroup
CREATE CLOSED SHAPES
Ensure that vector shapes are closed and all continuous paths are joined. This is especially important for engraving solid shapes, and creating smooth cutting lines.
Select two end point > (Right Click) Join or Command J
Select two end point > (Right Click) Join or Command J
EXPAND OBJECTS
After you have finished your design expand all objects, for non-vector shape use Expand Apperance, this will ensure the stoke weights appear as shown on screen.
Object > Expand Appearance
If using an existing image to make a cutting path use live trace - this will turn it into a vector-based shape.
Object > Live Trace > Create and Expand
* You may need to alter some settings to trace it exactly right. Window > Image Trace
Object > Expand Appearance
If using an existing image to make a cutting path use live trace - this will turn it into a vector-based shape.
Object > Live Trace > Create and Expand
* You may need to alter some settings to trace it exactly right. Window > Image Trace
RELEASE ALL CLIPPING MASKS
Our laser program will see all artwork even if it is hidden in a clipping mask.
Object > Clipping Masks > Release
Object > Clipping Masks > Release
REDUCING ANCHOR POINTS
Deleting unnecessary anchor points and simplifying paths will reduce cutting time and create smooth cutting lines.
Object > Path > Simplify - alter the curve precision to reduce excess points.
Object > Path > Simplify - alter the curve precision to reduce excess points.
DELETE DUPLICATE LINES
Check for repeated vector stokes, as any duplicated lines will be cut again.
These can increase the cost of producing your work and may damage the finish of your final product.
These can increase the cost of producing your work and may damage the finish of your final product.
FINAL ARTWORK CHECK
To find any hidden extra points or objects check your artwork in Outline view, this will show everything the laser will see.
View > Outline
View > Outline
SENDING YOUR ARTWORK
Once you have competed all the above checks you can send over your artworks as a .pdf, .ai or .dfx file to contact@bristollsering.co.uk