<aside> ❗ This guide is incomplete, please reach out to Shane Richey with any questions or needs for assistance.
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Several of the machines in the AT2D lab require vector paths for specific functions, the specifics of how those vector paths need to be set up vary from machine to machine but there are some best practices that apply to all of them. This guide focuses on preparing vector files for use with the laser cutters, flatbed plotter, and cutting paths for the Roland VersaUV and TrueVIS printers.
Adobe Illustrator is the most commonly used app used for preparing vector files in the AT2D Lab, but most vector programs have similar functions. For vector paths prepared on the iPad, it may be necessary to import those files into Illustrator for final prep.
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Save a duplicate of your file before following these steps so that you will still have a working version of the file if you need to make changes.
Convert any text to outlines by selecting the text and going to Type > Create Outlines, or pressing ⇧⌘O
Expand all paths that have a brush, or effect.
For brushes and effects, go to Object > Expand Appearance. A good way to make sure your shape is actually a shape and not an applied effect or brush is to view the layer in Outline Mode by holding down the command (⌘) button and clicking the eye on the layer to toggle view modes.
For symbols, go to Object > Expand… and uncheck Object in the options panel that pops up. The Outline Mode trick doesn’t work for symbols since the outline of the shape is included in the symbol.
Overlapping shapes may appear to to be a single solid shape in Illustrator, but the software will view it as separate paths. To fix this, select both objects and use the Unify command in the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder or press ⇧⌘F9). The Outline Mode trick does work with this one as well.
Simplifying the paths (removing unnecessary anchor points) will reduce cutting time and improve the quality of the shape. There are several ways to do this depending on the complexity of the shape.
Remember that when cutting shapes in a material, unconnected paths inside other paths will not be connected and will fall out. Pay attention to the design and modify it to avoid this issue when necessary. This will most commonly be an issue when cutting text in your design.
Release all clipping masks.
