Using Inkscape with the Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions
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The preferred method for creating files for the [[Moonraker Laser Cutter]] is Inkscape It can be downloaded here: [https://inkscape.org/en/download Inkscape]. | |||
In addition, Knox Makers has a bundle of Inkscape extensions for use with our machine. They can be downloaded here: [https://github.com/KnoxMakers/KM-Laser KM-LASER]. | |||
In order to use the Laser Cutter, a member must be authorized through the [[Moonraker Laser Operation Class]] | |||
== | ==Inkscape Basics== | ||
This tutorial shows how to make simple shape in Inkscape. It is the same tutorial that is used in the [[Moonraker Laser Operation Class]]. The extensions and instructions are unique to the Knox Makers system. | |||
====Creating a shape==== | |||
# Open a new file in Inkscape. | |||
# Go to Edit > Preferences and select Geometric Bounding Box (first time only) | |||
# Create a shape (square, circle, or star button) | |||
# Choose select tool (arrow button) | |||
# Select your shape | |||
# Set X and Y positions to 0 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw6DDrSgjog Video]) | |||
# Set width and height (click padlock button to keep image proportional) | |||
# Go to Extensions > KM LASER > HERSHEY TEXT | |||
# Type the text into the box and click Apply | |||
# Use the X and Y positions to center your text in your shape | |||
====Setting the color of your shape to determine the level of engraving ==== | |||
# On the bottom, to the right of the color bar is a small arrow ( < ). Click this and select '''KM-Laser by Color''' | |||
#* Clicking palate color will select object's fill color. Shift+clicking palette will set the object's stroke color. | |||
# Set your shape to black stroke with no fill. | |||
# Set your text to light blue stroke with no fill. | |||
# Once you upload the file you'll be able to use different settings for each color | |||
== | ====Final Processing==== | ||
# Select your shape | |||
# Go to Edit > Resize Page to Selection | |||
# Type Ctrl-A to select everything | |||
# Go to Path > Object to Path | |||
# Save your file | |||
====Uploading your file==== | |||
# Go to moonraker2.knoxmakers.org:1337 | |||
# Choose your account (or create one if you haven't yet) | |||
# Upload your file to your account | |||
==Hatch Fill== | |||
==KM Laser Extension== | |||
The KM Laser Extension has a few tools to use to make some fun projects. | |||
====Hatch Fill==== | |||
This extension allows you to fill in any closed figure in your design with lines or crossed lines. This is useful when you want to engrave an entire area within your design. This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions. | This extension allows you to fill in any closed figure in your design with lines or crossed lines. This is useful when you want to engrave an entire area within your design. This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions. | ||
Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHNXW9Z_sps KMLaser Hatch Fill] | |||
==Hershey Text== | ====Hershey Text==== | ||
Hershey Text produces single-stroke text that is appropriate for cnc engraving or plotters. This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions. | Hershey Text produces single-stroke text that is appropriate for cnc engraving or plotters. This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions. | ||
To add fonts, first obtain an svg font (see [https://stackoverflow.com/questions/13087903/command-line-tool-for-converting-ttf-otf-fonts-to-svg this stackoverflow discussion] for one way to convert true type font files to svg fonts). Add it to the svg_fonts folder in the inkscape extensions folder. You can then use it by selecting 'other' and typing the name of your font file. If your text does not convert to the new hershey text font, try changing what font you have the text as in Inkscape (e.g. change it to 'sans-serif' instead of a more specific font. | |||
==Tabbed Box Maker== | Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHNXW9Z_sps KMLaser Hershey Text] | ||
====Tabbed Box Maker==== | |||
This extension creates the paths necessary to cut out tabbed boxes. This extension is based of the extension you can find [http://www.keppel.demon.co.uk/111000/111000.html here]. | This extension creates the paths necessary to cut out tabbed boxes. This extension is based of the extension you can find [http://www.keppel.demon.co.uk/111000/111000.html here]. | ||
Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bO78aQghv8 KM Laser Tabbed Box Maker] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:23, 20 August 2026
The preferred method for creating files for the Moonraker Laser Cutter is Inkscape It can be downloaded here: Inkscape. In addition, Knox Makers has a bundle of Inkscape extensions for use with our machine. They can be downloaded here: KM-LASER. In order to use the Laser Cutter, a member must be authorized through the Moonraker Laser Operation Class
Inkscape Basics
This tutorial shows how to make simple shape in Inkscape. It is the same tutorial that is used in the Moonraker Laser Operation Class. The extensions and instructions are unique to the Knox Makers system.
Creating a shape
- Open a new file in Inkscape.
- Go to Edit > Preferences and select Geometric Bounding Box (first time only)
- Create a shape (square, circle, or star button)
- Choose select tool (arrow button)
- Select your shape
- Set X and Y positions to 0 (Video)
- Set width and height (click padlock button to keep image proportional)
- Go to Extensions > KM LASER > HERSHEY TEXT
- Type the text into the box and click Apply
- Use the X and Y positions to center your text in your shape
Setting the color of your shape to determine the level of engraving
- On the bottom, to the right of the color bar is a small arrow ( < ). Click this and select KM-Laser by Color
- Clicking palate color will select object's fill color. Shift+clicking palette will set the object's stroke color.
- Set your shape to black stroke with no fill.
- Set your text to light blue stroke with no fill.
- Once you upload the file you'll be able to use different settings for each color
Final Processing
- Select your shape
- Go to Edit > Resize Page to Selection
- Type Ctrl-A to select everything
- Go to Path > Object to Path
- Save your file
Uploading your file
- Go to moonraker2.knoxmakers.org:1337
- Choose your account (or create one if you haven't yet)
- Upload your file to your account
KM Laser Extension
The KM Laser Extension has a few tools to use to make some fun projects.
Hatch Fill
This extension allows you to fill in any closed figure in your design with lines or crossed lines. This is useful when you want to engrave an entire area within your design. This extension is based on part of the eggbot extensions.
Video: KMLaser Hatch Fill
Hershey Text
Hershey Text produces single-stroke text that is appropriate for cnc engraving or plotters. This extension is based on part of the eggbot extensions.
To add fonts, first obtain an svg font (see this stackoverflow discussion for one way to convert true type font files to svg fonts). Add it to the svg_fonts folder in the inkscape extensions folder. You can then use it by selecting 'other' and typing the name of your font file. If your text does not convert to the new hershey text font, try changing what font you have the text as in Inkscape (e.g. change it to 'sans-serif' instead of a more specific font.
Video: KMLaser Hershey Text
Tabbed Box Maker
This extension creates the paths necessary to cut out tabbed boxes. This extension is based of the extension you can find here.
Video: KM Laser Tabbed Box Maker
