Laser Cutter Practice Project (Adobe Illustrator Design)

Launch Adobe Illustrator and open the design file by clicking on 'File' at the top of your window, then 'Open' and selecting the filename.

When you have opened the file, you can rename it by clicking on 'File' then 'Save As.' Note that this document template is already set up for the Murray Hall laser cutter, so it is already set to 'RGB' color mode and the dimensions of the laser cutter bed (32"x18").

Add a picture element by placing an image within the borders of your tag. You can use an image from Google image search or you can use an icon from The Noun Project - read instructions below or see the video walkthrough here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MewjICntjmE

To use an image from Google Image Search: Go to image.google.com and search for your desired image. Right-click the image and select 'Save Image As.' Navigate back to the Adobe Illustrator pane and click 'File', then 'Place,' then select the image you just downloaded. Click anywhere on the canvas to place your image.

To use an icon from The Noun Project: Go to https://thenounproject.com/, create a free account, and search for your desired icon. Click on the one you want and select Right-click the image and select 'Save Image As.' Navigate back to the Adobe Illustrator pane and click 'File', then 'Place,' then select the image you just downloaded. Click anywhere on the canvas to place your image.

Add a text element to your tag by using the Text tool (represented in the sidebar by a 'T' icon.)

You can change the font, font size, and other settings with the 'Properties' panel on the righthand side of the window.

When you have your text the way you want it, make sure to click ‘Create Outlines’ in the Properties panel.This converts the text to a shape so that it stays the same, even if the laser cutter computer doesn’t have the font you used.

Now we need to review the elements of our design, and make sure the laser cutter will read them correctly.

We want to vector etch our text outlines, so we need to change the 'Fill' to 'none' so that it won't raster etch.

We want to vector etch our text outlines, so we need to change the stroke color to 'RGB blue' so the laser cutter will recognize it.

We want to vector etch our text outlines, so we need to change the stroke thickness to .001 in (or .072 pt) to match the diameter of the laser beam.

We want to vector cut our tag outlines, so we need to change the stroke thickness to .001 in (or .072 pt) to match the diameter of the laser beam.

We want to vector cut our tag outlines, so we need to make sure the stroke color is 'RGB red' so the laser cutter will recognize it.