Changes

Preparing Graphics:  

Preparing Graphics:  

First, it is important to understand the differences between a vector and a raster when setting up graphics to be printed. Raster images use many colored pixels or individual building blocks to form a complete image. JPEGs, GIFs and PNGs are common raster image types. Almost all of the photos found on the web and in print catalogs are raster images. Because raster images are constructed using a fixed number of colored pixels, they can’t be dramatically resized without compromising their resolution. When stretched to fit a space they weren’t designed to fill, their pixels become visibly grainy and the image distorts. This is why altered photos may appear pixilated or low resolution. Further, because a raster image is composed of many tiny pieces it is difficult to distinguish one object from another within the image. Vector images, alternatively, allow for more flexibility. Constructed using mathematical formulas rather than individual colored blocks, vector file types such as SVG, EPS, AI and PDF* ['''why the "*" on PDF.?'''] are excellent for creating graphics that frequently require resizing. Also, each object within a vector file is assigned to a distinct layer within Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape which means an object can be moved, resized, and recolored without affecting the rest of the image. Having a graphic in vector format can be helpful because it is easy to remove the vinyl background from the graphic by adding a cut line around the object.  

First, it is important to understand the differences between a vector and a raster when setting up graphics to be printed. Raster images use many colored pixels or individual building blocks to form a complete image. JPEGs, GIFs and PNGs are common raster image types. Almost all of the photos found on the web and in print catalogs are raster images. Because raster images are constructed using a fixed number of colored pixels, they can’t be dramatically resized without compromising their resolution. When stretched to fit a space they weren’t designed to fill, their pixels become visibly grainy and the image distorts. This is why altered photos may appear pixilated or low resolution. Further, because a raster image is composed of many tiny pieces it is difficult to distinguish one object from another within the image. Vector images, alternatively, allow for more flexibility. Constructed using mathematical formulas rather than individual colored blocks, vector file types such as SVG, EPS, AI and PDF are excellent for creating graphics that frequently require resizing. Also, each object within a vector file is assigned to a distinct layer within Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape which means an object can be moved, resized, and recolored without affecting the rest of the image. Having a graphic in vector format can be helpful because it is easy to remove the vinyl background from the graphic by adding a cut line around the object.  

For Adobe Illustrator:  

For Adobe Illustrator:  

# Before you print, remember that the origin is rotated 180 degrees. So you will need to have your image on the TOP RIGHT if you want to print of the bottom left.  

# Before you print, remember that the origin is rotated 180 degrees. So you will need to have your image on the TOP RIGHT if you want to print of the bottom left.  

# Finally, right click on the desired file name in the job queue and hit print.

# Finally, right click on the desired file name in the job queue and hit print.

# After the cut is finished turn off the machine with the secondary power button but make sure to leave the main power switch on to prevent damage and wait 20 minutes before interacting with the graphic.

# After the cut is finished turn off the machine with the secondary power button but make sure to leave the main power switch on to prevent damage and wait 20 minutes before interacting with the graphic.

==Additional Functions==

==Additional Functions==

While editing the image you will see 11 different tabs you can go under. Each of these has different ways to edit the image. Starting out, we are on the 'layout' tab. The next tab that we want to mess with is the 'color adjustment'. If your prints have colors that you don't want or a tint of a certain color, you can adjust the color to properly print your image.  

While editing the image you will see 11 different tabs you can go under. Each of these has different ways to edit the image. Starting out, we are on the 'layout' tab. The next tab that we want to mess with is the 'color adjustment'. If your prints have colors that you don't want or a tint of a certain color, you can adjust the color to properly print your image.  

 

The 'cut controls' tab can control the amount of passes, speed and force that the printer will perform. You most likely won't have to change anything unless you are using a different material to cut.  

The 'cut controls' tab can control the amount of passes, speed and force that the printer will perform. You most likely won't have to change anything unless you are using a different material to cut.  

 

The 'clip and tile' tab allows you to cut the image into different 'tiles' and have you image be split into multiple prints.  

The 'clip and tile' tab allows you to cut the image into different 'tiles' and have you image be split into multiple prints.  

 

These three tabs are the ones that you might need to use, if any.

These three tabs are the ones that you might need to use, if any.

Complete <strong>The Hub - {{PAGENAME}} Module</strong> at the link below to gain access to the {{PAGENAME}}. The Maker Hub Canvas course pertains to all facilities and equipment contained in the Maker Hub; simply complete the quizzes for the facilities/equipment you wish to use in the Maker Hub. Please email <span style="color:blue">makerhub@georgefox.edu</span> if you have any questions.

Complete <strong>The Hub - {{PAGENAME}} Module</strong> at the link below to gain access to the {{PAGENAME}}. The Maker Hub Canvas course pertains to all facilities and equipment contained in the Maker Hub; simply complete the quizzes for the facilities/equipment you wish to use in the Maker Hub. Please email <span style="color:blue">makerhub@georgefox.edu</span> if you have any questions.

[https://georgefox.instructure.com/enroll/GH36RT Maker Hub Canvas Course]

[https://georgefox.instructure.com/enroll/R6RF69 Maker Hub Canvas Course]

==Troubleshooting==

==Troubleshooting==

*If for whatever reason the machine is being difficult, you can look in the upper left corner and the machine will most likely tell you what's wrong.

*If for whatever reason the machine is being difficult, you can look in the upper left corner and the machine will most likely tell you what's wrong. Where it typically says 'Printer Ready' it might say what the issue with the printer is.  

* [[File:Vinyl1.png|none|thumb|866x866px]]

* [[File:Vinyl1.png|none|thumb|866x866px]]

* The most common issue is the printer beeping when trying to load a piece of material. To fix this, make sure the pinch roller is positioned above a grit roller by finding a new piece of vinyl or rotating/cutting down the current piece.

* The most common issue is the printer beeping when trying to load a piece of material. To fix this, make sure the pinch roller is positioned above a grit roller by finding a new piece of vinyl or rotating/cutting down the current piece.