How to Convert Bitmaps to Vectors for Vinyl Cutters
Vinyl cutters are computer controlled machines that can produce extremely precise figures out of vinyl --- for instance, for window stickers. The machines require the use of a "vector," a graphics file that doesn't contain a "bit map" of every individual pixel, but rather defines the instructions for how to create them. Vectors, unlike bitmaps (or "raster" graphics), are infinitely scalable, and therefore well-suited to computer controlled machines.
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Instructions
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Start Inkscape and click "Import" under the "File" menu. Browse to the location of your bitmap or raster source file and import it into Inkscape --- you should now see it displayed on your screen.
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Click on the bitmap once in Inkscape to select it, and then click "Trace Bitmap" under the "Path" menu at the top of the screen. This brings up a dialogue box that allows you to set your options for converting the bitmap to a vector.
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Select "Colors" under the "Multiple scans" option. Change the number of scans from eight to two and then look for the three checkboxes at the bottom of the screen: check "Remove background" and uncheck "Smooth." Now click "OK" to finalize the conversion process.
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Right-click on the traced vector that was created, and click "Ungroup" to separate the multiple traces. Use the tab key to cycle through them, and delete (tap the "delete" key) all but the one vector that contains the shape you want to cut --- it should all be the same color.
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Switch to "edit paths by nodes" mode by clicking the button just below the arrow on the left-hand column. If necessary, drag the nodes and their handles (the lines that come off the nodes) to match the shape on your bitmap exactly. When you're satisfied, delete the bitmap.
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Navigate to "Save as" under the "File" menu, and in the drop-down list of file formats choose either "Encapsulated PostScript" or "Plain SVG." Save the file, which can then be sent to the vinyl cutter for processing.
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- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
