I
just can't seem to figure out Scanning
& Tracing?
Don't worry you're not alone! This
subject causes a great deal of debate
and is full of misunderstandings and
wives tales. In reality and once
understood scanning and tracing is quite
easy and shouldn't take up most of your
day. You simply need a good
understanding of the basics
(fundamentals). To find out more about
the basics click here: Scanning
Fundamentals
What are the most common mistakes made with scanning artwork?
The most common mistakes made with scanning artwork are;
• Not selecting an area to scan, as a result the entire page is
scanned resulting in a massive drain on
computer resources.
• Scanning at a too higher dpi also resulting in a massive drain on
computer resources
• Forgetting to reduce the color depth of artwork after scanning.
No
matter what I try I can not get my
scanner to work with VinylMaster Pro?
In
this case it is usually a lot easier to
scan your artwork using your scanner's
software rather than spending hours
trying to figure out why your scanner
and VMP won't talk to each other. To do
this either launch your scanners'
software from the Start->Programs
button or use a program like 'Imaging'
which is free and included with Windows,
to scan in your artwork and then save
the scanned image to a know location on
your HDD; and the just open this image
up in either the Image Scanning Module
or the Image Tracing Module - just
depending on what you want to do with
the artwork.
My
computer keeps crashing whenever I try
and scan artwork or load it into the
Scanning and/or Tracing Modules in VMP?
This usually happens for 1 of 2 reasons:
1.
Not selecting an area to scan, as a result the entire page is
scanned resulting in a massive drain on
computer resources.
2. Scanning at a too higher dpi also resulting in a massive drain on
computer resources
Computers are limited by their memory
and inherent design and can only handle
certain amounts of information. All of
which can be completely used up when
scanning incorrectly, see - Scanning
Guide
If you believe you have set everything
correctly and you're still having a
problem try following the instructions
in the Topic above.
What scanners will work with VinylMaster Pro?
Any 'Twain' compliant scanners will work with VinylMaster Pro. If you have a very old dos based scanner, simply scan the image and save it on your computer. The scanning module allows you to load saved images.
Will VinylMaster Pro vectorize color images?
Yes. But the old saying applies, computers do what you tell them to, not what you want them to!
Before vectorizing a color image, you should attempt to reduce the number of colors down to a small number, or you will end up with hundreds of little shapes, all slightly different in color.
Why do I have to convert scanned images into vectors?
A scanned image is simply a grid, where each cell is a particular color. When we view the entire collection of cells or
'pixels' from a distance, a picture emerges.
The image itself contains no cutable information. The process of vectorizing simply traces a line around the edges in the picture, creating a shape that can be cut out on a plotter.
What if I just want to print the image?
If you simply wish to print the image, you do not need to vectorize it. When working with images, it is more practical to save the image onto your computer and then
'import' it into VinylMaster Pro. That way, the image will not be saved within the VinylMaster Pro job, which means that automatic backups will be a lot quicker.
Will VinylMaster Pro allow me to trace around an image for contour print/cutting?
Yes. For full explanation of the process, view Lesson 15, Semester Two in the VinylMaster Academy module.
How does VinylMaster Pro's image vectorization routine compare?
Very well. The main difference is that with VinylMaster Pro, a lot of emphasis has been placed on providing you with the tools to quickly and easily
'clean up' the resulting traced curves.
To gain a full appreciation of the power of the scanning/tracing module, view the Semester Two lessons in VinylMaster Academy.
What is the best way to learn about image scanning?
Because image scanning involves a range of skills and techniques, it can be a difficult topic to master. We have designed the lessons in VinylMaster Academy to expose you to the every day tasks that you are faced with when vectorizing artwork.
Before you attempt to vectorize actual jobs, we strongly recommend that you complete the lessons in VinylMaster Academy, particularly Semester
Two and also read through Scanning
Fundamentals.
Why does colored artwork look so bad when I zoom in?
Many sources of colored artwork are printed by mixing standard colored inks together to create different colors (process printing). To create different shades of color, lots of little dots are printed (similar to a picture in a newspaper). Also the different plates do not usually line up precisely.
When we zoom in, all of these imperfections become apparent.
How do I turn poor quality artwork into good artwork?
Often, we have to make the best of a bad lot. When you are forced to vectorize poor quality artwork, one technique that can be used is to scan in the image. After scanning in the image, print the image out onto a sheet of paper, as big as possible. (you can use the "White Screen" option in the "Image Processing" menu of the scanning module to save ink).
After printing out the scanned artwork, get a sheet of tracing paper and manually trace around the image with a black pen. Once complete, discard the original artwork and scan the sheet of tracing paper, and proceed as normal.
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