What kind of software do I need to learn?

Laser
1

What software do we use to create designs. Also are there computers there that I can use to create my design?

2

If you plan to engrave you will need some type of rasterized image; .jpg, .bmp, … pretty much anything. Just about any program can generate that.

If you plan to cut then you will need something that can create vector “artwork” (i.e., lines); Inkscape (free), Adobe Photoshop (in the path mode), Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw, just to name a few. Since all of these can also create bitmap (or jpg) images you have to make sure you are creating vectors.

All of these except CorelDraw are available on computers at DMS; Inkscape can be used remotely from the Jump server because it is freeware. Depending on the quality of your image, several of these can create a vector outlines from a bitmap, including Lightburn, Illustrator or CorelDraw. Obviously this will work best with a high resolution, high contrast image like clip-art. Things like photographs will not easily generate an automated vector outline trace.

In order of easiest to learn (IMO):

  1. Inkscape
  2. CorelDraw (which is not available at DMS anyway)
  3. Photoshop
  4. Illustrator

However, be advised that the easier to learn programs tend to have greater limitations. YMMV.

4 Likes
3

Just curious but is Corel Draw still popular ?

4

Not in my camp … but because it is much easier to learn than Illustrator (and much cheaper), I see a some equipment vendors who provide interface with it.

1 Like
5

googling for those words returns interesting results.

Easier to learn and lower price keeps it alive.

1 Like
6

Just so you know, Solidworks can export its sketches and views in a variety of 2D formats. As members, we can get free annual licenses.

3 Likes
7

It is very nice that members have access to Solidworks, but with its learning curve, it is overkill for use with the lasers.

For cutting, Inkscape is easier to learn than Illustrator.

For engraving, Photoshop and GIMP are similar but GIMP is free to use on your own computer.

2 Likes
9

One of the Laser guys recently shared that Affinity is 50% off…I think until the middle of August, but I havent had time to play with it much. Could someone else speak to it’s quality/ease of use?

If you take the online laser class & pass the quiz with a 10/10, you can buy Lightburn for $30…regularly $120…with the DMS discount code.

As for Corel Draw, i still use it b/c it’s what I learned on…

-B

2 Likes