So the next step is to start making some actual swatches. While convenient the folder itself will do nothing. This will create a new folder that you should name something convenient such as LaserCut Swatches. With all the swatches gone click on the little folder icon near the bottom it should be 3rd from the right. By default it probably has tons of colors shown, but you don't need any of them so you can either click on each individually and click on the trash can or you can click on the little button in the top right corner of the swatch menu and click 'Select All Unused' and click the trash can. Go Window>Swatches this should make a pop up on the right.

The next step is setting up your colors or as Illustrator calls them swatches. From now on when making a new document you can change the profile to LaserCut Preset and it will be the same format every time. Finally you move the previously made file into the folder that was opened from clicking 'Browse'. Go ahead and go to File>New and Click on the Profile drop down and select 'Browse.' at the bottom. Name it something useful such as LaserCut Preset so you know what it is. Save this new document to an easy to access spot such as your desktop. Click OK and a new document will be created. From here click on the 'Color Mode' drop down and change it to RGB. Next click on the 'Advanced' drop down arrow located near the bottom. This will match Illustrator's work place to the laser cutter's bed. 25 shorter than reality to avoid conflict with CorelDraw). You can do this by setting up a few useful tools in Illustrator.įirst of all go to File>New and adjust the width to 39 and height to 23.75 to match the laser cutter(Note that each dimension is. The first step you should take is making life easier for future you.

Adobe illustrator 8 trace image