Slides
How do I apply outlines? (PDF)
How do I print a list of fonts from the CAS Fonts CD? (PDF)
How do I import files/clipart from a CD? (PDF)
How do I get a consistant cut? (PDF)
How do I save a file as a generic viewable object? (PDF)
How do I make Windows XP recognize my key? (PDF)
How do I open a .VE/.FS file from my hard drive? (PDF)
How do I install my Fonts and Graphics CD? (PDF)
How do I install fonts into my Windows folder? (PDF)
How do I load profiles in LXi or Flexi? (PDF)
How do I print and cut a contour? (PDF)
How do I get the software to cut the right sizes? (PDF)
How do I configure my serial ports? (PDF)
Why can't I get with backing on my outline (PDF)
How do I make a shadow? (PDF)
How do I size text in a textbox? (PDF)
How do I size text as an object? (PDF)
How do I setup my software to cut? (PDF)
How do I trace a bitmap? (html)
How do I clean up a traced bitmap (html)
How do I install my software? (PDF)
How do I save a file made in VE LXi or Flexi Sign? (PDF)
How do I uninstall my software? (PDF)
How do I fix a "Runtime Error"?
 
Text
Creating and Plotting a File
Separating a Word into Individual Letters
Scanning and Autotracing an Image
Using Distortions
Importing Clip Art and Graphics into VE LXi and FlexiSIGN Software
Importing Clip Art and Graphics into VE Silver/Gold/Platinum and SignLab Software
Installing Fonts into Vinyl Express
Thickening a Letter or Number

Q:     I want to create and plot a file.  Where do I begin?

A:     It's easier than you think.  Here's a step-by-step method to use in creating that first sign: 

  • Go to Start, Programs and Vinyl Express. Open Vinyl Express.
  • Once Vinyl Express is opened, go to File, then click on New.
  • Click on OK for your Substrate Size.
  • Double click the "T" icon, located on the Toolbar on the left-hand side of your screen. This will open your "text specifications box".
  • Specify your letter size, font, alignment method, etc.
  • In the Blank White Area on the Lower Left Hand Corner of your screen, type in the desired text. Click OK.
  • Place your text in the desired area and click your left mouse button once.
  • If you wish to add a shadow, resize the image, change colors, those steps should be taken at this time. Do this by selecting the image and applying the appropriate effects or changes.
  • Once your image is designed, Go to File and Cut/Plot.
  • Make sure your plotter is On Line and ready to cut.
  • Now click Cut in the lower right-hand corner of the Cut/Plot Selected Object/All Colors screen.
  • Click Done on the Cut/Plot screen.
Note: This is a general plan for creating and plotting a file.

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Q:     How do I separate a word into individual letters?

A:     Highlight or 'select' the text by clicking on the arrow tool in the toolbar.  By keeping the left mouse button depressed, draw a rectangle around the text you wish to separate.  When the text is surrounded, release the mouse button.

Now, from  the <TOOLS> function from the command bar at the very top, choose the <CONVERT  TO  PATHS> command.  By utilizing the control points now visible on each letter you can stretch, shrink or distort individual letters.  Or, by 'selecting' groups of letters and then the command <ARRANGE>   <GROUP>  or  <MAKE  COMPOUND>  you can manipulate entire words.


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Q:     With Vinyl Express, how do I scan an image and autotrace it?

A:     Follow these easy steps:

  • Make sure you start your scanner first. Then, turn on your computer. Open Vinyl Express.
  • Click on OK for your substrate size.
  • Go to FILE, choose SCAN AND TRACE.
  • Now you should be viewing a preview screen.  Be sure your resolution is set at 300 dpi or lower.
  • Preview your image and then select all or part of the image you want scanned. There will be a blue dotted box around the image you selected to scan. Click on SCAN. Wait for the image to be scanned and transferred back to Vinyl Express.
  • Place the image in the desired location and click the left mouse button once.  This will automatically trace your scan. Note: You must autotrace your image first if you wish to send it to the cutter.
  • Go to LAYOUT and choose SHOW BITMAP AS, then choose BOX ONLY.
  • Now select the Layout Tool (the top arrow in a box on the left-hand side of your screen) and then, select the bitmap. Press the DELETE key on your keyboard. You should now see only the auto-traced portion of the image.
  • If you need to clean up or resize the image, change colors, etc. those steps should be taken at this time. Do this by selecting the image and applying the appropriate effects or changes.
  • Once your image is designed, Go to FILE and CUT/PLOT.
  • Make sure your plotter is On Line and ready to cut.
  • Now click CUT in the lower right-hand corner of the CUT/PLOT SELECTED OBJECT/ALL COLORS screen.
  • Click DONE on the CUT/PLOT screen.
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Q:    How can use distortions to change the way text looks?

A:     You're going to love all the text and image effects available!  Follow these steps:

  1. Open a new document.  Click on OK for the substrate size
  2. Click on the "T" icon (located on the left tool bar)
  3. Type in a sample text logo (in this case, Vinyl Express)
  4. 'Select' your image.  Then go to TOOLS and choose DISTORTIONS.
  5. Choose a distortion style.  After choosing, you may manipulate the text by adjusting the 'handles'.  Move the 'handles' up and down, or side to side until the desired effect is achieved.
  6. Press the 'Enter' key.
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Q:    How do I import clip art and graphics into Vinyl Express LXi and FlexiSIGN?

A:    Follow these steps:

Note:  The clip art file formats compatible w/ VE LXi and Flexi software are .pd, .ai, .eps, .ve, .fs, .dxf, .scv, .cdr, and .wfm
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  1. Place CD-ROM containing clip art into CD-ROM drive.

  2. Next, open your VE software and go to file>import.  will bring up an import window.

  3. Click on the down arrow to find and choose the CD-ROM drive (CD-ROM will have the name of your clip art package next to it).

  4. Find the file you want to import and click on it once. Then, click import.  If no files are visible, change file type to all files. You should now be taken back into your software and notice a blue dotted line box.

  5. Click once on your screen to place image. Before you can cut, you will need to assign a color to the image.

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Q:    How do I import clip art and graphics into VE Silver/Gold/Platinum and SignLab?

A:     Follow these steps:

Note:  The clip art file formats compatible w/ VE Silver/Gold/Platinum and SignLab software are .ai, .eps, .ve, .fs, .dxf, .scv, and .wfm

  1. Open your VE software and go to file>import.  It will bring up an import window.

  2. Click on the down arrow next to look in and choose the CD-ROM drive (it will have the name of your clip art package next to it).

  3. Find the file you want to import and click on it once and then click import.  If no files are visible, change file type to all files.

  4. It will take you back into your software and bring up a 90 degree angle.  Click once on your screen and your image will be there.  If all you see are little black boxes, go to view and click on show fill.  Your file will now be ready to cut.  If you get an error message saying “no cuttable object with current settings”, assign a color to the image.

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Q:    How do I install fonts into Vinyl Express?

A:    You must follow these steps to successfully install your fonts:
  1. You will need to install "Adobe Type Manager Deluxe" before you will be able to add any fonts.
  2. Load your Vinyl Express CD into your CD-Rom Drive. If your "autorun" screen appears click EXIT.
  3. Go to Start, Programs, and Adobe. Click on "Adobe Type Manager Deluxe".
  4. Go to Add Fonts Tab.
  5. In Top Right Hand Corner of Screen, see that "Source" says "Browse for Fonts"
  6. Below Source, Click the down arrow and select your CD-Rom Drive.
  7. Double Click on the "Fonts" folder.
  8. Double Click on the "Font" folder you want to view --- "A to B", "C to D", etc.
  9. To install a font, simply click and highlight desired font and click on ADD in the lower right hand corner. It will then ask you to give it a name for your family or font. You can put any name in there, just make sure you remember what you named it.
  10. Once you have added your font(s), it should appear on the left-hand side of your screen along with the other fonts that have already been installed. Check to see that it is enabled, if not place a CHECK in the box out to the left of the desired font.
  11. Close "Adobe Type Manager" and RESTART FlexiSIGN/Vinyl Express so the changes will take affect.

Remember, whenever a font does not show up in Vinyl Express there is usually a conflict problem.

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Q:    What is the best way to thicken a letter or number without distorting it?

A:  The best way to thicken a letter using Vinyl Express is to outline it using small increments like .10. Then, in the outline options, click unselected, to keep the original.
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