I actually use Illustrator a lot for altering patterns, then saving them as svg files. It is possible to export your projects as svg files, and then opening them in AI to print as pdf. It's just an extra step. You could also email craftedge and ask them about it and see what they say.
Happy crafting!
Which is a better replacement machine for the Cricut Express
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HeatherM
- Posts: 3913
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:16 am
- Location: Michigan, SCAL1; SCAL2; eCAL; Windows7 64 bit; eCAL Mavericks
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Re: Which is a better replacement machine for the Cricut Exp
Is there a reason why you need a pdf rather than an image file? There are several image format options. Also, I was able to print to PDF from eCAL using the PDF printer installed on my computer.
Do you have CS5 (maybe older too)? The export plug-ins are really nice with CS5 and Inkscape. I almost always use the plug-in to send my files to eCAL. Adobe changed how they're handled in CS6, so it isn't really worthwhile in that version.mitsim wrote:I actually use Illustrator a lot for altering patterns, then saving them as svg files.
Re: Which is a better replacement machine for the Cricut Exp
I'll try to answer you both.
The reason I use pdf is as an export really, from SCAL2, of what the item will look like, with the shape around it. It's not so much the image, as it is the outline of the shape, to the image.
I have CS2 on another computer & generally just use Elements (quicker loading & 64 bit friendly) for my previews. When in SCAL, I use the print feature, & select my PDF printing program, as the printer. This way I can see how it looks together (margins, alignment), & provide a proof when it's needed, when I'm cutting for someone else.
When I make something (shape) to go to SCAL, from either program, I just import/trace from that file (PSD, JPG etc.). It may not be the best way, but it works alright (till I learn another way).
So, being able to print to PDF, is something that is useful to me, till I can find a different way to make an electronic proof. That is, other than screen capture.
I had thought of writing CraftEdge, the last time I asked a software question, I got the link to their FAQ's, so figured it would be the same. I always had an issue with rotated items, being printed with a line under them. Sometimes the line isn't in the way of the cut, often it is. I print from SCAL, as I was tired of trying to align everything in Photoshop & hoping they'd get together in fewer sheets. It was something suggested to me here, in the forums that i thought was a good idea.
I hope that wasn't too wordy & clears up why I like the print to PDF feature to work :}).
The reason I use pdf is as an export really, from SCAL2, of what the item will look like, with the shape around it. It's not so much the image, as it is the outline of the shape, to the image.
I have CS2 on another computer & generally just use Elements (quicker loading & 64 bit friendly) for my previews. When in SCAL, I use the print feature, & select my PDF printing program, as the printer. This way I can see how it looks together (margins, alignment), & provide a proof when it's needed, when I'm cutting for someone else.
When I make something (shape) to go to SCAL, from either program, I just import/trace from that file (PSD, JPG etc.). It may not be the best way, but it works alright (till I learn another way).
So, being able to print to PDF, is something that is useful to me, till I can find a different way to make an electronic proof. That is, other than screen capture.
I had thought of writing CraftEdge, the last time I asked a software question, I got the link to their FAQ's, so figured it would be the same. I always had an issue with rotated items, being printed with a line under them. Sometimes the line isn't in the way of the cut, often it is. I print from SCAL, as I was tired of trying to align everything in Photoshop & hoping they'd get together in fewer sheets. It was something suggested to me here, in the forums that i thought was a good idea.
I hope that wasn't too wordy & clears up why I like the print to PDF feature to work :}).