PDF Files
PDF Files
Hi there! I am new here and just bought the SCAL program. I downloaded the Inkscape program. I was wondering if there is anyway to convert a PDF file directly to a SCAL file. Probably not....but thought it was worth asking. I have a hard time using these two brand new programs. Are there any on-line manuals or something?
-
firstcut
- Posts: 1822
- Joined: Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:19 pm
- Location: FL; SCAL1, SCAL2; Mac; Ink .47, AI CS4
- Contact:
Re: PDF Files
Actually chelemom, there is a way.
If the pdf has vector content you can do a “print to svg.” Instructions are here on my blog
http://cleversomeday.wordpress.com/2010 ... -cutfiles/
Keep in mind that some vector files are not suitable for cutting, but for those that are this is a great way to extract the vectors from a PDF with no added nodes or loss of quality from tracing.
If the pdf has raster(bitmap) content then you can take a screen shot and save it to jpg and then import it into SCAL2 to trace. If you don’t know how to take and save a screen shot there are instructions here
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/screen ... s_Tips.htm
You can also use the screen shot technique on a vector PDF if it is too messy to convert directly.
The best way to tell if a pdf is a vector or a raster is to zoom in, say 300% and if the lines are jaggy it is a raster. If they are smooth it is a vector.
Both of the above techniques are great to know because they allow you to convert so many things to a SCAL-ready file.
If the pdf has vector content you can do a “print to svg.” Instructions are here on my blog
http://cleversomeday.wordpress.com/2010 ... -cutfiles/
Keep in mind that some vector files are not suitable for cutting, but for those that are this is a great way to extract the vectors from a PDF with no added nodes or loss of quality from tracing.
If the pdf has raster(bitmap) content then you can take a screen shot and save it to jpg and then import it into SCAL2 to trace. If you don’t know how to take and save a screen shot there are instructions here
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/screen ... s_Tips.htm
You can also use the screen shot technique on a vector PDF if it is too messy to convert directly.
The best way to tell if a pdf is a vector or a raster is to zoom in, say 300% and if the lines are jaggy it is a raster. If they are smooth it is a vector.
Both of the above techniques are great to know because they allow you to convert so many things to a SCAL-ready file.