Full Spectrum Laser Muse - Creating and Converting Vector Paths

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Creating & Converting Vector Paths
A vector path indicates the line the laser moves along while cutting. For a simple line, the path is a
clear route from Point A to Point B. More complicated paths, and shapes, can be created using the
following options in the Modify drop-down window:
Vectorize Border
Use to create a vector path of the border of an object. For example, the user creates an object, such
as a rectangle, and wants to have a vector path of just the border of the triangle.
Vectorize Image
Use to create vector paths of each separate element in an image. For example, the user rst imports
an image. User then wants certain parts of the image to be vectors so they can be cut. User vectoriz-
es the image and then moves some of the resulting vectors out of the image object. The vectors can
then be edited.
Join Paths (Ctrl+J)
Combine 2 or more selected paths into one compound path. The result is a single layer titled ‘Com-
pound Path’. It does not connect them into one continuous path but rather a single object with breaks
between the individual paths that were joined. The user joins together multiple path objects so that
they can be transformed more easily and change their properties as a single object.
Split Paths (Shift+Ctrl+J)
Split a compound path into its original separate paths.The result is a path layer for each separate path
in the Compound path.
Simplify Path (Ctrl+Alt+S)
Simplify (and smooth) a path to varying degrees of tolerance. The user creates a freehand line or
compound curve but the resulting curve has some sharp turns and jagged edges. Next, select the
path and simplies it with a tolerance (start with 20%). The resulting path has fewer vertices and
smoother turns.
Connect Path Lines
Connect together the ends of 2 or more paths. The user vectorizes an image containing text. Due to
the low quality of the image some, of the text characters have breaks in their paths, so the user se-
lects the lonely paths and uses the “Connect Paths Lines” feature to connect the paths.
Break Curve
Break apart a path at a specied node. The user creates a path but would like to separate it and add
space at certain vertices to add another artistic element in between. Or maybe to specify different
engraving parameters for different parts of the path. To do so, the user selects a node and chooses
“Break Curve”. The path is separated into two separate paths.
Reverse Order
Reverse the order of nodes in a path. When the user creates several paths and uses the “Con-
nect Paths Lines” feature, they are connected but not at the desired ends. This is because the
paths are connected from the last node of one path to the rst node of the next. Undo the previous
action and chooses “Reverse Order” on one of the paths. Then connects the paths and they are
connected perfectly.