VinylCut 5 — design tools (software-only)
VinylCut-only design toolbox. Practice on Monitor-PC without a cutter. Prefer AM softwaretraining mini-series.
Shape tool + Bézier / nodes
Vector editing is core: manipulate paths so cuts weed cleanly.
| Part | Focus | Training |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shape tool overview | overview |
| 2 | Add / delete / move nodes | nodes |
| 3 | Bézier curve handles | curves |
Index: Shape tool mini-series.
Practice: draw a closed shape → convert/edit nodes → smooth a corner → save.
Trace image (raster → vector)
Auto-trace converts bitmaps into cut paths. Complex at first; high leverage once dialled in.
Index (10 parts): Trace image mini-series
Coverage map:
- Good rules before tracing
- Properties panel overview
- Input properties
4–5. Output settings - Preview settings
- Monochrome mode
- Colour layers mode
- Single colour mode
- Mask cut-lines (add/remove)
Also useful: compare vinyl vs laser-trace workflows on AM training (trace difference index) — keep VinylCut conclusions in this folder only.
Practice: import a simple PNG logo → monochrome trace → clean stray nodes → weld if needed.
Nest
Packs shapes to max pieces / min vinyl.
| Part | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nest settings overview |
| 2 | Practical preview |
Index: Nest mini-series.
Practice: duplicate several shapes → nest → compare waste vs hand layout.
Distribute / align
Even spacing across the page or within a selection.
| Part | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Distribute to page |
| 2 | Distribute to selection |
Index: Distribute mini-series.
Border frames
Build non-rectangular frames (base shape → decorations → combine).
Index: Border frames mini-series.
Text, weld, styles
From product capability list + AM benefits pages:
- TrueType / OpenType fonts installed on Windows.
- Weld overlapping letters/shapes into one cut path (signage letters).
- Styles such as Shadow and Blackout for effect layers.
- Text tool depth: search softwaretraining for VinylCut text / font videos (e.g. choosing fonts).
Rhinestones (optional craft track)
Index: Rhinestones mini-series. Skip if shop focus is signage-only.
Power weeding / cut-assist design habits
- Design with weeding in mind: bridges, minimum feature size, avoid hairline islands.
- VinylCut can generate weeding aids (AM “weeding made easy” / power weeding capability).
- Softwaretraining also covers a dedicated weeding tool video — watch before first live vinyl.
Registration marks (software prep only)
For later print-then-contour: place/use registration marks in the design; mark order matters by cutter family when hardware arrives. AM notes 5.030 installer improves mark-order options vs earlier 5.02x builds (Monitor-PC is on 5.028 — see questions-for-eric version pin).
Training pointer: sources/training/vinylcut-5-030-registration-marks.md (export tree) · contour overview vinylcut.co.za/contour-cutting.
Design checklist before opening Cut settings
- Closed paths where vinyl must weed as one piece.
- Stroke none (unless intentional outline cut).
- Style set for cut (not accidental Draw).
- Correct real-world size on the mat.
- Colours separated if multi-colour vinyl (cut-by-colour later).
- Nested / tiled if material or width requires it.
- Project saved.
Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).