Rather than printing in the "bubble" outline, and filling in with a pen, you fill in the outline digitally before sending it to print. The process is basically a digital version of filling in the font. This involved using a vector editing program like Inkscape. You can't just convert "normal" fonts to writing fonts. But when it comes to writing, it's not that simple.
Now for all other projects, I just download free fonts off the internet, install them, an cricut cuts them just fine. There are more options if you keep scrolling, I only screenshotted a portion here, but there are none that I love. Look specifically under photos, there is an album of writing samples kept there.
I keep my writing fonts in zip files in a folder, then use fontlab pad (which can read the fonts right from the zip files!) to create my text and upload it to design space. Using Fontlab Pad - Design space does not read fonts properly, so if you install them and use them in design space, there will be weird spacings in many of these fonts.Alternative (not cricut brand) markers that work well in the Explore Machines.
I make most of my samples at 1 inch tall, and they are sorted by which pens I used - Starting with the super thin precise v5 and working down to the larger markers. Results will vary based on which pen you use, and how large your text is.You can avoid this by using a writing font in Cricut Design Space (Most cost around $5) OR, by choosing a free font thin enough that the lines "collapse on themselves" (Those are the fonts listed here) The Problem - Hollow Text - The Cricut machine, when writing, will follow the same path it would if it was cutting.To do this we multiplied the page height by 1.5 and gave the graphic a diagonal orientation. Try different variations in page layouts to achieve your own unique rotary engravings. For the flash light project (pictured above) the graphic wraps around the flashlight 1.5 times. To achieve a wrap around effect using the rotary attachment, you need to know how many times you would like the graphic to wrap around your object. This might be a problem if you are engraving on an object with a handle or that is not consistent in shape.ģ. For example, if you place the artwork 2 inches from the top of the page the rotary will rotate the object 2 inches then begin engraving. Note: When placing your artwork on the page, be sure to align the art with the top of the page. Measure the length of the object for the page width.Ģ. The number returned will be the page height. To calculate the circumference measure the diameter of the object (pictured top right) and multiply it by 3.14. To figure out the page height for a circular object you will need to calculate the circumference of the object.
In this exercise we will be using The Torch MAG-Lite Flashlight as an example on how to set up your own artwork to achieve the wrap around effect.ġ. When setting up artwork for the rotary attachment the first thing you need to know is the page size you are going to be working with. Setting up the artwork to wrap around an object is very simple. Using your rotary attachment to create 360 degree engravings will give even more versatility to your Epilog laser system. How to Set Up Artwork for Engraving with the Rotary Attachment