Yuchan

For example you can trace a bitmap and set a limit to the minimum area to sample so that anything smaller than X^2 pixels wont get traced.

Is there a way to do this with vector art that I already have?

I want to automatically remove the smallest paths that are only a "stab" on the vinyl cutter. These stabby stabs make up for half+ of the time spent cutting a detailed design and are not worth their cut.

One crazy solution is to rasterize the image, and re-trace it using different settings but this naturally roughens up text and other small details.

So: any ideas?

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ImageIt

Quote: Originally Posted by Yuchan One crazy solution is to rasterize the image, and re-trace it using different settings but this naturally roughens up text and other small details.

Your crazy idea isn't as crazy as it sounds. One trick i use it top rasterize a file at high resolution (150 or 300 dpi). Then in photoshop, i use the magic want to select various areas. Then Select->Modify->Contract the selection such that the small areas disappear, then Select->Modify->Expand the selection back to its original size, but minus the small stuff.

Next right clip and convert selection to a working path with a tolerance of 1.5-5 pixels, then export paths into illustrator. Big areas are left relatively unaffected, while small stuff disappear. Since it is done at high resolution, everything looks right on the vinyl cutter.

fred

 

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mrobsessed

Try using the Object > Path > Simplify... filter. This removes points from existing vector paths and simplifies them into a similar path with fewer points. Beware - this filter is VERY strong so to avoid your artwork becoming unrecognisable you have to have the settings very high - usually 95-99%.

Good Luck!
Mr O

 

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Yuchan

Quote: Originally Posted by mrobsessed Try using the Object > Path > Simplify... filter. This removes points from existing vector paths and simplifies them into a similar path with fewer points. Beware - this filter is VERY strong so to avoid your artwork becoming unrecognisable you have to have the settings very high - usually 95-99%. Good Luck! Mr O

aww. That sounded like it would be the jackpot but unfortunately it didnt get rid of my small points, even at percision 0%.

It seems to be able to simplify the small circles but only by lessening the points within a path, not any paths themselves.

I definitely will be using this though, its immensely useful! Thanks!

I have resorted to resterizing + auto tracing. works alright..

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