Definitions / Useful tips


Here are some definitions and tips that will hopefully help to make it easier to understand
how the program works and why things behaves as they do.



License - The license is your identity to SignCut-X2.
For SignCut-X2 PE, all you need is your license, you can transfer it to a new computer
by just installing the program on that machine and enter the license. However you are only
entitled to do this 5 times per subscription period. If you intend to use SignCut-X2 on more
than one computer, please register for a free trial to get a new license for that machine.


KeyCode - The KeyCode is only for SignCut-X2 LE.
If you purchased SignCut-X2 LE, you need to create a KeyCode for it. To do that you should
login to the Customer Login area on our website and click on "My Account", there you will find
a step-by-step instruction on how to generate the KeyCode. You are entitled to create 5 KeyCodes
during a WEB-Support period, if you need more then you need to purchase the extended web-support.


Plotter / Cutter - A machine that is used to send commands to and which will
convert those commands into lines and curves. It is most often used with a Knife to
cut in vinyl, but can be used for alot of other different purposes. Only the imagination
can limit the use.


Image size - This is the definition of the total image when loaded into SignCut-X2.
When the size of the image is changed, all objects that is included will be scaled accordingly.
Note that when changing sizes in SignCut-X2 you will not see any visual changes, unless you
use the sign-concept.


Colour(s) size - This is the definition of the current selected colour or colours.
When the size of the colour/colours is changed, the whole image will be scaled accordingly.


Vinyl width size - This is the definition of the width of the current loaded vinyl.
It is very important that this size reflects the size of your currently loaded vinyl, if
it doesn't match, then tiling and stacking of copies will cut objects outside of the
vinyl. To properly set this value there are two ways:


1. Enter the value manually in the Cutter-panel:

As can be seen in this picture, if Rotation is 90-degrees, then the vinyl width is
set in the top-editbox, then click Enter. If the Rotation would have been 0-degrees
you should set the value in the lower-editbox (which in the picture is the roll-length).

2. Click on "Read cutter" to poll the size from the machine. There are quite a few factors
that controls if this is possible. To be able to poll the size, one of these conditions must
be met:



If none of these conditions are met, but the cutter supports the page-command there is
a semi-automatic method to poll the size which in those cases will open a special dialogue
for that.


Vinyl length size - This is the definition of the length of the roll or sheet.
This value is not that important, just make sure that it is larger than the image
you are cutting and it should work fine.


Tile / Tiles - A tile is also known as a panel or segment.
When cutting a sign that is larger than the cutters width, or when mounting
a sign on multiple plates / boards you can split the sign into tiles. In
SignCut-X2 you have automatic tiling when the size of the image/active colour layer
is larger than the cutter-width. Then you will experience a red dashed cross over the
image. Click "Create tiles" to split it up. There is a default overlap on the tiles
that is set in the Tiles-dialogue. Currently the default value is 4mm and is expanded
on both sides of the tiling-line. You can also drag-out manual tiles in order to fit
for special purposes like on light-boxes or when mounting vinyl on cars.

The tile-sizes are based on the vinyl-sizes set in the cutter-panel, but you can also
enter your own specific dimensions, but then you must check the checkbox in the panel
to lock the size.

Note, when using weedingframe around the tiles, the frame will only expand on the outer
sides of the tiles, which means it will get alot easier to weed and mount the tiles.
(This option is activated by default)

If you get a red-dashed cross in your tile like this:


That means that the size of that tile is larger than the size set in the Tiles-panel.
Tip: You can measure a tile by using the measure-tool and hold Ctrl and click
in the empty space of the tile.

To rectify this you have a few options:




Layers (Colour layers) - In SignCut-X2 all colours and colour combinations are layers.
This means that for any colour or colour-combination you can make custom tiling, custom
weedinglines and when using registration marks, you can set them as active or inactive in
each specific colour-layer which makes it easy to cut multi-coloured signs. When you save
a file in the .SC-format all of this information will be saved, and still the file can be
opened with Corel or Illustrator, however if you resave the file from any other program
the custom-settings will be lost.

Tip! please test these colourcombination-layers, as it is extremely powerful for tiling and
multi-coloured signs. You can also rotate for minimum vinyl-consumption for any colour-layer.


Step-by-step cutting - Cuts everything within a specific area before walking down the vinyl.
This is by far the most unknown and most appreciated feature by those who knows about it.

To explain it is quite difficult, the best is to experience it. To do that, do the following:



The benefits of this is: