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File Formats for Digital Die Cutting Machines |
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Friday, 25 September 2009 16:39 |
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File Formats - Digital Die Cutting Machine
What in the world are KNK GSD AI WPC & SVG? And, what do they mean to you? They are file formats that are used by digital die cutting machines in order to cut. They are digital cutting files. It can be pretty confusing, so I’m going to break it down for you. The Quickutz Silhouette, Provo Craft Cricut using SCAL, Xyron Wishblade, Klic N Kut Groove or Maxx, Pazzles Inspiration, Bosskut Gazelle are amongst the most popular home cutting machines and they each have their own set of rules when it comes to what file types can be used with them, and what file formats they save in. The ability to save in more formats means you can share those files you created with more people.
If you own or are thinking about buying a digital die cutting machine, or you just want to share your files with others it is helpful to understand a bit about file formats. When you take a picture and you save it on your computer as a .JPG, that is the file format that is best for reading & saving pictures. Well, in the same way digital die cut machines also have file formats that their software uses & reads. Because there is no universal platform for these types of files, it depends which machine you have as to which file formats you will be able to use. Some of the software that comes with these machines makes & saves their files in a proprietary format, which means no other machines can use those files.
* If your software saves in a proprietary format, it doesn’t necessarily mean you CAN’T use other formats or save your files for others to use. It just means you have to learn the best way to do it, and it could require some extra steps. *
Klic-N-Kut machines are an example of this, while these machines can use over 40 types of files other machines can not read the KNK format. Does that mean you can’t use KNK saved files on other machines? Well yes & no...after you create a file, if you save it in KNK format, then only others who use the KNK Studio software will be able to use it. But, if you save the file in another format (which the software DOES allow you to do) then others can use it. So, basically it boils down to knowing what formats others might need and then saving in those formats. Any raster format files (use pixels or dots to make image...jpg, bmp, psd etc.) will always need to be made into a vector image (made up of paths rather than pixels & resizable without losing image quality) or traced before you can cut with them. So, if you want to be able to turn raster clip art into cutting files, be sure to check the software program to see if tracing is available.
Why are file types important to you? If you’re deciding on a machine or extra software to buy, it may be important to look for one that allows more freedom as to how many file types you can use. The more file types you can use, the more free & pay files that will be available to you for download around the internet. If you check our freebie section, we have extensive lists of the places that you can find these files. If it is important for you to share files you create with others, then consider which machines & their software allow saving in multiple file formats.
Let’s explore the file types & what machines or software can use them.
* Please note that there are many exceptions to these rules, because often times a file working properly will depend exactly how a person saves their files & what buttons they have checked when saving, and what version of software was used to create it. Also, often times there are upgrades and other software solutions that may make your machine more compatible with other file types (KNK Studio GE & Funtime software programs are an example of this, as it will enhance what Graphtec owners can do, but you need to purchase it in addition to your machine). *
AI - Adobe Illustrator files can be imported into KNK Studio often with some issues. Inkscape (free program) will open AI files & then they can be saved in SVG or DXF format.
AI version 8 - Adobe Illustrator that has been saved in an older format called version 8 so that it is more compatible with some other cutting software programs. For instance, Funtime and Win/PC can not import properly AI versions that are newer than version 8. This can be accomplished during the saving process from Adobe Illustrator. Can be imported into KNK Studio, Funtime
DXF - Originally made to work with Cad programs. Format that may be imported into Robo Master software. Graphtec machines all use this format (Silhouette machines, Robo Master machines & Wishblade machines). Once into the software you can either cut it, or save it as GSD format. Also depending on file source & save it may open in KNK Studio, Funtime, Inkscape (free program) & Adobe Illustrator.
EPS - Can be a combination of vector and or raster.
FS - Can only be used with Create & Cut Plus (or Flexi-sign) software.
GSD - Used with the Graphtec machines; Xyron Wishblade, Quickutz Silhouette, Craft Robo. You will need other software if you want to use any other file types than GSD. This file type is probably the hardest to convert to other formats, but it can be done (google: Roland file converter). Some GSD’s import into KNK Studio.
GST - Used with the Silhouette machines, this is the file format you can purchase from the Quickutz website. Can also be opened using KNK GE if you rename them to GSD, then you can manipulate them as you please.
KNK - Can only be used with the Klic N Kut machines.
PDF - Many PDF files are vector (or partially vector) and can be opened ready to cut, some can be cut with a little work. Think all those catalogs out there with graphics in them (hint...try googling Cricut Handbook). KNK Studio, Adobe Illustrator & Inkscape (free) open vector PDF files & allow you to choose which page to open which is important in a multi page document. Can also be used to print out and cut by hand.
SCUT - Can only be used with Sure Cuts a Lot software, for cutting to a Cricut machine.
SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics file - This is the file type that Cricut users who have the Sure Cuts A Lot software program can use to enable them to cut & design their own files without having to use the Cricut cartridges. SVG also may import into Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Funtime (sometimes...need to be traced) for further manipulation.
WMF - Windows Meta File. Imports ready to cut into some of the machine software programs (KNK Studio, AI, Inkscape).
WPC - Can only be used with Funtime & WinPC software for the Pazzles & Gazelle machines. There are ways to convert other format files into WPC files. AI version 8, WMF (use EPS/AI import choice), DXF, some EPS, PLT can be opened & then saved as WPC. You can also import appropriate raster graphics such as jpg, bmp, png, txt files for tracing or converting to vector.
*PLEASE SEE OUR ARTICLE on SOFTWARE for more information.
* Making Memories Slice can not use any of these file formats & you are limited to using/purchasing their designs as is for use ONLY with the Slice machine.
* Cricut machines (unless you buy the SCAL software, or Design Studio) can not use any of these file formats & you are limited to using/purchasing their cartridges. With Design Studio, you can use their cartridges to enhance designs but are limited. With SCAL, you can use SVG files but have limited design abilities within the SCAL software. You can however use Inkscape (free download) or another program for designing, and then save as SVG for use in SCAL.
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Thanks,
Mona