FlexiSIGN Pro 8.1 Tutorial - Vectorizing

[101Osprey101]

Not sure what you mean. Overlapping the coil on a channel letter sign? Not sure how that has anything to do with the art program used. "Overlapping" is done with layers when using vector art.

[karrar55]

how do overlap on flexi?...lets say your doing a channel letter sign and you want to overlap the coil on the raceway?

[MediaGord]

It depends on what it's being used for and I don't think it has a big learning curve. I had training in it in school though. But I love using Adobe. For building signs FlexiSign is more practical though. Intentionally confusing? I really don't agree with that at all. It's not even confusing. And I learned it fast when I started using it.

[MediaGord]

Yeah I agree. Adobe rocks. And it isn't much different from Flexi.

[101Osprey101]

@MediaGord Actually, if you have worked in the industry much, you will know that the largest complaint about Adobe (made by working artists), is it's learning curve and the structuring of the workflow. It's well know that many professionals accuse Adobe of intentionally making their products confusing and completely different from other sensible programs, so that it's difficult for people to switch to a different program.

Adobe can do a lot. But that does not inherently make it a good program.

[bigcasey1995]

@MediaGord photoshop can't do compound so adobe sucks in my eyes, I like flexi but can't afford it :(

[ktakeshi17]

Thank you for the video..

[tootsiekay]

Adobe doesn't have a learning curve....you just have to learn it like you had to learn flexisign...I love adobe!

[101Osprey101]

@tootsiekay Actually, if you have worked in the industry much, you will know that the largest complaint about Adobe (made by working artists), is it's learning curve and the structuring of the workflow. It's well know that many professionals accuse Adobe of intentionally making their products confusing and completely different from other sensible programs, so that it's difficult for people to switch to a different program.

Adobe can do a lot. But that does not inherently make it a good program.

[scooby02wrxsti]

Hi, I am having some problem with my cutter and I really need some help, Im trying to cut some logos but the program doesn't let me, I downloaded a logo and imported it into Flexistarter 10 but it's not cutting out. I click on the logo and then I click cut/plot cut the logo doesn't show up on the cut/plot page and said that the object is not cuttable with the current settings, so I will really appreciated your help!!

[101Osprey101]

@unifaqir No matter what language you want, you need the font. If you do not have a font, you can either create the font (please don't ask how), or create the letters and words needed, just like you would create any shape.

[101Osprey101]

@moneyequalspower I use a free program called Cam Studio. It works great except it wont record the audio from the speakers as it is supposed to. Records from the mic just fine though.

[djusaneon]

hi.. i like to know how print and cut// thank you

[firefightenn]

I am using flexi 7.6pro and I need to know how to apply a blend to an outlineI need the blend to follow the outline.

I need this for rhinestone transfers. I know how to creat the blend for say 100 pcs but am unable to make it apply the blend to the object or outline of the object.

Thanks

Kevin

[azbpar]

Thanks SO MUCH! :)

[zorrohotlatino]

somebody know how unload flexisign 4free  thanks bye

[JDMLuvDotCom]

What kind of vinyl cutter are you using?

[101Osprey101]

@JDMLuvDotCom I use a couple different cutters. I have a GCC Jaguar 24" and Vinyl Express Q-130 54"

[mrminibus]

Nice. thanx

[iiidreamiii]

I have a question if you don't mind helping me. I am using Flexi 8 Pro. And when I import a Jpg file, the file comes in all blotchy in squares. And the more you zoom it in or enlarge it, it gets more pixalized. What can I do? Thanks!!!

Jesse

[101Osprey101]

@iiidreamiii Well, that is the problem with raster images. They are created with pixels. Hard to say what approach you should take without knowing what you are starting with, and what you want to finish with. Got any more info?

[theazteka1]

I am new to Flexisign Pro were I live there is allot of competition in this area sow learning short cuts, and it will be great if you can show us how the final product looks wend you cut it

[101Osprey101]

@theazteka1 I will see if I can get some spare time at the shop and make a video showing cutting, registering and pre-assembling the vinyl.

[thepathbeforeme]

thanks for your help. i just started at a sign shop and i am fortunate they are training me on flexi. your tutorials help a lot. sincere thanks.

[idkshyte]

Can I do this on a mac?

[101Osprey101]

@idkshyte I do believe that the newest version of FlexiSIGN Pro is available on Mac but don't quote me on that. The new Mac's can run windows now though...

[strictlystunt]

@idkshyte I am running flexisign 8.1 on a mac using bootcamp(windows7)

[wuolfer]

Hey 101 Osprey101.

How do u copy/move vector image with outline from illustrator to flexisign. and be able to send straight to cut without tracing it again in flexisign?

[101Osprey101]

Flexi can easily handle AI files. Just open or import the file into Flexi. AI will create masks that need to be removed if you are cutting the design. Sometimes you have to unmask many items, but that is usually all that needs to be done.

So, import or open in FLexi, unmask, cut. That simple.

[trabich6]

I have been trying to figure out ho to take a text word and arch the bottom but leave the top straight

[101Osprey101]

@trabich6 Hmmm.... check out the distortion command and all the options with it. Sometimes I will flip the art and then apply the distort to it, before flipping it back.

[king1207]

Ok, My question is: After the graphic has been vectorized, how would u cut the vinyl in different colors and stick them on a surface to make it look like the original graphic? What I mean is, is there a good method to do this?

[101Osprey101]

Once you have it ready to cut, you send it to your cutter where the production manager will allow you select and cut each separate color. Once everything is cut, you begin to layer them on top of each other. In this case, the black goes down first and then each color is applied on top of that. I "pre-assemble" as much as possible, using a light table if needed. At some point, skill and experience are the final factor in the over-all quality.

[grafikman]

Why is Flexi so expensive? Is it because it's specifically designed to be coupled with vinyl laser cutters or other proprietary sign making equipment?

[101Osprey101]

In part, yes. You can get a "design only" version for much less than the full version. And just so you know, vinyl cutters use a blade, not lasers. Flexi's "design only" version is still cheaper than Photoshop...

[jatb0i]

Very good Video Should Put Some more Up Thank you 10/10.

[101Osprey101]

I will happily post new vids. Just let me know what you are having problems with.

[nikngray]

I love your vid! I am new to flexi just using it for cutting, I wondered if you knew if there was a way to import a stick figure into a new document and thicken the lines on it?

[101Osprey101]

The easiest way to thicken any line is to put an outline on it WITH BACKING, and then separate the outline and delete the original line. :)

[callmeslater]

I don't have the Pro.. I have Flexisign 8.0 v2 but i can't find the color button your talking about is it not on this addition?

[101Osprey101]

If you have Flexi Starter, you do not have the vectorizing feature.

[monstajopps]

good tut.

i am intested in your colour palettes.

i usually use ai for the pantone colour books and then import the eps colour into my flexi page and then save it the colour palette - long process but I find adobe good for this.

i do not have many colour options (it seems) when selecting things like outline colour. can you tut me/us on the best way to use the colour palettes in fs?

Thanks again.

[101Osprey101]

Yes. The color palettes, and the way they work can seem a little confusing at first. I will make a vid on how to change/create/open new palettes.

[juliemcskimming]

hi mrugen2 ,

ya, i just figured that out :( after spending a whole day reading and trying to learn.. I REALLY want that software, but when i saw the price i about fell out of my chair LOLOL.. this is just a hobby, cant justify spending that much on software :(

[101Osprey101]

Yeah, Flexi is NOT an inexpensive program. I think it is around $2500.00 for the pro version. The best way to get Flexi Pro is get it with new equipment.

[juliemcskimming]

if i change my "workspace" to flexi 5X, the bitmap shows up in between "tools" and "windows" but does not give me a "vecotrize" option to click. only rotate and miror... maybe my software is limited? or am i missing something?

[juliemcskimming]

sorry, i posted a coment, not sure where it went.

anyways, i dont have "bitmap" like you do.. i see "undo bitmap" and "redo bitmap".. but dont see "bitmap, then vectorize" as you do in your video. i have flexistarter 8.6, it should have it right? any suggestions? ive looked in "edit" file" "effects" etc.. and dont see "bitmap" anywhere.

[mrugen2]

Flexi Starter is an entry level version, this vectorizing feature is available in the PRO version.

[juliemcskimming]

awsome!! its great for someone to show you where to start instead of staring at it wondering where and what to click on..

this is excellent!

i havent tried it, do i just then click the print (when im ready for the machine to cut?) or do i need to save it, then print? Im not doing layers.. just cutting one color vinyl for now..just your 2 videos have saved me so much time.. thank you! thank you!