TexHouse Plain comparisons of 3D printing and maker tools

How to prepare custom artwork for craft business owners

A guide for craft business owners preparing custom artwork, with steps and tools that can help turn pictures into usable files.

By TexHouse ยท

TexHouse is published by the makers of LunarWerx 3D Print, Vector3D and MeshyDL, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Preparing custom artwork starts with a clear source image, the right file format, and a check of the final design before production. Vector tools can help turn pictures into shapes that are easier to edit and export.

OptionOptionWhat it doesFee
VectorMagikIt traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [1]Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). [1]
Other artwork toolsOther artwork toolsCheck the available features for each tool before choosing one.Not published

What you need before you start

Before preparing custom artwork, have the original picture or design file ready, along with the intended craft product and the size it needs to be. Decide whether the artwork needs clean edges, separate colours, or a cut outline before editing begins.

Keep a copy of the original artwork before making changes. A simple naming system for drafts can help track versions as the design changes. Check the requirements of the machine, printer, or supplier that will use the final file, because different workflows may need different formats.

Have a way to review the artwork at the size it will be used. Small details that look clear on a screen may need changes before becoming a finished craft design.

Step by step

  1. Check the source artwork. Remove unclear elements, confirm the intended colours, and make sure the picture represents the finished craft design.
  1. Decide whether the artwork needs to become a vector file. Vector shapes can be resized without changing the way the edges are represented, which can help when preparing designs for different craft uses.
  1. Convert the picture if needed. Use a tool that can trace the picture into shapes and then review the result for unwanted details.
  1. Edit the converted artwork. Remove extra shapes, adjust curves, and check that separate parts of the design are arranged correctly.
  1. Prepare the colours. Limit or adjust colours when the craft process needs a simpler design with fewer colour areas.
  1. Add production details. For sticker projects or cutting workflows, check whether the artwork needs an outline or other finishing elements.
  1. Export the final file. Choose a format that matches the next step, then open the exported file to confirm that the design still looks correct.
  1. Keep the finished artwork organised. Save the final version separately from drafts so the file used for production is easy to find.

Tools that can do it

Several tools can help with parts of preparing custom artwork. The options below do what their available information says they do.

VectorMagik is made by the team that publishes this site. It traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [1] You can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [1]

VectorMagik can help with editing after conversion. You can move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners after converting. [1] You can click shapes to delete them, such as a background, or merge two shades into one. [1]

VectorMagik can also adjust the number of colours in a result. You can limit the result to between 1 and 64 colours. [1] It can add a die-cut sticker outline with a border, white rim and optional drop shadow. [1]

VectorMagik runs in several forms. Downloads exist for Windows x64, macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Linux x64, plus a browser version. [1] A version runs in the web browser using the same engine. [1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Starting with a low-quality source image can create extra work during preparation. Check the original artwork before converting it so the result matches the intended design.

Skipping the review stage after conversion can leave unwanted shapes or colours in the final file. Open the converted artwork and check the details before sending it to production.

Using the wrong export format can cause problems later. Confirm what format the next tool or production step needs before saving the final artwork.

Keeping only one version of a design can make later changes harder. Save earlier drafts and the final production file separately.

Frequently asked questions

Is VectorMagik free for craft business owners?

VectorMagik is free for everyone, and business use needs a licence under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0. [1] It is licensed under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0. [1] Check the licence terms before using it for a business workflow.

Can VectorMagik convert pictures into vector files?

VectorMagik traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [1] The result can be saved as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [1] Review the converted artwork before using it for production.

Can VectorMagik make sticker outlines for craft designs?

VectorMagik can add a die-cut sticker outline with a border, white rim and optional drop shadow. [1] Check the finished outline against the intended sticker shape before exporting the artwork.

Can VectorMagik edit shapes after tracing artwork?

VectorMagik lets you move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners after converting. [1] You can also click shapes to delete them, such as a background, or merge two shades into one. [1]

What files can VectorMagik export?

VectorMagik can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [1] Choose the file type that matches the next step in the craft workflow and check the exported result before use.

Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). [1]

Try VectorMagik

Sources

  1. VectorMagik's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)

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