Gerber OMEGA CP Reference Manual page 395

Note: If your image file is linked rather than embedded, you must copy both the PLT file and
the image file to the computer that will process the image.
Once a raster or image file is saved as a BMP, TIF or JPG, you can also use third party image
editing programs to enhance to files, then import them into Composer and print as needed. For
more information refer to "Editing Images in Composer."
Vector files
Vector files also known as outline files or traced files. When converting a raster file to a vector
shape, OMEGA reads the outside edge of the shape and constructs it using lines, points, and
curves. Vectors have the following attributes:
♦
OMEGA software includes software tools to automatically vectorize or trace the edges
of raster files. Raster to Vector, Posterize Shapes, and Generate Decal Cut are all
vectorization tools in Composer. Vantage Scan II is a stand-alone or batch raster to
vector program that is run outside of Composer.
♦
Vector files are stored as outlines, or as points and connecting lines and curves.
♦
Vector files can be output to a vinyl cutter, or they can be filled with spot and process
colors and printed to a GERBER EDGE or other printer.
♦
The best types of artwork to be vectorized include black and white logos or multiple-
color artwork with relatively few, solid colors. While photographs can be vectorized,
the vectorized results cannot be realistically output on a vinyl cutter.
♦
Vector files can be scaled to larger sizes without becoming distorted (pixilated).
♦
Vector files take up relatively small amounts of disk space (unless the file has lots of
vectors).
To scan a raster file to be vectorized
1 Put the artwork face down on the scanner glass and start the scanner software.
2 Choose the scanner settings based upon the artwork type:
Black and white artwork to be vectorized
♦
Set the color information to line-art, also known as monochrome or one bit
per pixel.
♦
Set the Resolution or dpi to between 400 and 600 dpi. Because the artwork
will be vectorized, there is no need to calculate a scale factor.
Note: In some cases, you may wish to clean up artwork manually using black markers,
correction fluid or by tweaking the scanner contrast settings.
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