Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 6/14/2008

Question
hi
I am trying to create a file that i can export as illustrator 3 and then import into WinPSSIGN letter 2005 (to cut vinyl and plot) (so this may not be technically an Illustrator problem)

what I want to do is have a simple shape (outline of a moose) many of these are then layed in within a circle to fill it but so that they over lap. I then want to cut the paths so the top outline is whole but ones below are partly seen. But as this is to be plotted I need to delete the hidden part.

This works in Illustrator by selecting the objects and using path finder to trim them but when I export it to the cutting software most of the drawing disappears the computer spends a lot of time processing the image. the file size is less than 1mb with 150 objects. many of the edges of objects are in the same place.

I can't find out if there is an error in the file or some other problem. there are no colours and no fills etc just vector lines.

Answer
Hi Peter,

I have a feeling your file format is not compatible with the plotter software. Exporting down to Illustrator 3 (do you mean version 3 from 1987?), may not be compatible.

When you save down to that old of a file format, you lose a lot of material since it does not even support layers or advanced path options (compound paths, etc.). So it may be that your file is actually missing these components.

I would check your software manual and see if there is another format that it can import (such as an eps) in a newer format.

Thanks

Kevin