Expert: Ran - 4/9/2009

Question
I have just recently purchased Corel Draw IV Graphics to replace a very old version of Signlab6.0. I am new at graphics and will only be using it to make very simple signs with text only. Have an Ioline PLotter and have figured out how to get the files to the plotter and have actually cut some letters. But.. now I have put together a 24"X54" sign for a friend and am not sure how to go about getting the text cut out my vinyl!! I want the same size text that is present on the 24X54, but my vinyl is 15" wide. Corel will not return emails. Can you help with my dilemma?

Answer
Make sure you create your design "life size" - so set your paper size to the size of your sign before you let the creative juices out.

I think you have two routes here and the first one is the easiest, but relies on the functionality of your printer driver.

Let's try route 1 first. Click File/Print and click the Properties button. If you're lucky, there will be options to "tile" your output onto your narrow vinyl. You will need to be using the printer driver supplied by the plotter manufacturer, not anything generic which Windows may have installed automatically.

If this doesn't work you need to split your drawing into 15" strips using the Trim tool (Arrange/Shaping) and print each strip in turn. This will take a little trial and error to get the hang of, but I think it's the only way until you find $10k for a bigger plotter and $45k to build the extension to put it in.

Good luck and I'll be interested to hear how you get on.