Newbie Questions - Slightly Computer Retarded

[My3Boys]

I am new to SCA and I am so confused! It took me a minute to get the hang to CDS too, but this almost seems more confusing. Do I have to be great with computers to get this to work??? When I first started on the cricut MB I went to susanbluerobot's blog and it helped me TONS! Where can I go for a jump start of information similar to susanbluerobot's VERY hands on and easy to follow instructions??? Also, on CDS you can share cut files and it is really fun - can you do this here?

[Buggy10]

Go to the tutorials on the craftedge website http://craftedge.com/tutorials/tutorials.html

There are 3 basic tutorials that helped me a lot in using inkscape to design for SCAL.
The features of SCAL work pretty much the same as CDS. One fun difference is you can type one word all together and then manipulate the individual letters horizontally and vertically. Although you have to use inkscape to skew the word you can rotate, move, resize, and strech or condense just the same as in CDS.

[susibi]

I don't think there is an easier program than SCAL - that's why it probably seems difficult. If you click on the help file in the program it contains all the info and diagrams you need to get you started with SCAL.
Susibi

[kkrewtea]

The reason I love SCAL is that is is super easy. You don't need inkscape if you use fonts, dings or .svg files. You only need it (inkscape)to make your own designs or to trace & convert to .svg... I would learn to use SCAL alone before wandering over the inkscape. When your comfortable with SCAL then start playing in inkscape and see what you come up with. Those tuts are SUCH A HELP!!!

[wreed06]

Although you have to use inkscape to skew the word

Unless I'm misunderstanding what you are saying, you do not need to use Inkscape to skew words. Just click on your word to make it active, then choose Skew from the Rotate drop-down list in the Properties window. Next, enter the percentages you want in the two boxes below the Rotate drop-down list. It's looks like the left one slants the letters while the right one tilts the word.

[My3Boys]

Thank you - I thought that you HAD to use inkscape with SCA. That definitely helped me!!!

[Buggy10]

Although you have to use inkscape to skew the word

Unless I'm misunderstanding what you are saying, you do not need to use Inkscape to skew words. Just click on your word to make it active, then choose Skew from the Rotate drop-down list in the Properties window. Next, enter the percentages you want in the two boxes below the Rotate drop-down list. It's looks like the left one slants the letters while the right one tilts the word.

When SCA skews a word or letter it does the top and bottom, in CDS the bottom of the letters stay in the same place just the tops skew left or right, more like slanting the words.

[wreed06]

When SCA skews a word or letter it does the top and bottom, in CDS the bottom of the letters stay in the same place just the tops skew left or right, more like slanting the words.

Try putting a number in the left box only under Rotate:Skew. The left box seems to slant right/left while the right one slants top/bottom. Does that work for you?