custom shape around picture

[Andie]

Is there a way to bring a picture into SCAL and then somehow make a custom cut out. I don't want a circle or anything, i want to actually cut around it. What I want to eventually do then is print it on the vinyl and then cut it out. does that make sense?
I have brought a picture in and "Placed" it on the mat, but I couldn't figure out how to make the custom shape around it. For example in this picutre I want to cut around my husband and girls so I don't have all that white background. Hope someone can help me. Thanks!

[talanhart]

It can be done. I will let the print and cut experts answer your questions though as I am not familiar with the process. You have a good contrast in your picture so it should work well.

[Aimitup2]

I've played around with Print & Cut quite a bit. I've been wanting to do a tutorial but it is kinda complicated but I will try...

I always try this first - select File-Trace Image. It did not work with your photo.

2nd option -
take the image into Photoshop.
Select the background with the magic wand tool.
Delete the background so it is just white.
Select Inverse and fill with black.
Save under a new name.

You will then need to go to File- Trace Image in SCAL. You can add a shadow on this just like you would on type or an SVG this will give you a white outline.

Place this on top of your original photo. You may have to adjust the size.

Hide the cut layer and print the photo. Then do the opposite - hide the print layer and do the cut.

I attached the photoshop file for you to trace. Hope that helps a bit. Pls send me an email am220099@gmail.com if I can help.
I don't always have time to stop by this forum. Or you can catch me over at SVG Cuts forum.

Amy

[TOASTER]

Since you have done print and cut I'm going to add my question if you don't mind:
I tried to print and cut and the cut was off. I calibrated my machine according to the calibration directions until I was finally able to line up the cut lines on the top and side. I adjusted the x and y accordingly but the cut was still off (and I was only cutting a circle). I ended up cutting using the "hinge" method but it seems that it would be easier if it just cut where the design is. I don't know how much I'll use this but I'd like to figure it out. Is there something obvious I'm missing?

[Aimitup2]

Hi Toaster - If your print image and cut image were lining up on the screen then not sure why it did not work. I have heard of others having these issues but I did not. I usually like to add the white area around the edges because it is hard to get it exact. Here is an example of a few I did: Maybe someone else has experienced what you did.

[Sweetness4713]

For myself I basically do what amy does but I take the whole picture into SCAL because I don't own a photoshop program.. What I do is just delete the unnecessary nodes... and keep the outside shapes I want.. This is what I end up with as well.. I adjust the nodes around the shape where they need adjusting..

[TOASTER]

Hi Toaster - If your print image and cut image were lining up on the screen then not sure why it did not work. I have heard of others having these issues but I did not. I usually like to add the white area around the edges because it is hard to get it exact. Here is an example of a few I did: Maybe someone else has experienced what you did.

Thanks for your answer. I'll give it another try.

[TheresaTT]

i need to try this. maybe on Sun. nite when i change comp.