Craft Edge

Mac user here, so this software doesn't matter to me. Maybe this new product will prompt CE to give the Mac version of SCAL some more attention.

- Jasen.

I don't like having to use Inkscape - probably because I haven't spent enough time with it. But I don't find it very user friendly - path, object, fill and stroke - don't understand most of it. Since Inkscape was free, I won't be out any money if I buy MTC and it sure looks a lot easier than Inkscape. Of course, there is already the money I've spent on SCAL 1 and 2. I like SCAL2, but the tracing is pretty limited (solid figures work best). {sigh} There is just too much info to take in.

sserguta wrote:I don't like having to use Inkscape - probably because I haven't spent enough time with it. But I don't find it very user friendly - path, object, fill and stroke - don't understand most of it. Since Inkscape was free, I won't be out any money if I buy MTC and it sure looks a lot easier than Inkscape. Of course, there is already the money I've spent on SCAL 1 and 2. I like SCAL2, but the tracing is pretty limited (solid figures work best). {sigh} There is just too much info to take in.

For anyone considering MTC, be cautious of the claims that it can trace "everything" easily. As with the SCAL trace feature, MTC will only cleanly trace simple shapes. It will not cleanly trace complex pics. For anything complex, you would still need to use Inkscape to fix nodes and clean up the traced image.

Deloris wrote:For anyone considering MTC, be cautious of the claims that it can trace "everything" easily. As with the SCAL trace feature, MTC will only cleanly trace simple shapes. It will not cleanly trace complex pics. For anything complex, you would still need to use Inkscape to fix nodes and clean up the traced image.

Good Point. People will think that they can take any low resolution picture and get good artwork for cutting.

Delores, have you played with the demo version of MTC? Do you have any insights for us?
Thanks, Sharon

sserguta wrote:Delores, have you played with the demo version of MTC? Do you have any insights for us?
Thanks, Sharon

Yes, after watching the videos and reading all the reviews, I downloaded the trial version. My impression is that the claim that it's easier to use than SCAL2 is more of a sales hype than reality. Here's what happened during the first half hour that I worked with the MTC program.

I opened a SVG image and it imported very tiny on the screen. Was able to resize it easily but couldn't get it to break apart the color layers.

Then I tried to trace a 5 color simple clip art animal image. The trace turned out terrible. All jagged edges and lots of spots. I kept adjusting the numbers up and down and no matter what I selected, the trace still looked bad and would need a lot of work in Inkscape to clean it up in order to cut.

Next I tried to use the font feature with some of my favorite fonts I have installed on my computer. Couldnt get them to work in MTC, but they work great with SCAL2.

Next when I was still working with fonts, I looked for a blackout layer feature, but couldn't find it or how to do a blackout layer.

So, I can honestly say I found it very confusing to use. It has a learning curve just like SCAL2, so you shouldn't expect to just open the MTC software and be able to cut everything easily.

Thanks, that's really helpful.

Sharon

Thanks for the information!