Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a graphic design application used to create Universal Control Panel (UCP, laser cutter printer program) compatible files that can be printed. Adobe illustrator is not the only file that can create files compatible for printing but it is the program that is default installed on the two computers in the prototyping room hooked up to the cutters. From adobe illustrator you can print to the UCP by printing and setting the printer as VLS. If you have another program you use to create graphics, you can export the graphic as an image and import it into Adobe to print on the computers in the room.

Adobe Illustrator is available for all UMD students on terpware with a valid student account. You can then create designs on your own computer and just bring it in to be printed.

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Adobe Basics

The easiest way to get started is clicking create new and either using one of the preset templates for size or go to art & illustration and making a large canvas by changing the size to some large number bigger than you need like 15 inches by 15 inches (Make sure you change the units from points to inches). Make sure you are in RGB mode under "Advanced Options" because if you aren't then you won't be able to make a full blue line for vector cutting (To change, go to File->Document Color Mode).

Importing and Editing Images

Images can be imported into Adobe by either using

Adobe Tips

1. Make sure when you are creating the new page for design, that the advanced option is set to RGB mode or else you won't be able to make the colors for vector cutting.
   • If you are in CMYK mode or vector cuts don't seem to be showing up as vector cuts in the UCP then check this setting.