Vectric Customer

I tried to find the answer reading this forum but couldn't solve my problem.
When I import a vector I created in illustrator it opens in Cut2D with 2 lines.
Corel the same thing.
Most times the vectors are closed and I can't isolate vectors to delete.
What am I doing wrong?

What do you have the line thickness set to? I don't use Illustrator but in the package I used to use had that issue when using thicker line weights.

I'm bringing images to Illustrator from Photoshop. Looks good in illustrator but 2D sees each edge as a separate line. They are all connected so I can't isolate lines to delete them. Is it somehow possible to break lines in 2D?

Select the vector, then either hit "n" on the keyboard or under edit vectors the arrow with a sunbrust next to it to get to node editing.

Thanks. I was able to delete the extra lines. I still would like to know how to build a graphic that doesn't come into 2D with double lines.

Did you try the line weights etc? That's almost certainly what it is assuming that you're importing as vectors and not tracing a bitmap.

bbowley2@cox.net wrote:I'm bringing images to Illustrator from Photoshop. Looks good in illustrator but 2D sees each edge as a separate line. They are all connected so I can't isolate lines to delete them. Is it somehow possible to break lines in 2D?

Does this mean that you are doing an "image trace" on the image file in Illustrator? If so, on the image trace panel there is an "Advanced" area that you can access by clicking on the ">" symbol. One of the options that will appear is "Ignore White". Set that option and you will only get one set of paths.

No trace. I'm adding a vector file to a new page.

Then the next question would be: do you have a sample Illustrator file that can be posted here to see if others can replicate your dilemma?

Sure. Here is an image.

Is that image a drawn image or a blown up font character? Illustrator uses outlined filled fonts that look to the human eye to be same as a line but they're not.

If it is a drawn image then it's going to be a similar issue. Set the stroke weight as thin as it will go and make sure fills are turned off.

If you do a google search for "double lines illustrator cnc" you will find loads of information out there as many people have the same issue. It's nothing to do with Cut2D or any other CAM program and all to do with the way Illustrator works.

If you Object>Image Trace>Expand your tracing in Illustrator and then switch to Outline mode, you'll see the two lines. But if before you Expand the tracing you click on Outline in the Image Trace Control Panel, you'll see that you end up with only one line.

bobrickard wrote:If you Object>Image Trace>Expand your tracing in Illustrator and then switch to Outline mode, you'll see the two lines. But if before you Expand the tracing you click on Outline in the Image Trace Control Panel, you'll see that you end up with only one line.

Thank you for that tip, Bob!

I have Illustrator (via Adobe Subscription now), but most experienced in CorelDRAW. I've not been too thrilled with either program for Centerline Tracing (works kinda-sorta-sometimes). Your tip about the Outline feature in Illustrator is one I had missed. Thanks again!

bbowley2@cox.net wrote:When I import a vector I created in illustrator it opens in Cut2D with 2 lines.

The .AI and .CRV files you posted show me that you got exactly what you should have given the method used to trace that image into Illustrator vectors.

bbowley2@cox.net wrote:What am I doing wrong?

As I posted previously you didn't set the "Ignore White" option in Illustrator's "Image Tracing" panel. If your desire is to VCarve between the vectors you would be ready to go by ignoring white. If your desire is cut out the bulk of the fleur-de-lys as an object with those rounded rectangles as pockets or through-cuts then you just need to delete the 4 extraneous inside vectors of your original image. You could follow bobrickard's tip but see attached image. Imagine having to correct hundreds of these.
I do wish that Illustrator had the ability to do "centre-line" tracing.

The OP said he wasn't tracing an image though?