Coverting Open Type fonts

Every so often we stumble across an Open Type font that doesn't play well with Wilcom. It's frustrating as we spend hours scratching our heads as to what may be the issue. It's plain and simple. Some Open Type fonts simply do not work.

One solution is to search for the same font offered as a True Type font. Unfortunately not all Open Type font's are available in TTF format.

Another solution is to use a font converter program or service. One such is Free Online Font Converter. This service will convert a oft to a ttf that Wilcom can work with.

Uninstall without a dongle

I had an interesting conversation with an IT person who had been tasked with un-installing Wilcom without the availability of a dongle. I had never really thought much about this, but it made me dig around a little for advice. Along with what I found and what the IT person already knew about computers (clearly a lot more than I do) she was able to complete a successful un-install.

Below are the steps she said worked for her.

Fractional Spacing

Fractional Spacing is a widely misused feature in the Wilcom embroidery Software. The control icon is found on the Stitch Effect tools bar where a left click will toggle the tool either on or off.

A right click will take you to the Object properties docker for this tool which is found under the Smart Corner Tab. I am not exactly sure why it is located on the Smart Corner tab as this because while this tool may be used with Smart Corners, it does not pertain directly or solely to Smart Corners. I feel it's position on the Smart Corner tab is misleading. None the less, this is where it is.

Importing Wilcom Bling to Cam Machines

If you will be outputting your Wilcom bling designs to be used with a CAM machine there are a few steps that will make will allow for a more successful import into the CAM's GemMaster software.
There is a discrepancy between how Wilcom defines the sizes of stones and how GemMaster describes the stones. This causes a spacing issue when importing the files to Gemmaster. The result is dropped stones. The key is to set up both programs to use the same values for calculating stones size and thus stone spacing.

Exporting Bling

A multi-decoration platform means the designer is able to accomplish all designing from within a single program. It may take some getting used to, but Wilcom e2 moves one step closer to a true multi-decoration platform.

This means the .emb file format isn't considered just an embroidery file, but also the proprietary format of choice for saving design for cad cutting, screenprint, rhinestones and embroidery.

Multi-Decoration Export

The Multi-Decoration Export feature is able to look at a file and determine what type of objects exist in the file.

This allows users to specify which parts they would like to be exported, which format to place the various parts into, and what folder to place the various files into.

Uninstalling CorelDRAW

Unlike other programs that boast "CorelDRAW integration", Wilcom is the only apparel design software that actually has true integration. What this means is when you install your Wilcom software you are also installing CorelDRAW Graphic Suite. CorelDRAW isn't purchased separate, it isn't installed separate and doesn't come on it's own discs.

There are several benefits to this;

• The two programs are one and you don't have to worry about them not functioning correctly.
• The price of Wilcom didn't go up when CorelDRAW was integrated, in fact it actually went down a few dollars. This is true of the update prices as well.
• There isn't any finger pointing when calling technical support as to why things are not functioning as there is with most second party arrangements.
• The ability to create and modify artwork is now done on the fly. There isn't a reason to open a second program to draw in, then export from and then import to Wilcom. Simple changes can be made on the fly and the results are instant.
• Artwork is now brought into Wilcom using CorelDRAWs import filters which are superior to Wilcom's and the Windows Paste Board.

However, there are some who do not share this excitement and may prefer not to use or even have CorelDRAW on their computer. In these cases you may wish to un-install CorelDRAW using the un-install utility. Once CorelDRAW is un-installed the "Graphics Mode" button will be permanently greyed out and CorelDRAW will no longer be on your hard drive or accessible.

A few key points to think about;

• If CorelDRAW is removed you can still make vector drawing objects from within Wilcom using the Drawing Tools if your Wilcom level includes Drawing Tools.
• After a normal Wilcom installation (Corel is present) you can start CorelDRAW independent of Wilcom through the start menu or link on the desktop. This may be accomplished without the need of the Key (dongle).

Adding custom hoop size

Wilcom e2 added a feature called HoopIt!

This feature comes with preset hoop sizes saving you the time of setting up the most basic hoops for use with this new feature. It's easy to select hoops from the supplied library and add them to your My Hoop list for regular use.

If you have hoops that are not included in the supplied list, you can add them to the system.

You have the option to select from various shapes. Depending on the shape selected you may then define the hoop's dimensions. The custom defined hoops will be saved for future use.

Monitor Calibration

Calibrating your monitor is important in order for your designs to be displayed in the correct proportions. If this simple step is not taken, when you set your display to actual size (1), the design will not truly be actual size.

To calibrate your monitor, go to;

• Special
• Hardware Setup

Change the drop down menu to say;

• Display monitor
• Values

Then measure the dimensions of the dialog box and enter the measurements in the blanks provided. Then click;

• Ok
• Close

This takes about 30 seconds and does not have to accomplished again until you change the monitor or video card.

Reshape Tool

To efficiently digitize the operator should keep one hand on the mouse and the other on the keyboard. In this prone position either hand can effectively complete an input. When you combine this posture with the knowledge of the hot keys, many tasks are accomplished with little effort.

To select the Reshape tool, press “H” and notice the Reshape button is now selected without having to move your mouse.

Auto Centering On

If you would like Wilcom to automatically auto-center your designs by default, you can accomplish this by turning on the Auto Start and End feature. Right click on the "Use Auto start and end icon found on the Generate stitches toolbar.

Check on the "Use Auto Start and End" and then click "OK." You may also turn on the "Maintain Automatically" feature if you wish for Wilcom to recalculate the center after each object is created.

Your desired settings maybe saved to the Normal Template file by clicking on the "Save" button in the lower right. This will ensure each new design window will have your desired settings preselected.

Changing input methods

To toggle between the last two input methods used, click the "spacebar". Notice in the toolbar how the previous input method is not selected.

Welcome

The name Tom Trick came from my partner Rhonda Baker who when I was writing the book "Digitizing 101" began to refer to a few of my digitizing remedies as "Tom Tricks". It has been a term that stuck ever since and many students ask me from time to time if I have any new Tom Tricks.

It seemed appropriate to title this section “Tom Tricks” and to credit Rhonda with coming up with the name more than five years ago. I hope readers learn from these tricks as they are truly techniques we use and find beneficial to our daily work.