CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery - Revision history

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Intro */

2022-09-17T23:18:40Z

Intro

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 18 September 2022
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	\|prequisite=InkScape		\|prequisite=InkScape
	}}		}}

			[This text was machine translated from french with some slight editing. It needs some extra work]

	== Intro ==		== Intro ==

Daniel K. Schneider at 23:17, 17 September 2022

2022-09-17T23:17:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:17, 18 September 2022
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	* Close Hatch and relaunch it: On launch Hatch 3 will detect Corel and ask you whether to link the two. Say "yes".		* Close Hatch and relaunch it: On launch Hatch 3 will detect Corel and ask you whether to link the two. Say "yes".

	== ~~Easy to~~ use with examples ==		== Simple use with examples ==

	~~We will use the English interface for the simple reason that the French documentation is very incomplete. There is no manual ....~~

	You can access the drawing module (CorelDraw) via a new "Graphics" button at the top left next to the "Embroidery" button. We will use the latter to return to the embroidery functionalities. These buttons can be hidden in a drop-down menu (under "Home") if you haven't stretched this panel.		You can access the drawing module (CorelDraw) via a new "Graphics" button at the top left next to the "Embroidery" button. We will use the latter to return to the embroidery functionalities. These buttons can be hidden in a drop-down menu (under "Home") if you haven't stretched this panel.
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	=== Automatic conversion ===		=== Automatic conversion ===

	We will digitize the "bubbles" emoji (new in version 14) with a 100% automatic ~~procedure~~.		We will digitize the "bubbles" emoji (new in version 14) with a procedure that is 100% automatic.

	[[image:bubbles-noto.clipart.svg\|none\|thumb\|400x400px\|link=Special:FilePath/Bubbles-noto.clipart.svg]] ([[Media:Bubbles-noto.clipart.svg]], download from SVG page, save with CTRL-S in your browser)		[[image:bubbles-noto.clipart.svg\|none\|thumb\|400x400px\|link=Special:FilePath/Bubbles-noto.clipart.svg]] ([[Media:Bubbles-noto.clipart.svg]], download from SVG page, save with CTRL-S in your browser)

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Control overlays in Corel Draw */

2022-09-03T16:15:48Z

Control overlays in Corel Draw

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 3 September 2022
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	Here is an example of a cyclist (man biking) emoji from the Noto font. We selected most objects.		Here is an example of a cyclist (man biking) emoji from the Noto font. We selected most objects.

	[[image:man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Noto ~~Police~~ Man biking emoji\|link=Special:FilePath/Man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg]]		[[image:man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Noto font "Man biking" emoji\|link=Special:FilePath/Man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg]]

	[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-1.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays to eliminate]]		[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-1.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays to eliminate]]

Daniel K. Schneider at 13:10, 3 September 2022

2022-09-03T13:10:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:10, 3 September 2022
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	Here are some quick changes:		Here are some quick changes:
	* Killed 3-4 unnecessary lines (see screenshot above)
	* Changed the fillings of some tatami		* Changed the fillings of some tatami
	* Added "hand stitch" effect, especially to some satins		* Added "hand stitch" effect, especially to some satins

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Intro */

2022-09-03T13:06:54Z

Intro

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 3 September 2022
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	Compared to software like Stitch Era that integrate drawing software, the features of the "bridge" from CorelDRAW to Embroidery Hatch3 are limited to the essential:		Compared to software like Stitch Era that integrate drawing software, the features of the "bridge" from CorelDRAW to Embroidery Hatch3 are limited to the essential:
	* In automatic conversion mode, you can just select one, several or all vector objects, then request a conversion. Hatch then automatically decides on the arrangement, the type of filling to choose, the removal of any overlaps or not, etc. Finally, if we preserve the vector objects, we can delete the resulting embroidery object, then use the "click-to-..." procedure to re-digitize (read [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing\|here]] ). This is particularly interesting for digitizing certain fine objects with a "center-line" method.		* In automatic conversion mode, you can just select one, several or all vector objects, then request a conversion. Hatch then automatically decides on the arrangement, the type of filling to choose, the removal of any overlaps or not, etc. It also may add travelling lines. Finally, if we preserve the vector objects, we can delete the resulting embroidery object, then use the "click-to-..." procedure to re-digitize (read [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing\|here]] ). This is particularly interesting for digitizing certain fine objects with a "center-line" method.
	* In semi-automatic digitizing mode, vector objects can be digitized one by one, or in groups. As there is a bug in "Remove Overlaps" which allows to manage overlays in embroidery objects, we advise to manage overlays beforehand in Corel.		* In semi-automatic digitizing mode, vector objects can be digitized one by one, or in groups. As there is a bug in "Remove Overlaps" which allows to manage overlays in embroidery objects, we advise to manage overlays beforehand in Corel.

	A design intended for embroidery is easier to digitize than a design intended for display or printing. After automatic digitizing of unsuitable drawings, many objects will have to be adapted quite extensively. So we suggest to prepare the drawing beforehand. This means, for example, that lines should be drawn as lines and not as thin polygons.		A design intended for embroidery is easier to digitize than a design intended for display or printing. After automatic digitizing of unsuitable drawings, many objects will have to be adapted quite extensively. So we suggest to prepare the drawing beforehand. This means, for example, that lines should be drawn as lines and not as thin polygons.

	In our opinion, the "CorelDRAW" add-on is very useful in situations where you want to base an embroidery on a vector drawing, either to gain precision, or to be able to recover various "clipart" (icons, fonts, logos , images) or to reuse various drawings.		In our opinion, the "CorelDRAW" add-on is very useful in situations where you want to base an embroidery on a vector drawing, either to gain precision, or to be able to recover various "clipart" (icons, fonts, logos , images) or to reuse various drawings. In many situation it is probably best to combine automatic conversion of most elements with semi-automatic digitizing of small element.

	A "free" alternative to purchasing this module is to export vector designs to high resolution PNG and then use the semi-automatic method described [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing\|here]]. To prepare the drawing and to export vector art to PNG, one can use the software [[Inkscape]] (free).		A "free" alternative to purchasing this module is to export vector designs to high resolution PNG and then use the semi-automatic method described [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing\|here]]. To prepare the drawing and to export vector art to PNG, one can use the software [[Inkscape]] (free).

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Control overlays in Corel Draw */

2022-09-03T13:04:30Z

Control overlays in Corel Draw

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:04, 3 September 2022
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	* adding pull compensation (usually it does)		* adding pull compensation (usually it does)

	An alternative strategy is to export this image as a very high resolution PNG and semi-automatically digitize it element by detected element as explained in [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing]].		Finally, in case you digitize semi-automatically, you should '''arrange the order''' of the vector graphics after flattening.

			An alternative strategy to simplifying (flattening) is to export this image as a very high resolution PNG and semi-automatically digitize it element by detected element as explained in [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing]].

	== Redigitize elements ==		== Redigitize elements ==

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Control overlays in Corel Draw */

2022-09-02T16:42:41Z

Control overlays in Corel Draw

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 2 September 2022
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	* Choose the "simplify" tool and apply.		* Choose the "simplify" tool and apply.

	Here is an example of a cyclist (man biking) emoji from the Noto font.		Here is an example of a cyclist (man biking) emoji from the Noto font. We selected most objects.

	[[image:man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Noto Police Man biking emoji\|link=Special:FilePath/Man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg]]		[[image:man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Noto Police Man biking emoji\|link=Special:FilePath/Man-biking-medium-light-skin-tone.svg]]

	[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-1.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays to eliminate]]		[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-1.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays to eliminate]]

	Choose all the elements to flatten (we just avoid the eyes, the mouth and the strap that we will embroider over it		Choose all the elements to flatten (we just avoid the eyes, the mouth and the strap that we will embroider over the tatami underneath.
	[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-3.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays to eliminate]]		[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-3.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays to eliminate]]

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	[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-4.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays removed - thumbs up.]]		[[image:corel-draw2021-manage-overlaps-4.png\|none\|thumb\|600px\|Overlays removed - thumbs up.]]

	This method removes any overlap. It is therefore necessary to check that Hatch is set for		This method removes any overlap, event very small ones. It is therefore necessary to check that Hatch is set for
	* add overlay (default = 1mm in embroidery properties)		* add overlay (default = 1mm in embroidery properties)
	* ~~additionally add stretch~~ compensation		* adding pull compensation (usually it does)

	An alternative strategy is to export this image as a very high resolution PNG and semi-automatically digitize it element by detected element as explained in [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing]].		An alternative strategy is to export this image as a very high resolution PNG and semi-automatically digitize it element by detected element as explained in [[Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing]].

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Import from SVG */

2022-09-02T16:40:27Z

Import from SVG

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 2 September 2022
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	=== Import from SVG ===		=== Import from SVG ===

	For some drawings, the import result is not very good. If this is the case, it is advisable to open to do at least the following ~~two~~ things:		For some drawings, the import result is not very good. If this is the case, it is advisable to open to do at least the following three things:
	* break paths that contain separate objects. Normally you should use <code>Object -> Break Apart</code> (CTRL-K) but it doesn't always work. In this case we use "break apart (CTRL-SHIFT-K in InkScape).		* break paths that contain separate objects. Normally you should use <code>Object -> Break Apart</code> (CTRL-K) but it doesn't always work. In this case we use "break apart (CTRL-SHIFT-K in InkScape).
	* close open polygons.		* close open polygons.
			* eliminate superpositions

	If you are more proficient in another software, such as Inkscape or Illustrator, use that. I use InkScape most often.		If you are more proficient in another software, such as Inkscape or Illustrator, use that. I use InkScape most often.

			Below and example where we fixed combined path and open polygones
	[[image:hatch3-coreldraw-3.png\|none\|thumb\|400px\|Hatch 3 with Corel Draw - import errors]]		[[image:hatch3-coreldraw-3.png\|none\|thumb\|400px\|Hatch 3 with Corel Draw - import errors]]

	[[image:hatch3-coreldraw-4.png\|none\|thumb\|400px\|Hatch 3 with Corel Draw - previously edited SVG, correct import]]		[[image:hatch3-coreldraw-4.png\|none\|thumb\|400px\|Hatch 3 with Corel Draw - previously edited SVG, correct import]]

	Then you have to decide whether to reduce the overlaps		Then you have to decide whether to reduce the overlaps. In most cases you should do so. Don't if you prefer that some objects should stitch on top of each other. Also, you could envision to remove overlaps only for some of the objects.
	* The "simplify" tool (Window > Dockers > Shaping) flattens a set of objects (neither InkScape nor Illustrator can do this if I'm not mistaken). See the example of the ~~cyclist~~ discussed above.		* The "simplify" tool (Window > Dockers > Shaping) flattens a set of objects (neither InkScape nor Illustrator can do this if I'm not mistaken). See the example of the biker discussed above.
			* Select the objects that should not overlap. In some cases it means all objects, in other cases it does not. E.g. I would not include small objects like eyes, mouth, etc. in the list of objects to flatten down.

	Otherwise, it is also advisable to think about reducing the colors. Anyway in InkScape I always work with a reduced palette which roughly matches the embroidery threads I use. To see how to manage colors in Corel and Hatch....		Otherwise, it is also advisable to think about reducing the colors. Anyway in InkScape I always work with a reduced palette which roughly matches the embroidery threads I use. To see how to manage colors in Corel and Hatch....

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Bugs */

2022-09-02T14:16:25Z

Bugs

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 2 September 2022
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	=== Bugs ===		=== Bugs ===

	* Import complex SVG paths (see above)		* Import complex SVG paths often breaks (see above). Workaround: Clean the SVG with InkScape before: In particular break apart objects that have clearly separated subpath like two eyes (CTRL-SHIF-K). Close open curves (most often CTRL-L, i.e. smoothing works).
	* Break apart does not work with sub-objects that are in the same path (curve): Solution = use InkScape. This said, these inseparable objects can digitize well.		* Break apart does not work with sub-objects that are in the same path (curve): Solution = use InkScape. This said, these inseparable objects can digitize well.
	* If you make a manipulation without having placed an imported object (~~press~~ ENTER), it is destroyed		* If you make a manipulation without having placed an imported object (e.g. pressed ENTER), it is destroyed
	* CTRL-Z repeated beyond Corel and Hatch ~~firm mods :(~~		* CTRL-Z repeated beyond modifications can close Corel and Hatch.
	* Same if you import a drawing and try to save the still empty EMB file.		* Same if you import a drawing and try to save the still empty EMB file.
			* CorelDraw may crash when opening an EMB file with vector objects. Maybe this is due to switching computers. Before opening the file in question, click on Graphics. I don't know what happens if people don't have this extension.

	== Links ==		== Links ==

	* The add-on sales page [https://hatchembroidery.com/coreldraw/CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery] has a short video explaining how the integration works.		* The add-on sales page [https://hatchembroidery.com/coreldraw/CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery] has a short video explaining how the integration works.

Daniel K. Schneider at 13:11, 2 September 2022

2022-09-02T13:11:46Z

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