View source for Preparing Files With Inkscape

== Setup ==

Some useful setup steps in your local copy of Inkscape will save you some time and trouble when bringing your files in to the TinkerMill.

=== Geometric Bounding Box ===

Inkscape is by default set up for outputting to the screen or to a printer rather than as a CAD tool for engineering, and so the bounding boxes for objects include the thickness of the line strokes. We usually want to be able to enter exact measurements for the bounding box sizes of objects that are based on the centers of the line strokes, the thickness of which is irrelevant when imported to LaserCut.

To set this behavior go to the '''Inkscape Preferences''' (''Edit -> Inkscape Preferences''), under the '''Tools''' section select '''Geometric bounding box.

[[File:Inkscape-Tools-Geometric-BB.PNG|none|left|300px]]

=== Grid Setup ===

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Inkscape by default works in pixels as the measurement; for the grids and page size.

First of all to change the grids go to the '''Inkscape Preferences''' (''Edit -> Inkscape Preferences''), under the '''Interface ->''' '''Grid''' section select "mm" instead of the default "px". This affects all new files, so select ''File -> New'' to open one, and go to ''View -> Grid'' to see it in action.

[[File:Inkscape-grid-setting-mm.PNG|none|300px|left|Set the grid setting to "mm"]]

In addition it may be useful to have the snapping turned on for '''Snap to cusp nodes''' on the right hand side. What this will do is allow the nodes you've created (such as corners) to snap to the MM grid for more precise tuning. Usually you'll want your actual lines you're drawing to be reasonably thick to be able to see them more easily - in the Laser Cut 5.3 program they become very thin.

=== Document Settings and Templates ===

By default Inkscapes default file will be in pixels. You can change a documents units setting any time under ''File -> Document Properties'' and selecting mm instead of px for the '''Default units'''.

[[File:Inkscape-document-properties-mm.PNG|none|300px|left|Set the "Default units" setting to "mm"]]

Once your document is set to MM it will import accurately into Laser Cut 5.3.