How to Use a Glowforge | 3 Beginner Tutorials

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[@justchriszy]

This tutorial was awesome! I hope you make more beginner videos. This was super detailed and helpful - you’re the best!

[@VicTacToe]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it!! And I plan on making lots more. If there is anything specific you’d like to see let me know, I’m open to ideas! :)

[@kennypapi-chulo9292]

My GF arrived yesterday. Thanks for the videos...I'm learning video by video...lol

[@VicTacToe]

That’s so exciting!! And you’re welcome, that’s how I learned too lol 😝

[@batercap8989]

Awesome tutorial and awesome result! How cute are those!!!!!

[@VicTacToe]

Aw thanks so much!! :)

[@anthonysalinas6639]

Awesome tutorial! Thinking on getting one as well!

[@VicTacToe]

Thank you, glad you liked it! 🙂

[@mm0901]

I don’t have a Glowforge yet but I’m hoping to have one soon and this was sooo helpful!!! Thank you!!🙌🏻

[@VicTacToe]

Aw yayyy, so glad it was helpful!! ☺️

[@cdr072]

Awesome tutorial!! Thanks!

[@VicTacToe]

Thank you!! And no problem! ☺️

[@hustlehardermommy9675]

Your assistant is adorable! 😍

[@VicTacToe]

Haha thank you, I agree!! :D

[@AngelaCreason]

When you do the image trace, if you look below in the settings and check the box to "ignore white" you won't have to delete the white box after expanding/tracing the object. Thank you for the tutorials! I'm excited to try my Glowforge!

[@VicTacToe]

Yesss I actually discovered that after I made this video! Haha and you’re very welcome - enjoy your Glowforge! 😁

[@WildWonderfulWeekends]

Excellent tutorial, thanks!

[@VicTacToe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WildWonderfulWeekends]

@@VicTacToe Definitely, it was super helpful. I'm looking forward to checking out more of videos.

[@yahairamullinax1573]

I want one now. Time to save up.

[@sharondorr5]

I’m purchasing this week

[@VicTacToe]

Nice! That's super exciting! :D

[@paulad2782]

SO helpful!!

[@VicTacToe]

Aw yay! So glad it was helpful for you! :)

[@artjen99]

Thank you for this video! Please do more beginners videos, I’m thinking about getting a GF soon and need basic beginners tutorials.

[@VicTacToe]

You’re so welcome, I plan on making more! 😊

[@labitnelsonlangan4478]

Nice tutorial 🎉

[@VicTacToe]

Thank you!!

[@evandefilippis1853]

Extremely good tutorial. Keep up the great work!

[@VicTacToe]

Thank you!! 😎

[@chrismdoty]

I enjoyed your video. If you are interested I have some tips when using Illustrator. Some might be easier to show you but a simple one I can tell you is this... When using image trace and before you expand.... in the image trace dialog box click on advanced > then towards the bottom there is a check box that states "ignore white" check that box > then click expand and now you have your image without the white background. I hope this helps. Also I would be happy to share some more tricks if you would like. Thanks

[@VicTacToe]

Thanks for the tip! Someone else actually mentioned that too, so I learned about it after I posted the video unfortunately, haha. 😂 I’d be happy to hear any other tricks!

[@OhMolli]

maybe you have a channel with tips and tricks for the Glowforge?

[@thesandre]

followed instagram, nice projects, lovely cat!

[@VicTacToe]

Thank you!! 🐱

[@Grimm_Book]

Oh snap ! First!

[@mentesymanoscreativas]

Thank you so much amazing tutorial. Can that project be cut on the with the Aura?

[@VicTacToe]

You’re so welcome! And yes, it should work just fine on Aura 😊

[@callmeanne4820]

Hi Vic! I just got a GF and so excited to be making things! Do you think you can go over how to get certain settings for the GF or any tips you have to create your own settings for scoring/cutting/engraving? Thank you!

[@VicTacToe]

That is so exciting!! I actually made a video that goes over how to pick settings! Here in the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHLLZ6qnfNCfr9E

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I really wish I knew more about technology. I only know the very basic functions of a computer so most of this was like listening to a foreign language. I have a training session set up to learn about this machine. I was just hoping to get an idea of the basic performance of it. Thanks!

[@VicTacToe]

Glad it was helpful! I tried to break it down to the basics ☺️

[@Chris_L034]

i feel glowforge would need to offer a university for us blockheads to learn this. good video but i have too many questions.

[@VicTacToe]

Haha I feel you! I can try to answer any questions you have 😊

[@cindolindo21]

Hi there! I was wondering if I could just skip the procreate step of drawing it out and just making the different layers for what I want in Illustrator?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi Cynthia! You definitely could. However, I find it difficult to design in illustrator just because you can't draw as freely as you can in procreate. But everyone has different preferences!

[@borealwild743]

When do you mask your non proof grade materials? I am new and thought we had to mask everything. Thank you for the easy tutorials, very helpful!

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I actually don't mask my wood. Masking is used to prevent smoke marks from being left on the wood, but because I paint my earrings I don't bother masking, since the paint covers up any marks that are created.

[@RobC0313]

Can you do a video explaining how and what your custom settings are? How to set them up for different materials that aren’t proof grade?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I actually already have a video explaining that. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHLLZ6qnfNCfr9Esi=Uyu-aWlmqNY3kZFX

[@christians.711]

Along with the glowforge, what other computer do I need. Looking into getting an iPad, don’t know which to get and if I’ll also need a MacBook. (iPad Pro vs air and which generation) thank you, any feedback greatly appreciated.

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I personally like Macs for creative work, but it's really your preference. I have the iPad pro for drawing designs, but I've been looking into the new iPad mini because my pro is getting a bit slow because it's old, lol. If you want to create your own files for printing on the Glowforge you'll want a computer to run the vector program. (I use Adobe Illustrator on an iMac, a MacBook would also do just fine). Hope that helps! :)

[@andrearestrepo7995]

his question!! when using procreate what brush do you use to outline the bus?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I actually purchased this brush pack from Creative Market: creativemarket.com/hollypixels/1569634-Procreate-Brush-Set-Colorado and the brush I'm using is "Colorado". :)

[@hannatrautz6992]

Can I do all this with the basic glowforge ? We don’t have the money for the pro or the plus ? Just wondering if will be o to start with the basic this will be my first time working on this as a side job so I am so interested thank you military wife trying to make money while husband deploy

[@VicTacToe]

Hi Hanna! You can do a lot with the Basic. I have the Basic, and I usually make small things such as jewelry, keychains, etc. so it’s been perfectly fine for me :) The Plus is just faster than the Basic, and the Pro has a pass through feature which allows you to make big stuff.

[@overcome8628]

I have got to get one of these, Can u tell us the difference between the models?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! The only real difference between the Basic and Plus is that the Plus prints faster. The Pro cuts even faster than the Plus and has a pass through slot, so you can make stuff as long as you want :)

[@theresiasinta7730]

Hi! If i want to make earrings.. can I use the basic one? Bcs I dont have budget for the upper model

[@VicTacToe]

For sure! I have the Basic model. 😊

[@norci86]

Would it work if i save from Procreate as an SVG or pdf, so i can skip to do that in Adobe?

[@VicTacToe]

Sadly you can't save a procreate file as an SVG because it's not a vector-based program. Adobe does have a vector-based drawing app for the ipad called "Adobe Illustrator Draw". I found drawing in that app difficult but it could have improved since I last tried it!

[@Demonic_TT]

The 2 png files were grouped in illustrator and saved as a pdf but when you uploaded the file on the glowforge app they were split into 2 layers. How does that happen?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi Yari! When I image traced the PNG in Illustrator it became vectorized, so they were no longer PNGs. Even if a vectorized file is grouped, when it's brought into the Glowforge App, Glowforge will break it up into different layers based on color. For example, all of the red lines will be on one layer, and the blue lines on another.

[@skyelighting6829]

Since my glowforge is a brand spanking new, is it normal for the smoke when cutting?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I think that is normal, I feel like I've always had at least a little bit of smoke. I would just make sure your venting is set up correctly or your filter. Here is some more info you might want to check out: bit.ly/3CGaMp0

[@rowdy_red]

Can you tell me what brush settings you used? I can’t figure this out for the life of me:(

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I'm using the brush Colomono by Holly Pixels. Here is the link to the brush set: hollypixels.com/shop/procreate-brush-set-colorado/

[@moniquevann9950]

Can the Glowforge cut 1/8 inch wood the basic model

[@VicTacToe]

Yep, that’s what I cut most often 😊

[@LithosAndLasers]

I enjoyed your production. I see you are not using proofgrade materials, but were choosing one when clicking "Choose Material" The reason for that is because Glowforge sells materials. And they make their settings for their material. So, You could have 0.24 wood, but you click on Proofgrade medium maple, and this sets the focus to 0.18, and you then have cut issues. What you should do instead is NOT choose a material, and instead click the 3 dots and Set Focus. This will measure the thickness of your material and set the focus correctly. This will make the "Choose material" go away. I notice you are using custom presets, and that is awesome. I would recommend you name them more detailed for when you start adding more materials to your inventory. Lowes 0.118 whiteboard 907231 for instance

[@VicTacToe]

Glad you enjoyed :) Thank you for all the great info, I'm going to try all these things out!

[@normarivera5944]

We just recently purchased a Glowforge. I can’t seem to get access to the dashboard, what am I doing wrong?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! You should be able to get there by opening your browser and going to app.Glowforge.com, if you haven’t already made an account you will have to make one. Hope that helps!

[@emilysplawn1752]

Can this machine work on Cattle Ear Tags?

[@VicTacToe]

That would depend on the type of material that they’re made of. You can look into Glowforge laserable materials here: glowforge.com/faq/materials-and-uses#what-are-proofgrade-tm-materials

[@SoQuaintAndSimple]

Could you skip the whole tracing portion by hiding the background before exporting in Procreate?

[@VicTacToe]

You could do that, and then image trace the drawing to vectorize it!

[@angelabaker1681]

can I ask what pen and settings your using in procreate? I use the studio pen in the inking setting and find I get a lot of variation in my lines that illustrator does not like

[@VicTacToe]

Hi Angela :) I use the brush "Colomono" by Holly Pixels. And I use the standard settings that the brush comes with, I don't make any adjustments. Here is the link to the brush set: hollypixels.com/shop/procreate-brush-set-colorado/

[@MsPeaches50s]

So excited to finally take the plunge & get a Glowforge. Do you offer mentorships? Someone told me some people do if you use their referral link. I didn't know that was a thing but just thought I'd ask :)

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! Yayyy that is so exciting!! We’re technically not supposed to offer incentives in exchange for referral link usage according to the Glowforge referral rules. However, I’m always happy to try and answer any questions that come up ☺️

[@MsPeaches50s]

@@VicTacToe Just used your link & ordered the Pro! OMG I'm so excited

[@victoriamyrand]

@@MsPeaches50s Thank you so much!! That is awesome, I remember how excited I was to get mine… I hope you love it! 😁

[@MsPeaches50s]

@@victoriamyrand yes I can’t wait! Starting to look up all the tools and materials I need to order 🥰🥰🥰

[@LaColombiana5]

Where do you buy your wood??

[@VicTacToe]

I get 1/8" thick maple hardwood from Inventables: www.inventables.com/technologies/hard-maple--2 and for tests I use a cheaper wood from Amazon: amzn.to/3GF7S4r

[@amberhaught4428]

I just got my glowforge pro and I'd like to learn using software that isn't super expensive until I'm good at it! Any recommendations?? I'm feeling a little overwhelmed!

[@VicTacToe]

Hi there! I believe Affinity Designer is around $55 for the desktop version, and Inkscape is free… I would look into those! I personally haven’t used either but I know they are popular.

[@amberhaught4428]

@@VicTacToe oh fabulous!! Thank you so much! Your video made it so easy for me to walk through the glowforge app and start printing! Appreciate you!

[@VicTacToe]

​@@amberhaught4428 You're so welcome! So glad it was helpful for you!! :)

[@jacquelinelane2858]

How did you learn this? I haven’t gotten my Glowforge yet and it’s being shipped and I’m scared to death.

[@VicTacToe]

Don’t be scared! The learning curve really isn’t bad. I mostly learned with KZbin videos, there are a ton out there, and also lots of good info in the Glowforge community forum. I also have a graphic design background so that helped with the design aspect… I have a bunch of videos on my channel as well where I have shared what I have learned. ☺️

[@dafidp]

do I have to pay to be able to use glowforge software,?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! The Glowforge software is free. There in an option to upgrade to a premium version but it's not required.

[@andrearestrepo7995]

hi again for some reason when I want to click image trace it won't let me do anything to it. do you know why?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi Andrea! I've noticed If you already have your image selected, and then open up image trace it will be grayed out. You might want to try opening up image trace without your image selected and then once image trace is open click on the image. Hopefully that makes sense!

[@andrearestrepo7995]

@@VicTacToeim still having trouble getting my image trace to work, I did what you told me but it still won't show up its al gray :((( could you help me out maybe my instagram? I've been trying to find someone to help me but no one knows

[@VicTacToe]

I can try! Feel free to message me on Instagram: @victactoe_co

[@kencytorres]

Hi, I wanted to use the code but can’t find it

[@victoriamyrand]

Hi Kency! If you click this link you should be able to apply the discount to your cart :) glowforge.us/f/VGYAWTSQ

[@roghalls]

I have a glowforge on order. What desk/table do you have the glowforge on?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! This is the table I have: amzn.to/2Ue3bH7​

[@roghalls]

Thank you. Looks like a sturdy one.

[@roghalls]

Did you get your discount from glowforge?

[@VicTacToe]

@@roghalls Just looked it up and yes I did! Thanks so much for using my code :)

[@roghalls]

You’re welcome

[@johne540]

I love the machine. However I don’t love that has to be connected to the net to work and anything you upload to it becomes property of glowforge. So because if that I am looking into other machines.

[@VicTacToe]

Hi John! That’s totally understandable. However, Glowforge doesn’t own whatever you upload … I definitely would not use one if they did!

[@martibell9185]

You can also click “forget white” on image trace and it will remove the white when you vectorize

[@iamstillhere..yvieinspire8940]

What glow forge do you have?

[@VicTacToe]

Hi! I have the Basic :)

[@Eiljahwood]

I am a single dad It makes it difficult with work I have a glow forge that I have bought over a year ago do you think I can make money off of other peoples designs I have no design skills at all but I really would like to make money with my glow forge and hopefully transition to a work at home job just because it is so difficult when my son is sick or out of school or whatever

[@VicTacToe]

Hi there! Yes, there are a lot of people that only sell things from designs that they purchase, you definitely don’t have to be a designer! (Just make sure the files you use are allowed to be sold commercially). You could pick a niche, like nature, for example and curate files that would appeal to nature lovers for example fishing lures, bird houses… etc. the possibilities are endless really. I would recommend doing a search on Etsy for downloadable files to get ideas, there are thousands of designs out there!

[@wanted_man_ak4763]

Did you use the gf to make that sign behind you

[@VicTacToe]

Nope, that is actually a neon sign :) I got it from a company called “Hey Lights” on Etsy.

[@susanlinginyourbackyard1163]

OMG if this is for beginners … I am out…way too complicated to enjoy doing this…

[@VicTacToe]

Thanks for watching! I actually had a much easier time working with a Glowforge than Cricut and Silhouette machines, surprisingly enough.