Shaper Trace - Easy Sketch to Vector

[@JeffCalloway]

How do you do a larger format?

[@ranchdream]

I have tried to figure that out, but no luck so far. My (failed) attempt was to make a single drawing bigger than the Trace frame, then make 2 scans of the drawing with Trace, with generous overlap between the 2 scans. Then bring both scans into a graphics program (Affinity Designer 2). I was hoping that I could overlay the 2 scans then join them. The issue was that the 2 scans did not exactly line up. I haven't yet tried to look for ways to fix that. Another idea would be to (1) make a large drawing, (2) make multiple scans of the drawings on a flatbed scanner and output them as JPEGs, (3) use software to stitch the JPEGS into a single file (which I know can be done from work with panoramic photos), (4) shrink the file down to a size that would fit in the Trace frame, (5) scan the shrunken file with Trace, and (6) use a graphics program to resize the Trace output. Whew. Not sure it will work and haven't tried it yet! Anyhow, thanks for the comment!

[@kenburnette1121]

Your video was very informative, thanks. I have a frame. I have attempted to do similar cutouts. With using the object, shadows cause problems, and you get better results with tracing. My question is why not trace the object, and use Inkscape to convert to a SVG. The advantage of this approach is you don't buy the frame and pocket the $100.00.

[@ranchdream]

I think the big advantage of Trace is that you don’t have to go to the computer. Trace also corrects for parallax distortion so might be easier to get an accurate drawing. But if you already have a flatbed scanner you could use that to scan a drawing then go to inscape or similar program.

[@ramaroodle]

Not sure that you understand how Trace works. The last 2 projects I've done I haven't had to use the computer. HALLELUAH! Not only does it scan to an SVG it also has a "smoothing" function that makes it a nice neat SVG that requires ZERO (let me say that again) ZERO work on the computer. 2 minutes MAX. 2 minutes and you have a PERFECT SVG waiting for you when you turn on Shaper.

[@ranchdream]

Thanks for the comment. I certainly agree that Trace lets you make an SVG without any computer other than your phone. (The video demonstrates exactly that, and it is easy to do.) And I agree the SVG is a perfect representation of whatever you have drawn. My personal weak point is the ability to make a great drawing. So sometimes for me the computer is an easier path to a final result. But I'll still use Trace where it makes sense for how I work.