The LaserPecker Design Space (LDS) Edit Bar appears below the Menu Bar at the top of the workspace. There are tool options for editing the size, orientation, offset, alignment and other functions on the objects in the workspace.
Undo / Redo
Undo: When the user makes a mistake or deletes it by mistake, you can use this button to return to the previous operation.
Redo: Contrary to Undo, when there are too many undo times, you can use this button to return to the previous step of undo.
Offset
This feature adds an outline of the object's shape at a given distance. The "offset distance" value in mm can be adjusted using the slider or by entering a number in the text box.
Fill
The function fills in an outline and generates a black-and-white image. Click "Fill" again to undo the action.
Grid
This feature generates copies in bulk in either a grid array, circular array, or material test array.
Grouping and Ungrouping
Grouping (Ctrl+ G) allows multiple shapes to form a single unit for easy selection and movement. Ungrouping splits a group of objects into separate shapes so you can edit the individual parts.
Align
You can use this function to align some elements that need to be aligned. The alignment methods are: left alignment, vertical alignment, right alignment, upper alignment, centered text, lower alignment, center alignment, horizontal alignment, and vertical alignment.
Combine
The Combine function offers four operations—Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude—allowing you to merge shapes or generate new shapes based on their overlapping areas.
- Union: Merges all selected shapes into a single shape. If the shapes do not overlap, the operation functions as a Group action.
- Subtract: Removes the overlapping area of the top shape from the bottom shape. The stacking order is determined by the layer hierarchy shown in the left layer panel.
- Intersect: Retains only the overlapping area shared by the selected shapes.
- Exclude: Removes the overlapping area and preserves only the non-overlapping regions. This option is available only when the shape is in Fill mode.
Flip
This feature flips text boxes, shapes, and pictures horizontally and/or vertically.
Sizing
Objects can be resized by entering the desired value in the size field. The 'Lock' icon indicates if the object's aspect ratio is locked or unlocked. An object's width-height ratio will remain constant while in the locked state. The width and height can be adjusted independently while unlocked. Resizing an object can also be done by selecting and dragging the circular handles.
Rotation
Rotate an object freely from 0 to 359 degrees by selecting it and entering the value in the Rotate field.
Holding and dragging a selected object will also rotate it.
Position
Enter the coordinates to change the position of the object in the workspace.
Rasterize
When an engraving task has too many objects that need to be engraved together, the objects can be rasterized into one image to improve transmission efficiency. Select the object, and right-click to select "Rasterize".
Note: This function does not support dither charts.
Curved Text & Padding
The 'curve' function allows for text objects to be shaped to various degrees. Text will bend around an invisible circle based on the setting. Select the text box, click on "curve" in the tool bar and drag the slider to the desired degree.
Sometimes curved text may exceed the editing area. To avoid data transfer issues, use the "Padding" function in the tool bar and drag the slider to adjust the editing area to cover the text entirely.
Editing Images
To edit an inserted image, select the image and click "Edit" in the tool bar. The edit function options include "Crop", "Auto cropping", "Eraser", and "Magic eraser". Click "OK" to save your edit results.
Trace Images
This function will trace the outline of a bitmap image and convert it to a vector graphic. Select the image, click on "Effect", "Dither", and then "Trace image". Adjust the thresholds and then click "OK".
The generated vector image can be used for cutting, engraving, or filling into a black-and-white image. When compared to changing an image into grayscale, the generated vector image by tracing is clearer.
2D Embossing
The embossing effect can be used for image processing to create a 3D-like appearance on an object. Select the image, click on "Effect", select "Embossing Effect", and adjust the strength and/or inverse the color.