What actually changes.
Resolution is only one part of a useful photograph. Light, shadow and the surface determine which areas become a black shape later. Result view is where you sort out that separation before any path is made.
A visible contour is not automatically a practical cutting contour. Tiny islands, hairline bridges and narrow counters may look correct on screen and still fail in vinyl. Always judge the file at its intended physical size.
What makes the source easier
- Photograph the motif straight on without a hard cast shadow
- Create clear separation between motif and surface
- Judge small details at the intended output size
- Prepare every colour of a multi-colour design as a separate source
Step by step.
- Load the photo and stay in Result view.
- Use Black level until every intended area is present.
- Move Contrast and Brightness only until the background drops away.
- Remove unwanted regions with the lasso or keep only the selected motif.
- Inspect closed outer contours and counters in Vector view.
- Export SVG or DXF and make a small test cut before producing a batch.
Vector Boy creates the geometry. Blade settings, material, scale and weedability still need to be checked in the plotter software and on the actual material.
Questions before export.
Which format works for a cutting plotter?
SVG works directly in many cutting applications. DXF is useful for workflows closer to CAD or machine software.
Why do small details fail while weeding?
A shape can be geometrically correct and still be too small for the vinyl, blade or output size. Enlarge or simplify those areas before production.
Can a photograph be cut directly?
Only after it has been deliberately reduced to cuttable shapes. Photographic gradients do not become different cutting depths.