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Trace Tool
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Autotracing Included in Studio 5.0 Plug-in for Embird
Digitizing Tools - Studio 5.0 includes Trace Tool for easy conversion of raster image into vector embroidery design. This tool is included in the Digitizing Tools 5.0 plugin for Embird and is not a standalone program or plug-in. You need to upgrade to Embird 2008 to use it.
Main Features
- Automatical vectorization from raster image
- Works in a similar way as selection tools in graphic programs (selection modes New, Add, Add Similar, Substract, Intersect), based on maximum allowed color deviance (Tolerance) between selected and surrounding pixels
- Select object or several objects from raster image with a magic wand, convert them into vector objects and fill with stitches
- Creates outline, column, fill, sfumato and carving objects from raster image
- Vector simplicity/fidelity adjustment
- 'Ignore Openings' option for Fill objects, to create just outer boundary (without holes)
- Automatical color of new objects from the picture
- Option to select curve or straight line edges of new objects
- Undo/redo functions applicable to selection
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Example of image suitable for digitizing with the Trace tool.
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Trace tool allows to convert bitmap image (raster image) to vector design without redrawing the image manualy.
Trace tool works in a several steps: 1. selection of consistently coloured area (pixels of raster image), 2. turnig of selected raster areas into vector objects, 3. filling vector objects with stitches. User specifies the color "tolerance" for selection of raster pixels and "simplicity" of created vector object. High image resolution and low gradation of colors are required to create quality design with the trace tool. Result is an embroidery design that can include various embroidery styles like outlines, fills, columns and sfumato objects. |
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After conversion, traced objects can be edited as other vector objects in Studio (node by node). When creating embroidery design, the Trace tool can be combined with any other tool in the Studio.
Like other creation tools in Studio, the Trace tool can be used with various display modes (Normal, Vector, 3D, 3D Matte, Flat) to display imported raster image behind the digitized design as a template for digitizing, or preview created design in 3D. |
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 Trace styles can be accessed by clicking right mouse button on the Trace icon (in the Tool Bar).
Panel with Trace styles will appear. This panel can be invoked also by holding the left mouse button depressed about 1 second on the Trace icon.
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Trace Style Key:
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Outline
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Column
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Fill
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Sfumato
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Carving |
Each style is represented by its icon. Hover the cursor over the icon to display the style name. Select desired Trace style and tool will be activated automatically. Studio will switch to raster selection mode.
Click left mouse button the Trace tool icon to start the Trace mode. First step is to select color areas (objects) from the raster image in the work area of Studio. Cursor with a little black cross and style icon appears in the work area. Click the left mouse button to select an object. Selection options allow to change the way of how the Trace tool behaves by each selection. It is possible to define whether to make new selection and discard any existing selection or add objects of different color to selection, select non-contiguous areas of the same color at once (add similar option), subtract object from selection or intersect the object from selection.
When selection of raster object(s) is complete and all parameters and options are set, click Apply or Generate Stitches button from button bar at top side of the Studio screen, or click right mouse button on the work area to open a pop-up menu with the same options. Raster objects are converted to vector objects and optionally filled with stitches. Carving objects are created like outlines, but they must follow after the fill or sfumato object, as they serve to add texture to those objects. Carvings are not a stand-alone objects. The icon of Carving style (in Trace tool panel) is greyed out if there is no fill or sfumato object in the work area.
Common Options and Parameters
When the Trace tool is active, parameters of respective style are displayed on panel at the right side of the Studio window. Most of options and parameters like color, tolerance, simplicity, edge type and selection options are common to all styles.
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Auto Color - if the check box "Auto Color" is checked, the color of created vector object(s) is picked from the raster image automaticaly. Uncheck this option and click the color box to choose the color from palette or define your own color of vector object(s).
Tolerance - defines the color similarity rate used for selection of pixels from the raster image. The value of tolerance is ranging from 0 to 100. Set a low value to select only pixels of a very similar color or set a higher value to select pixels with more different colors.
 
Left Side: selection made with lower color Tolerance.
Ride Side: selection made with higher color Tolerance
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Simplicity - defines the complexity/fidelity ratio of object(s) created with the Trace tool. The value of simplicity is ranging from 0 to 15. Set a lower value to get object with high number of nodes and better accuracy. Such object, however, is harder to edit. For easier editing, set a higher value to obtain object with a lower accuracy and low number of nodes. Default value of simplicity is 7.
Left side: object vectorized with Simplicity=3.
Right side: object vectorized with Simplicity=12.
Edge Type - the edges of created vector object(s) can be composed either from lines or curves - depending on the "Edge Type" setting . Select the "curve" edge type to obtain curve elements, which have also the middle points allowing you to change their shape in Edit mode.
Ignore Openings - if the check box "Ignore Opening" is checked, openings (holes) are ignored in the created vector object(s). This option is usefull to create overall vector object without holes, assuming that there will be another objects digitized on top of this one, instead of holes (see below example). Uncheck the option to retain openings in objects. (Option is available only for Fill, Sfumato and Column style).
  
Left Side: raster image
Middle: overall fill object without openings (holes).
Right Side: column objects on top of the overall white fill.
Meaning of the Selection options is as follows:
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New - make new selection and discard existing selection.
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Add - add selected area to existing selection.
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Add Similar - select all areas of the same color (including non-contiguous areas) at once.
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Subtract - subtract area from selection.
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Intersect - select subset of existing selection.
(Only one of above options can be active at once) |
Outline Parameters
Besides common parameters and options, outline objects have several specific parameters. They are identical to parameters accessible via Parameters window, but are duplicated here for easier access:
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1 - Mininum Length of Stitch - measured in millimetres, defines the shortest stitches generated when compiling Outline object into actual stitches.
2 - Maximum Length of Stitch - measured in millimetres, defines the longest stitches generated when compiling Outline object into actual stitches. 3 - Width of the Outline Sample - measured in millimetres, is the width of reference cells along the outline to which the stitches are projected. It is not necessarily the width of finished outline, because projected stitch sample can be wider or narrower than reference cells. Negative value of "Width of the Outline Sample" mirrors the sample.
 To adjust parameters 1-3, depress the left mouse button on respective value to increase it, or depress the right mouse button to decrease it. Another way is to click on respective icon to open window for setting the value with slider or keyboard.
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4 - Outline Sample - outline samples are stitch patterns repeated along the outline. It is possible to set the Single stitch, Triple stitch, Redwork outline or choose from several samples listed in combo box. User can even create and save with design up to five "User Defined" samples. |
Other Parameters
Other parameters of vector objects created with Trace tool, like density, angle of stitches, gradient, etc. can be accessed only after finishing the Trace mode, using the common Parameters window. | |
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Recommendations
Reviews
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Carolyn, I just bought your tutuorials for studio of embird, I have to say without a doubt it should be the bible of ditigizing. I have learned so much, was looking for a way to make outline stitches for my designs, and bingo it was there, and so so much more. I can't wait to get started on creating my own designs. There was a lot i had already figured out, but believe you me I would recommend this tutorial to anyone who has embird, because it is the BOOM as the young people would say. Again thank you for working on these and getting us the newbies a chance to enter your world if only for a while. Again thank you. Heidi
Your tutorials are very highly recommended on the Janome internet forum. We just purchased a Janome 11,000, and have chosen the Embird software suite. We are about to take an extended camping trip, and my wife got the insane notion that she wanted to take her machine with her. She had hoped to get some kind of hard copy, but given the limited time left, we will just have to download your tutorial from the net. I didn't realize that all this software was sourced offshore. Given the tremendous popularity of your tutorial, I am highly surprised that it is not offered by Amazon.com. It would surely be a "best seller". Kindest regards, Harley L. Mullen
I have had Embird for a couple of years. I knew it was a great value but had used it only for design conversion...with no clue as to what it was capable of doing. Recently I purchased a design which required that I "personalize" it with lettering and the Embird alpha plug ins were recommended. Naturally, I purchased the alpha and got it installed. NOW what was I to do with it???? I figured I better get a clue...and a fast clue since this design is something I wanted to stitch out on a baby gift. So I figured I would search out tutorials. As Providence would have it, that day I received the Secrets Of newsletter advertising your new tutorial. Off I went to purchase it. I downloaded and printed it (so I would actually use it as a reference). I just feel compelled to write. I am at page 36 and have learned a TON from the tutorial already! What a joy....and your documentation is very easy to follow. I am a software engineer by profession. One would think I would just be able to sit down to click and do. I am not patient enough for the trial and error guessing method unless the tool to help you is so circular that it does not help anyway. Your tutorial is a blessing. I can zoom through it picking up valuable hints/tips and usage that I had not considered as inherent to the tool. THANK YOU for an extremely well written document. The progression of the instruction is logical and informative....and above all else CLEAR. It was truly money well spent!
Robin Smallen, Independent Longaberger Consultant
I just wanted to tell you I have spent the entire day with "you by my side". I have worked my way through your entire video and it is absolutely delightful and totally educational. What a fun day I have had. There is just so much that Embird can do and to have such excellent lessons - with a rewind button - is wonderful. Congratulations on an outstanding cd. Thank you so very much.
Jean E. Smith
Hi Carolyn, I received your Embird CD in the mail yesterday. I haven't gone through half yet and can't believe how much I didn't know. I thought I was such a smarty pants and was sure I knew...if not everything, then enough! What an idiot! Thank you for doing the video tutorials! Although, I thought I went through your written tutorial well enough, I can see that videos are they way to go.....I learn a lot more with them. Can't wait to get you Studio video tutorial....and see how much I don't know in that area!! :-) Thanks a bunch,
Brenda
I need to tell you how helpful and informative your Cd's are, I have both the Embird and PED/Palette. I am learning so much from both of them. You are a very talented lady and make it so easy to follow your lessons. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Therese Roux
I recently purchased your Step-by-Step Guide to Embird and wanted to write to thank you for such a terrific product. I never imagined that you could do so much in Embird--I downloaded it simply to convert designs. And, it's so easy to use--thanks to your handy-dandy guide. I was able to sit down with your guide and a few hours later I'm feeling pretty confident with the program. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I certainly got my money's worth out of this one!!!
Crystal Zagnoli Littleton, Colorado, USA
Just wanted to thank you for the update on the Embird tutorial. I have downloaded it with no problems as well as ordering and downloading "Splitting and Rejoining Designs with Embird". Since Janome has still held us to a total of 32,000 stitches per design, it is necessary to split some of them. Even for the Gigahoop. Thanks so much for taking the time to do these wonderful tutorials.
Madeline E. Ashby
I just want to take a moment to let you know how much I've enjoyed your Step-by-Step Guide to Embird. You have made it very easy to read and understand!!! Thank you!!!
Diana
I have found the videos on the CD. Fantastic, brilliant, please e-mail me if you have any more. In the UK I would have had to pay ?60 for one day tuition and would not have got a quarter of the information I have got from your Cd plus I can always refer back to something I haven t done for some time were my memory would not do this, thanks so much, I lost my husband to the dreaded Big C end of August and I thought this was the end of my life. Your CD has given me something to get stuck into. Use up many lonely hours and given me the push I need. Now I can make that family quilt that I have been putting off doing and with my very own embroidery. Thank you so much
Rose Swann
I have all of Carolyn's tutorials, even the ones on Embird. They are wonderful. I would love to have the downloads you mentioned. Please let me know how to get them. Thank you.
Kim Sawatzky
I just purchased Carolyn's Step by Step Guide for PEDesign/Pallette. I'm so excited to learn that these new lessons and videos free of charge. I'll look forward to hearing from you. Carolyn is wonderful!
Diana Gates, Port Orchard, WA
Hello Carolyn, first must say I love your Embird tutorial I purchased yesterday! I won a digitizing contest from designstitch.com and it was the prize and have been looking forward to learning how to use it. After looking a several tutorials I chose yours. Linda
Hi Carolyn, I did the Embird class in Townsville with you recently and I loved every bit of it. You are a great teacher and I wish you well with your classes. I also need Embird Studio classes now. LOL . Yvonne
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our classes with you in Townsville, you are a wonderful teacher, and I had a great time! Mary
I just made my way through your very enjoyable fur tutorial and wanted to thank you for your clear and concise explanations. I am slowly - with your help! - teaching myself to digitize and having a wonderful time doing so.
Just wanted to know I really liked your first tutorial for Embird 2006. It was really helpful and I felt your voice was very encouraging and pleasant. I am already modifying designs and making gifts. Thanks for your help. Can't wait to try Studio.
I want to tell you what I think -- YOU ARE TOO WONDERFUL!! Thanks very much.
Thanks so much for your tutorials. They really are marvelous.
I received my tutorial Saturday. They are wonderful, thank you.
I want to thank you for the Embird Studio Tutorial I bought from you. Its down to earth and easy to understand!
You are a star, yes it's worked. Always the little things it seems that cause these hiccups. Many thanks.
I have to tell you, you are the best teacher. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
I just wanted to let you know that after purchasing your Redwork tutorial this evening that I sat right down and was able to digitize the Santa with great results. I am so excited. I was determined to learn Redwork and this first lesson when so well and quickly that now I am determined to move forward with my learning. Thanks so much for providing these lessons for us.
Keep up the in depth videos for those of us that are not very good at manuals as we really need them.
Keep up your wonderful teaching cds as the are invaluable to oldies like me trying to learn something new and creative.
Thank you again for your inspiration and encouragement.
I want to take this time to tell you how much I enjoy all of your books that I have gotten from you ? you?re a great teacher!
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