Hello,

I'm very new to design software and I'm trying to use InkScape to create some DXF files that can be cut out using a laser cutter. I'm trying to create just some basic numbers and letters, but they need to be a specific dimension(4 inches tall, 2 inches wide at widest point). I tried just making them by hand but all of the segments were seperate and they weren't perfectly accurate. Could someone give me a basic rundown of how to create these types of files? Perhaps explain how these files are read by the machine? Any general information about making these types of files using Inkscape would be greatly appreciated, I'm very lost currently.

Thanks in advance!
Jake

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "basic numbers and letters". Maybe you want to use the Text tool? Text is sized by pixels, in Inkscape (I think), but probably some way to make the text in the proper dimension in inches can be designed. Then you'll need to convert the text to path, I guess. As far as I know, these digital or computerized cutting machines, in general, need paths to cut along. Path menu > Object to Path. Then Object menu > Ungroup. Then just do File menu > Save As > and choose DXF from the dropdown menu (and don't forget to put .dxf on the end of the file name).

However, note that all these machines are different. I've heard of some that need the paths to be certain colors or certain widths. So you'll just have to look up the documentation for your machine. We might coinicidentally have some members who know about your machine, but for the most part, we can only help you with Inkscape.

My apologies for the lack of clarity, I just need numbers and letters made from paths on the page, no special font or anything of that nature. I tried using the text tool but like you said it uses pixels so I couldn't get the correct height and width. The machine needs one continuous path to cut along, there cannot be any breaks in the path. Thanks for the help, I'll try your suggestions!

Alright I got it to work using the text tool, thank you so much!!!

Look up "Hershey text", might be better than the regular.

Hello

It seems that the problem is solved?

But it would be good if you could share more information: like the name and model of the cutter you are using, if you are in a Windows OS Machine, or Mac OS machine, or Linux OS, which version of Inkscape are you using, or share an screen shot or design where you have problems.

When exporting to DXF, there are some options that you can configure and may help (or NOT) to make a better design for your special kind of machine
This information:
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... port-Other
It's refered to Inkscape 0.48, but it may still being helpfull