DIYstompboxes.com

Does anyone know of any cheap/free graphics packages that are suitable for simple lettering of boxes? (and only lettering - nothing fancy)

I use MS paint and, for some reason, the resolution just isn’t that good, I end up with a slightly pixilated look to everything.  This is baffling because if I use the same fonts (and the same size) using another program, say Works, then the resolution is tip-top.  

My printer is set for max resolution, just doesn’t perform when documents come from paint.

Solutions anyone?

Yes!

http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/download/index.htm

It's all that I use now for panels without pictures (in which case I use Adobe Illustrator).

Mike

Mike, you're a star!  Thankyou, I'm downloading it as we...er, type.

I'll let you know how I get on with it.  :D

The program mike suggested is very good for lettering.

As for paint, some scaling might be going on, or maybe paint just isn't that great for printing. You can always use something like Paint Shop Pro (free trial), the Gimp (free), or Photoshop; these print just fine.

this is the same as Shaefer of Germany.
this is for *engraving* of the lettering on the panel.
these guys anodize the panel in a bunch of color choices,
engrave it with your file(font size, line size) and fill the
engraving with your choice of several colors.
a MOTM-sized panel, with minimal lettering is about $40US.
(blace w/white lettering)
i looked into these guys a while ago for building my synth
panels.  Turn arround is quick. But for large panels (4U rack)
it can run $100 for *one* panel.
They *only* do panels, not (stomp)boxes.
(of course, they provide the aluminum)
afn
tone

Mike, how do I print a design off so that you don't get the grey backing?! Is this possible, or is it like Eagle where they do this so that you have to use them?

Also, is there anyway that I can import my own fonts?

It prints off great, but it's not that intuitive to use. I'm willing to spend time on it though, but only if I can print stuff onto transparencies (no grey backing).

Edit: why is the word 'prints' underlined in yellow (or is it just me?).  I didn't do this!

Bugger, I seem to be getting loads of words underlined.  If I put the mouse on them I get a pop-up ad.  How do I get rid of this?  I went over to the Gimp site, and seem to have picked it up there via a link.  Either that or it came with the download.

HELP!!!!

Use View->Outline mode to turn off the fill-in. Also, you can copy the objects inside the outline then paste them outside to get stuff printed without having the 'box' around it.

AFAIK you can't use any external fonts - you could import a HPGL object if you so wish.

Sounds like you need to download and run Lavasoft's Adaware (or similar)! :)

Mike

Thanks Mike, I'll try that in the morning.

Found the little b*stard that was causing the problem and removed it (must have come with the download).  I've got software to stop this sort of thing happening too!  :roll:

If you've seen the Vibe Thang I posted pics of, ALL of the box art was done completely with PaintShop Pro v7. Free trial d/l and excellent value if you buy it. Advantage is you can create text as vector objects and tha anti-aliasing is excellent (no jaggies  :wink: )

even better would be if you could come accross a vector graphics program, like Flash, Illustrator or Freehand. Scale all you like with these puppies and you'll still get perfectly straight lines!  :)

Free vector graphics package with a Windows version:
http://inkscape.org/
I like it well enough. There are some annoyances, but it's better than the Gimp for things like this. WAY better.

Unless you got The Gimp modified from a third-party site, it shouldn't have come with any "bad surprises" (malware). It's a open-source project provided free for end users.

Got the panel designer image to scale down using Works, but the resolution deteriorated slightly when I flipped it.  Still better than paint though so I'll use it for now, but I have a feeling I'll be paying a visit to the local computer shop soon to see what graphics programs are on offer.

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

The Schaeffer ap is good (IMHO) precisely because it DOESNT have all the do-dads the other programs do, hence designing a layout is faster and everything is less cluttered. Also, the bloody thing starts up quickly and runs fast, something that can't be said for most / all of the alternatives.

BTW, you can do scaling at print time......

Mike

Don't get me wrong Mike I like it, it's just that I couldn't find a way to flip the image so I had to do it using Works and it resulted in some deterioration.  

I'll probably continue to use it, but I need something to do the flipping.  I'll see if I can get some 'freebie' software from a computer mag, or something in the bargain bin at the computer store.

What printer are you using? The drivers for my Brother laser printer allow me to scaling / flipping / rotating etc etc at print time!

Besides, it not enough to like it - you must LUURRRVE it!  :twisted:

Mike

i use ms word...

i scan the hammond enclosure after the drilling, then import this image
in word, design the top using its design tools then remove it.

It's easy and u have an "image" perfectly scaled in a little time! give a try!

Quote from: gezDon't get me wrong Mike I like it, it's just that I couldn't find a way to flip the image so I had to do it using Works and it resulted in some deterioration.  

I'll probably continue to use it, but I need something to do the flipping.  I'll see if I can get some 'freebie' software from a computer mag, or something in the bargain bin at the computer store.

I use Irfanview for many things. It can flip easily.
It can also resize your pictures.

http://www.irfanview.com/

Quote from: mikebWhat printer are you using? The drivers for my Brother laser printer allow me to scaling / flipping / rotating etc etc at print time!

Deskjet 350.  It doesn't have those sort of options.  We got it because it's minute, and so's our flat so it stays I'm afraid.

mugan, I don't have a problem with scaling it's with flipping.

Gilles, site you linked to was temporarily unavailable, but if it's just a viewer I'd have to create a GIF file (or sim) and I can only do that in programs that deteriorate the quality of the image.  Back to square one!

As things stand, the results I've got are a lot better than any method I've tried in the past so I'm not too unhappy.  There's a printers across the road to me which is always an option, but the last time I tried them they couldn't cope with inches (I was there for over an hour) and it was slightly out when they did manage it.  :roll:

Gez, I downloaded the most recent version of the 350 driver for XP, and there *is* options for scaling up, scaling down, and mirror image. Let me know if you need help .... I'd love to visit London. Unfortunately the closest I'm coming today is a) the miserably cold weather and b) watching The Bill tonight! :)

Mike

Quote from: gez

Quote from: mikeb
Gilles, site you linked to was temporarily unavailable, but if it's just a viewer I'd have to create a GIF file (or sim) and I can only do that in programs that deteriorate the quality of the image.  Back to square one!
quote]

Hummm... What format are you using?

You better check the bunch of format Irfanview can use. You'll be surprised  :)

If your graphics software or printer driver do not allow mirror image printing you could try CutePDF Writer.  This utility installs as a virtual printer and is used to convert any printable document into pdf format.  There is a mirror image option in the advanced settings under "postscript" options.  

This freeware utility requires that ghostscript is installed in order for it to work.  I've been labelling my boxes by printing from a CAD program to CutePDF Writer, and then to a real printer.  No scaling or resolution problems.  

http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp

Quote from: mikebGez, I downloaded the most recent version of the 350 driver for XP, and there *is* options for scaling up, scaling down, and mirror image. Let me know if you need help ....

Aha!  Thanks for taking the time to do this Mike, I'll have a look tonight and see if I get any joy.  I'm not that computer savvy so if I run in to problems I'll let you know!  :)

QuoteI'd love to visit London. Unfortunately the closest I'm coming today is a) the miserably cold weather and b) watching The Bill tonight! :)

If you ever make it over here, give me a shout and we'll meet up.  If you watch the Bill then you may just have seen the house where I live.  It's filmed almost exclusively in the Wimbledon/Merton area and one episode feature our next-door neighbour's place.  They stuck a 'Brett's Hotel' sign up in front to make it look like a seedy hideaway (not hard to do in the area I live in! - nah, It's not that bad!)  :)

Thanks for the replies lads, I'll try the new driver for the printer first and if that fails I'll look into your suggestions.  Thanks again.

Mike, when you do finally make it over here, the drinks are on me - success!!!  :D  :D  :D

Thankyou so much for taking the time to check that update for me, it works a treat and I've got a really good print!

I too now love this software, Yippeeeeeeee!!!!

Cool! 8) A visit to London WILL happen one day, likely as a stop enroute to Estonia (my Mum's home country). But English beer? We'll have to see! :D

Now if only true love lasted forever eh? ;) The Schaffaer software + full-page clear labels is working well for me at the moment!

Mike

Quote from: mikebBut English beer? We'll have to see!

We'll give the English (and Aussie!) stuff a miss and go for German!  :)

Do you happen to have a little graphic for a 9V negative tip dc jack by any chance? (that can be imported into this program)

Emailed you a .fpd file with a symbol you can try.....

Mike

Mike, there's nothing in my inbox.  Could you try again? (gezpatonatmsn.com)

Thanks

Just sent from alternate account....

Mike

Nothing in my inbox yet, but it's early days...after all, it's got a long way to travel!  :)

Well, the second attempt was from gmail ..... :( ....

here 'tis:
http://prophecysound.com/temphost/symbol.fpd

Mike

Excellent, just what the doctor ordered!  Thanks so much for taking the time to do this Mike, much appreciated!

Quote from: gezMike, how do I print a design off so that you don't get the grey backing?! Is this possible, or is it like Eagle where they do this so that you have to use them?

Also, is there anyway that I can import my own fonts?

It prints off great, but it's not that intuitive to use. I'm willing to spend time on it though, but only if I can print stuff onto transparencies (no grey backing).

Edit: why is the word 'prints' underlined in yellow (or is it just me?).  I didn't do this!

Gez:

I'm experimenting with it also, and wondered the same thing.  I did a front panel and scanned it into another computer.  I was going to try using some editing software to remove the background color.  Lo and behold, my scan HAD no background color!  I bet if you run your printout through a laser copier, it won't print the background because it won't "see" it.

David, If you go to view and click on 'outline mode' (as Mike mentioned) it gets rid of the grey then you can just click on the copy icon and paste your design into another document to print it off.  I used Works.

I found the program a little baffling at first, but after a few minutes of messing around it became quite intuitive.  It's really handy for stompbox labelling!  

Good, isn't it?!  :)

I generally use Corel for anything like that since Vector stuff doesn't lose resolution at any scale.

However, I've recently downloaded and have been using the free Vector program Expression 3 (http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/)
It can also do some really neat paint, watercolor, etc. stuff.

Quote from: gezDavid, If you go to view and click on 'outline mode' (as Mike mentioned) it gets rid of the grey then you can just click on the copy icon and paste your design into another document to print it off.  I used Works.

I found the program a little baffling at first, but after a few minutes of messing around it became quite intuitive.  It's really handy for stompbox labelling!  

Good, isn't it?!  :)

Yeah, I saw that post AFTER I made my reply.   :oops:

You're right.  I found it a bit counter-intuitive at first, too.  A few printouts of my "panel", and it started to click.  I even tried WHITE lettering.