PixelCNC Has Moved: deftware.org

CAM software developed by artists for artists to create unique and original works on a 3-axis CNC router or mill. · By Deftware

Add to collection

tool Community Devlog

PixelCNC Has Moved: deftware.org community

Multiple Text Layers

A topic by valhallaCNC created Apr 10, 2022 Views: 162 Replies: 6

Viewing posts 1 to 4

valhallaCNC2 years ago

HI Charlie..

New week , new question.

This is my first sign where I have multiple line of text. This will be a medial carve . I can create the 3 layers of text fine and the font looks great. When I setup for project operation only one text layer can be visible at a time, or none will show. I have to do a separate operation for each text layer, even thou they are the same carve type. I can't merge the layers, that option is greyed out. Am I missing something ?

Related question , what is the best way to get vertical spacing the same on multiple lines, is there a shortcut other then math ? I think you had said you were working on alignment tools. Just looking for a shortcut in the meantime.

Thanks Joe...

DeftwareDeveloper2 years ago

Hi Joe,

You need to change how your layers are blending together for the medial-axis carve. Just change your canvas' Z-Fill in the Canvas Properties to the top of the canvas and then change the blend mode for all of your text-layers from the default "Maximum" to "Subtractive". Everything is a height value and it's mathematically adding all of the layers up using the chosen blend mode for each layer.

As for vertical spacing: I have been trying to figure a painless way to integrate multi-line text editing in there but there are some obstacles to overcome but that's been the plan for now, so that you don't need to use multiple text-layers for multi-line text. I'll keep working on that after the new update goes out soon :)

- Charlie

valhallaCNC2 years ago (1 edit)

Charlie..

It did not work the way you suggested. However I set it up with canvas Z-fill to 0. Then I set each text layer with Z fill to top in this case .75 , inverted was checked and I used blend mode set to Difference. That let all layers be visible at the same time. I was able to set the cut on one operation. This was an add-on font, it looks like some fonts want a different setup, I used 2 different fonts one I had to invert and Z-fill differently to get it to work. I keep forgetting about the blend mode, I'm not 100% sure on its effects I'll have to work on that . You got me pointed in the right direction.

Thanks Joe...

DeftwareDeveloper2 years ago

It sounds like you had some properties that were non-default on your layers that were interfering, but if you have default parameters on your layers Z-fill and invert then it's the quick and easy way to create a canvas where the text are pockets instead of islands when creating a new project from scratch. I'd suggest trying it again and make sure everything is set properly because it's important to have an understanding how/why things work the way they do.

Canvas Z-Fill to top of canvas
Layer's Z-Fill to bottom (default for new layers)
Layer's Invert disabled (default for new layers)
Layer's Remove Bottom disabled (default for new layers)
Layer's Blend mode set to Subtractive

The text-layers are "white on black" for their heightmaps and all that needs to happen is they are subtractively combined with a canvas that has a Z-fill to the top of the canvas. You could also use the Difference blending mode but it can be a little less intuitive when manipulating layers with different Z origins and Z sizes, but it will be functionally the same if your canvas Z-fill is to the top of your canvas and your layers occupy the full depth or height of your canvas (Z origin is at bottom of canvas and Z size is same as canvas).

I'm wrapping up a fix and updating the User Guide and aim to have v1.58b out by the end of the day :)

- Charlie

valhallaCNC2 years ago(+1)

Charlie..I started from scratch like you suggested, it worked that way. The end result was the same as my setup. I went back through my projects I have cut and they were all with canvas Z-fill set at 0. I assume your setup ( Z-fill to top) is the preferred way . Is there a rule of thumb for canvas layer Z-fill setting, depending on the type of project ?

BTW ..update looks great,have not went through all the new options yet. I did try the new medial path cut, that works great .

Thanks Joe

DeftwareDeveloper2 years ago

Hi Joe,

The canvas and layers default to having their Z-fill set to the bottom, and then layer blend modes default to Maximum. This makes it easy to fill up the canvas with content for relief/emboss style carving projects. For V-carvings and engravings things need to be reversed, Z-Fills raised to the top of the canvas/layers, the layers inverted, and blend mode set to minimum. I've been thinking about how to make it easier to get from one project style to the other without requiring the user to do so many steps. Maybe when they click "New Project" from the File menu it prompts the user what style project they want to make to establish what the defaults for the canvas and layers should be. It's something I'm still weighing options about.

Keep me posted!

- Charlie

valhallaCNC2 years ago

Charlie..

I made a bunch of templates, with all the different styles I use. I either work off them or use them for reference what worked the best for me. With the templates my tools load and my feed, speed and other parameters are set. I may just have to tweak them, but don't have to reinvent the wheel every time. Works OK for me that way.

Joe..

itch.io

PixelCNC Has Moved: deftware.org

Multiple Text Layers