Epilog Laser 101

This page details the basis of how to create a design via Illustrator and "print" the job to the Epilog laser.

Creating a new Illustrator Artboard

This step is very straight forward and is like creating a new file in any software program you might be familiar with. The critical part of this step is properly setting the dimensions of the material you will place in the laser. NOTE: Failing to properly set the dimensions of your material could result in the laser cutting or etching outside of the intended area.

1. Open Adobe Illustrator using the shortcut on the desktop
2. Click the Create New button

   

1. On the right under Preset Details, you need to enter the details of the material you'll be using. The image below shows the most important settings:
   • ITEM 1: Name of your design. IE: Design1
   • ITEM 2: Unit of measure. IE: Inches
   • ITEM 3: Width and Height of your material. IE: 7 inches width and 5 inches height.
2. When you are done setting up your job, click the Create button. The Job Setup panel will close and you will be shown a blank Illustrator design screen which is called an Artboard.

   

Creating your design

1. This step involve using a variety of toolbars within Illustrator. The main toolbar is usually docked on the left and is called the Advanced Toolbar.

   

1. We are making a large keychain tag.
2. Select the Ellipse tool on the Advanced toolbar

   

1. Use the mouse and draw out an ellipse as shown below

   

1. Illustrator does not have a dedicated circle option. You use the Ellipse tool and just hold the SHIFT KEY to draw a circle.
2. Draw a small circle on the left side of the ellipse.

   

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Configure Design for Laser

The Epilog laser is connected to the MFX network much like a traditional laser printer. You will be using various print dialogs to configure how the laser will operate for the specific material you are using.

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1. File:Laser 101.16 Epilog Printing Preferences.png