Vector Strategy: Line or Fill?

Laser Map Maker: Line vs Fill – Understanding Vector Strategies

When working with vector layers in Laser Map Maker, users have the option to choose between Outline and Fill for their vector strategy. Understanding when and why to use each of these options can ensure better results during the engraving and cutting process. Below is a breakdown of the two options and key considerations for selecting the right strategy for your project.

Outline vs Fill – What’s the Difference?

• Outline: When you choose Outline for a layer, only the outer edges (or paths) of the features in that layer will be traced. This is particularly useful for laser cutting, as you generally only need the outlines to define where to make cuts. You can use this for layers like roads, borders, or other elements where the goal is to cut out the shape rather than engrave the interior.

Left Image: Before Tracing

Right Image: After Tracing

• Fill: With the Fill option, the laser will trace the interior area of the feature. This means that the software will fill the shape and not just trace its outline. This is typically used for engraving purposes when you want to apply laser engraving to the interior of the vector shape, such as filling in the area of a feature (like a building or area of land).

Left Image: Before Tracing

Right Image: After Tracing

When to Use Outline

Outline is typically selected when the goal is to cut through a layer. For example:

• Primary Roads Layer: If you have a map with a layer that represents roads and you want to cut those roads into your material, you would choose Outline. This ensures that only the borders of the roads are traced for cutting.

Engraving Roads with Outline: Sometimes, even for engraving, you might choose to use Outline. For example, if you want to engrave the outlines of the roads but not the entire area inside, using Outline will allow you to trace the edges without filling in the interior.

Tip: In most cases, Outline is used for cutting, but it’s also an option if you simply want the edges of a feature to be traced without filling the interior.

When to Use Fill

Choosing Fill will ensure that the laser traces the entire filled area of the vector feature. This is typically used for engraving the interior of a shape.

For example:

• Engraving a Landmass: If you have a filled shape representing a region of land and want to engrave the entire area (not just the boundary), you would use Fill. This traces the interior of the shape, leaving the outline of the feature intact but applying engraving to the whole filled area.

Color Matters: Grouping by Color

Laser Map Maker uses color to differentiate different types of traces (both for fill and outline). This means you can use color to organize features on your map and control how they are processed.

• Example: Roads and Borders

Imagine you have a layer for roads, and the roads are black, but you want to give the border a different color, like red. If you change the border color to red, Laser Map Maker will treat the border as a separate feature (with the strategy tied to that color). If you use Outline for the roads and red for the border, the border may not trace and weld nicely with the rest of the road, which could lead to undesirable results.

Do you see how the lines now intersect with the border? This would not work well in the laser, it would cut out the roads and not keep them connected to the border.

Solution: To keep everything connected and ensure proper cutting, make sure that the border color matches the color of the road feature itself. If the roads are black, use black for the border as well. This way, when you select Outline, the software will treat the entire road (including the border) as a continuous shape, ensuring that everything is properly connected and cut together.

Best Practices for Tracing Outlines and Fills

• Matching Colors: Make sure to keep colors consistent across your features to ensure that the laser processes everything as intended. If you have multiple elements in the same layer (e.g., roads and their borders), they should share the same color if you want them to be traced as a single continuous path.

• Strategize Layers Based on Use: Think carefully about the purpose of each layer. If you need to cut an object out (such as a road), use Outline and ensure the color is consistent. If you want to engrave the interior of a feature, use Fill.

Summary of Key Points

• Outline is used for tracing the edges of features (ideal for cutting).
• Fill is used for tracing the interior of shapes (ideal for engraving).
• Color Grouping: Colors are used to group elements, so keeping colors consistent across a feature ensures that the laser traces everything correctly.
• If you want to cut and keep features connected (such as roads), make sure the outline color is the same as the feature color.

By understanding these strategies and applying them appropriately to your project, you'll be able to achieve better results with Laser Map Maker's vector tracing features.

Updated on: 03/01/2025