>> Glowforge App Basics
In this tutorial, we will use these DSI Coin images to demonstrate design space use. These are the same images that you will be using to practice for your assessment and for the assessment itself. Feel free to right-click and save these images for yourself in order to follow along!
To import files into your Glowforge workspace, just drag and drop from your computer into the workspace window. Alternately you can use the teal + icon in the center of the screen and choose to "upload from a file"
Once your file is imported, you can click and drag an image to move it around.
Use the circular arrow at the top of the image to rotate, and drag the dots around the image to scale to your liking. There are more precise, measurement-driven controls for size in the bottom left corner of the design space.
Additionally, hold space to move the camera around you design and hold control while scrolling to zoom in and out!
When using multiple files, you can align and group them to organize your design.
To align your files
1. Select multiple files
2. Use the align button at the bottom left.
From here you can align your files based on various positions, like the center point or the left or right sides. Play around with this to see what would benefit your cut the best! With the medallion, we want to center all the files to the middle - both horizontally and vertically.
To group your files, select multiple files, right click and select "group".
Choosing Material Settings
The DSI provides wood for cutting on the Glowforge. This material is associated with a preset on the app that allows the power and speed of the laser to be automatically chosen for you. It is important to double check that you always choose "Medium Maple Plywood" for the material as this is the type of material that we offer in the space.
- Click the "Unknown Material Button" in the top left corner of the app.
- Choose "Medium Maple Plywood."
Choosing the correct material ensures that you will achieve a clean cut and prevents safety hazards such as fire!
Choosing the Order of Operations for your Design
When using multiple files, you should keep in mind that there is a "Cut Order" to your design. On the left of the Glowforge App it displays the cut order of the layers of your design and also how it will process each layer (cut, engrave, or score). The process will begin at the top and go down the list. Be sure to double check, and if needed, adjust your cut order before starting! It is generally best to begin with any engraving or scoring work before cutting. This allows your print to stay more stable throughout the engraving and scoring process.
Sending the Print to the Glowforge
Once your print is oriented, scaled and the material has been chosen, you're ready to print your design.
Note: You will need to follow the start-up sequence for the Glowforge machine which is detailed in the Glowforge Hardware tutorial before you are able to have the option to print from the app.
To start your print choose the "Print" button at the top right of the Glowforge app. This will start the sequence for the Glowforge to tell you how long your print will take.