How to create a materials test file in Xtool’s XCS software

  1. Create a square the size of .25 x .25 inches (or your preferred size)

  2. Make sure the square is set to cut if you want a Cut test file (you’ll select engrave or an engrave test file or score for a score test file)

  3. Select the square, Click Applications left hand side, Select Material Test Array

  4. Adjust the parameters for the power and the speed

  5. Adjust the columns and rows, if desired

  6. Adjust the spacing between the squares, if desired

  7. Once you are happy with everything, click Done.

  8. You can ungroup everything and move the text closer to the squares but be careful about changing the properties of the squares

  9. Add a larger square to cut out that material test to save for a later time

Using Adobe Illustrator, make text take the form of a shape using the Object/Envelope Distort/Make with Top Object Tool.

Making text into a shape.

  1. Draw your shape on your artboard with no fill and add an outline

  2. Add Text to the art board

  3. Highlight the Shape - Right Click - Select Arrange-Bring to Front

  4. Copy the Shape with Control-C

  5. Select Both Objects

  6. Select Object-Envelope Distort-Make with Top Object

  7. Right Click on Artboard - Select Paste - Paste in Place