Hi guys again.  I use a cutter and have to create cutlines but when it comes to intricate outlines the bezier and shape method takes ages.  Surely there must be a way of tracing round and then applying a hairline outline or something.  Thanks. Top forums.   Si

Hi Simeone1,

The contour tool works well for this.  It's on the side tool bar in a fly out when you hold down the "Blend" tool icon.  I apologize if I'm being too descriptive, but I don't know your level of expertise.  The Blend tool icon looks like three orange boxes.  When you hold this down you will see several more icons.  One of these looks like nested boxes... that's the contour tool.  If you select this and click on your object you can drag an outline from it (actually you can drag multiple outlines).

When you have "Contour" selected, several options appear on the top tool bar that allow you to change the properties (how many outlines, spacing, etc.).  If you play with it a little I think you will find it easy to use.

When your done making the outline you can convert it to a curve (Arrange/ Convert to curves).

What part of England are you in?  I'm originally from Hull.

Rob

 Thanks Rob, I will try that out. I was born in Canterbruy and live there as well.  Hull I don't know.  Hope you are enjoying yourself in the good ole uncle sam type vibe.   Si

Just to add to willstu's post

If your wanting to make a cut line around multiple object designs you may need to add a step and use the Create Boundary tool. this will create an object that surrounds all the objects selected. then applying a counour to the distance you want your cutline. Depending on how complex the images are, a direct contour from the group of objects may take a long time to render or will fail.

There are two ways for this:

1 - If what you want is only a rectangle around the figure, select the object, and holding down the Shift key, double-click on the rectangle tool.

2 - if you want the contour around the shape of the figure, use the Create Boundary option in the Effects menu, as Fluid says