How to trace an image rather than print left to right

[ProjectEdgeClimbing (John Tanner Worthington)]

I am used to using GRBL for my Sainsmart CNC 3018 Pro. I want to print an image along a vector path rather than print left to right like a standard printer. On GRBL, I can vectorize an image and then it will trace it rather quickly. Printing left to right drastically increases my print time and I would prefer to print by tracing the actual image. Is this possible?

[rojhan (Rick)]

The Tools menu has a “Trace Image” option (ALT-T).

[ProjectEdgeClimbing (John Tanner Worthington)]

Where at? https://imgur.com/a/yuSQE1M

This is what I see.

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

When posting you can drag and drop, or copy and paste an image here or use the upload shown below. That way we don’t have to download your file to see what you have posted.

To trace and image, first you must select the image, then go to ‘Tools’→’Trace Image’ (ALT-T (option-t on mac)).

[ProjectEdgeClimbing (John Tanner Worthington)]

Understood. Thank you Rick. I have re ran it and it is working now but I have another issue!

The laser is staying on inbetween letters! Any idea what to do?

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

Please don’t double post. I have started answering you here:

New user with questions - Laser not turning off between cuts

Yes, and we have covered it many times here in the forum. There is a search tool found on every page here. Look to the upper-right of each page and you will notice a magnifying glass icon. Click that and enter “Sainsmart 3018” and hit return. [image] You will find several posts talking about this in detail. Please post back if you are continuing to have issues with your gear.