This is my first post. I have a question about resizing multiple designs purchased online to fit the same backing dimensions.
I purchased several circular wood sign designs online. Every design has a plain circular backing as it’s base, and cutouts that are layered on top.
In order to try and max out efficiency, I’m hoping to resize them all so that the backing circle in all designs measures 11.5 inches in diameter so I can cut the circles ahead of time. I need to have the cutout portion of the designs maintain a proper aspect ratio. I can’t seem to figure out how to do that in Lightroom. I’m attaching a screenshot of several of the types of designs I’m talking about.
If anyone has an idea on how I accomplish this I’m all ears!
It’s quite simple. Load your design file, stack all items in their finished location if not already there, in other words, if the layers are spread out across the work area you want to move them all on top of the backer for this process. The pics you posted show everything stacked. Select everything in the graphic you’re working with, group them then using one of the corner handles drag to scale the entire selection to the size needed, or use the numeric size boxes in the toolbar to resize, ensuring the lock aspect ratio is engaged. Then you can ungroup and move elements around as needed.
“P” moves the current selection to the center of your workspace. Makes it really easy to stack objects for the CTRL+G (or group button) function.
Use Tool layer to make a circle at your desired size (11” iirc), and lock that into place. Right click, select LOCk.
Now you have a present and locked outline to fit your design work into. Locking the frame to the work space makes it easier to grab your selections and move them out of the way for the next go round.
The next level to step up to is using the same logic to make a jig to hold your parts in alignment for serial production. When you want to make a set of coasters or multiple items like earrings:
Place a piece of cardboard on your laser bed in a position that is repeatable. I use a heavy srap of board locked in place with the cardboard from an Amazon box, stapled on top
Make your frame circle around your project at .1 mm larger in diameter than your project. Put the outline on a cut layer, run just the outline (my machine takes 1000mm/m 100% power and 2 passes to get a reliable clean cut.). Once you have your jig cut, turn off output if that frame layer, but leave it visible on your workspace (it will fade in brightness but remain visible.). Then lock the frame in place. Select the frame and your first item and use the bull’s-eye button to center.
Cheers Ed! Thanks for catching that. I find it difficult to break down the process from habitual execution to written explanation, at times. I do not want to be spouting off bad advice like some kind of misguiding Johnny Appleseed
CTRL+Z is my most often used command, closely followed by ALT+P for preview.
