In this tutorial you will learn how to add text and move objects within your custom layout file.
This tutorial is separated into three parts:
1. Basic functions; opening files and viewing layers.
2. Text; adding and editing text.
3. Moving texts and objects; Moving and snapping
Basic Functions
1. Let's begin by opening your downloaded inkscape svg file.
Right-click on the .svg template file you downloaded from our site. Select Inkscape from the context menu.
If you open your file and you don't see any layers, it's because you've dragged and dropped your layout file into Inkscape instead of opening the inkscape file directly.
2. Next we will open the Layers Window. Go to "Layer > Layers..." from the top menu or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+L
3. Click on the Eyes next to the layers to show the layer(s) you want to edit.
Text
4. We're going to use the Text Tool (F8) to select and edit our text.
Click on the Text Tool [1]
Hover over the text you wish to edit until the cursor changes, then click and drag over the text to select it [2]
You can now change the font family [3]
You can manipulate the font size [4]
You can set text to bold [5]
You can set text to italic [6]
*Important: When you are finished editing your text, click on the Move Tool (F1) to exit text editing.
Moving text and objects
5. We're going to use the Move Tool (F1) to select and move our text and objects.
Click on the Move Tool [1]
Click-drag a bounding box over the text or objects you wish to edit, or simply click on a single object to select it [2]
You can now click and drag your object or text to move it around
6. Let's enable Snapping (%) to further align and arrange our text and objects.
Click on the enable Snapping icon [1]
Doing this will enable multiple options for snapping objects [2]
You can hover your cursor over the options for tool-tip explanations of what these snapping options do
Drag your selected object near another object (such as the grid) to snap it into alignment [3]
Comments
26 comments
Where is the printing cut-off edge? Are the grid lines in each key outline just margin suggestions and alignment guides? Or do the grid lines also indicate any form of printing edge? Thanks!
Hello Vince,
You can print all the way to the edge of the key outline, the grid is just to help you align things :)
Will any font on my system work or are my options limited to a specific set? Thanks!
Hello Oliver
You can use any font you'd like, just be sure to expand/convert your font to vector data (shape data) before submitting your file to us.
Is it best to use only simple objects if we are doing custom legends? If we use vectors that are dense or complex, will the detail be lost in the print?
We can print at 600+ dpi, so some amount of fine detail is possible, but please note the small size is more the limiting factor in being able to see the detail.
so if I were to copy/paste cropped images from a layout on google images to make an Aurebesh keyboard, and if some of the characters were slightly fainter or pixelated, then they will still print?
Hi,
We will do what we can to have the images print as cleanly as possible, but a very low resolution image will be hard to deal with. We recommend at least 200x200px for 1x1 size keys.
I would like to ask about fonts. I live in Hungary so we have some extra accented characters (ő and ű). I re-drew fonts by my hand in Fontlab (because these accented characters were not included in the Bank Gothic font pack), and created layout in Adobe Illustrator. So is it OK for you?
Hello Robert,
You don't have to worry about fonts because you're going to be converting all of your fonts and text to vector data before submitting your file to us, when it comes to our end it's just going to be shapes that are easily read by our systems :)
Hello @...! What font do I have to install to be able to edit the Mac layer in Inkscape on my Windows PC?
The Mac layout text is not made to be editable, since it is an unusual font many people don't have. It's called VAGRounded-Light. If you have it, I can make an alternate layer version for you to edit. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi, I am trying to piece together a design for a friend who is interested in having the legends printed on the side of the keycap, with graphics on the tops. Just interested to know if this is possible.
Thanks.
Cron R
I'm sorry but it is not possible to print on the side of the keycaps at this time.
Thank you.
Hello. On the layout how can I know which keys are 1.25u ? I really need many of those, but don't need many keys overall. What is the recommended layout for this?
Danielo Rodríguez
Please refer to this page for information on the keys, sizes and locations; https://support.wasdkeyboards.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009701328-Keycap-Size-Compatibility
R1 1.25 keys are bottom row, "alt, windows, ctrl, etc...."
Thank you.
Hi,
Is printing on the side of the keycap available now? I saw the older comment saying it wasn't possible but maybe that has changed.
Thanks!
@Mateu Tomi
Side printing is still not available at this time but it is something we would like to offer in the future. Thank you.
How would this work if I wanted to use an ISO keyboard layout but modify the layout to US? Namely, are the differences in key mapping only down to placement, but electrically are these same keys represented similarly to the OS? (IE. the \ key on ANSI - above Return - would be the same as the \ key on ISO, in between the left shift and Z)
My thinking is to take the ISO 105 layout and do Mac Dvorak keycaps using a custom font.
@Joseph Hillenburg,
We do have a "US" layout in our 105-key template, you can use that one as your base if you'd like.
Yes, if your OS language is set for that key layout then it will output what is printed on the keys. You can also remap the keys using our custom firmware or a software solution to further customize if you'd like.
Thank you.
I'm not sure why the US QWERTY is not on the 105 template, but I will add it. It's very similar to the UK QWERTY though, In the meantime I can send you a pdf I made for you - use the grid to align it to the grid on the template. 👍 Unfortunately I cannot attach pdfs to article pages, so please email our support info@waskeyboards.com. Thank you.
Hi David - I responded via email but never heard back. Also, do you have any intention of offering custom PBT caps?
Hello @Joseph Hillenburg,
We usually get to all emails within 1 business day, I also searched for your name and no emails came up, can you try emailing us again? At this time we don't have any plans for releasing custom PBT keycaps.
*Edit* - I have updated the 105 inkscape file, so you should be able to see US QWERTY on there now 👍
Hello, Is it possible to create shine-through keycaps text?
@Ashley Ware - I'm sorry but at this time it is not possible for us to make custom backlit keys. You can still put non-backlit keys on a backlit keyboard and depending on the colors it can look good with visible legends, please check out this article for a photo example and more information: https://support.wasdkeyboards.com/hc/en-us/articles/115008901088-Compatibility-with-backlighting
Thank you.
Hello! One little question, how well can you print fine or slim lines? I'm creating a sci-fi-esque kind of layout and has lots of lines, and some can be a bit small, will they be lost? Or maybe can I send the file and see what you think?
Thanks!
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