In this tutorial you will learn how to edit bitmap images within your custom layout file.
This tutorial is separated into two parts:
1. Converting Bitmaps To Vectors; Defining specific text colors.
2. Covering Keycaps With An Image; Use a single image to span multiple keys.
This method is good for converting smaller images and less complex images to crispy vectors. If you're using a super giant image that is very complex you're better off just leaving it a Jpeg or PNG file without conversion.
1. Import (File > Import) a bitmap image in Inkscape (choose embed) (Ctrl+I)
2. Select the image
3. Open the Trace Bitmap (Path > Trace Bitmap...) window (Shift+Alt+B)
4. Experiment with the scan options to create a vector
Single Scan is good for creating single color outlines or silhouettes, best for very simple and iconic shapes
Multiple Scans is good for creating full color vectors
Change the threshold or color values then press Update to get a new preview of changes. When you're happy with the results of your preview, click OK
2. Select the image
3. Open the Trace Bitmap (Path > Trace Bitmap...) window (Shift+Alt+B)
4. Experiment with the scan options to create a vector
Single Scan is good for creating single color outlines or silhouettes, best for very simple and iconic shapes
Multiple Scans is good for creating full color vectors
Change the threshold or color values then press Update to get a new preview of changes. When you're happy with the results of your preview, click OK
Covering Keycaps With An Image
Please only use Jpeg or PNG files if you are using large and complex images to cut down on the overall file size of your document. Converting a giant image to vector will not make it look better (most of the time it will actually look worse) and it will inflate the file size. It's just not as efficient and makes for a worse print, so don't do it ok? :)
Before importing your image, save it as a jpeg, preferrably with a resolution of 300ppi
1. Open the Layers window (Layer > Layers...) (Ctrl+Shift+L)
2. Unlock, then select the Clipping Mask layer
3. Import your image (File > Import...) (Ctrl+I) (Embed the image)
4. Move your image to where you want it to fall on the keys
5. Select your image and lower it to the bottom (Object > Lower To Bottom) (End)
6. Select both your image and the clipping mask
7. Clip the image (Object > Clip > Set)
If you need to move your image after you have clipped it, you can release the clip (select the image Object > Clip > Release), move your image, then set the clip again.
Comments
13 comments
Hi, after added graphics, how can I check how would it look like with a specific keycap color?
The keycap colors only supported by the designer, but the designer does not show the custom legends.
So how can I preview the custom graphics with the keycap colors?
Hi,
Our online designer tool is not set up to display custom files, due to the reformatting that would be required, sorry. One option would be to fill in your key colors on a layer in your file, to get a better idea of what it will look like. We can also create a preview for you before we go to print, if you request it in your order comments.
After I have finished everything, do I have to save it as a jpeg
Once you finish your custom layout file, make sure your fonts are converted to vector shapes, then save it. We need it to stay the same file type as it was originally.
Images within the custom file can be jpegs, but the actual template file should be an svg, or an ai if you're using Illustrator instead.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Is it required that custom images be clipped in a .svg file for them to be used, or is that just to allow us to get a preview of what it will look like? Also, is it possible to use multiple images on a single template?
We recommend that large images spanning multiple keys should be clipped, but we can still work with it as long as the image is placed where you want it. You can use more than one image on a single template, that's fine.
Hi,
I was wondering how I could go about clip masking my custom keycap image in Adobe Illustrator. I tried to apply a clipping mask shown here to test things out, but it didn't work. The image was a png:
I also tried it with an image traced version of the picture, but that did not work as well.
The reason I ask is because I'm not really familiar with Inkscape and would much rather use Illustrator if possible.
Additionally, could I use a high quality vector image in svg format for my image? If I can get the clipping to work, I'd like to spend time making a large vector from scratch to use for my keycap set. Or are pngs/jpegs preferred?
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
First, be sure your image is placed in the file. It will no longer have the X in it once it is.
Then get your key frame shapes by themselves and make sure they are ungrouped. Then select them all and make them a compound path. (Under Object) That compound path can be used as the clipping mask.
I hope that helps, please feel free to email us with more details if you're still stuck.
HI there! so when you upload the svg file in the custom key cap set, you cant actually see how it will look right?
Also the small 4 squares inside the key are the maximum area where we can write?
Also, how do you convert the fonts to vectors? i only see how to convert imported images in the tutorial.
regards,
The inner grid is more for alignment, the outer frame shapes represent the edges of the key tops, and our maximum printable area.
There is a note on the template about converting the fonts that reads: IMPORTANT: To avoid delays and errors in your order you must convert all of your fonts and text to vector data. Before saving and uploading your file: select all of your text; go to Path > Object to Path (Ctrl+Shift+C)
Can a different keyboard color other than white/black be selected?
Like on this example. I'm really interested in custom keyboard with stickers and arts.
Hey, do the images print on all 5 sides or just the top side?
They're only able to print on the top of the keycap, not on the sides. Be sure that, if you have a design that's gonna span multiple keys, that you set the clipping mask as just the top of the keycaps (the "Key Frames" as they're called in the template files) and NOT the entire area of the key including the sides as shown in the "create your own render" portion of the template.
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