Official Luthiers Forum!

I am looking for some software for:
• Cutting out pictures of built instruments and mounting them on different backgrounds;
• Converting JPG or BMP files to vector drawings for designing inlay layouts;
• Making scale drawings of guitar bodies, necks, headstocks, etc.

Do any of you folks use CorelDRAW for your lutherie applications? And if so, can you recommend some user friendly software.

I've used CorelDraw since version 2!! The exclamation marks are for my own amazement at how long it, and I, have been around. I've been on version 8 since it came out quite few years ago and have no reason to upgrade as it has a thousand more features than I'll ever use. I use it for business logos, letterhead, book covers, truck graphics and EVERYTHING graphics oriented, except guitars and that's only because I haven't had a need yet.

As far as your qusetions:

• Cutting out pictures of built instruments and mounting them on different backgrounds;

Pictures are, as it appears you know, in bitmap formats like jpg and gif and bmp etc. Any bitmap editor of modest abilities will allow you to layout and crop and print pictures to cut out later. Corel will allow you to import those pics and resize and crop etc. and combine that pic with vector text and drawings. Super powerful and by no means the only kid on the block who can do this.

• Converting JPG or BMP files to vector drawings for designing inlay layouts;

Anthony, I don't know of any program that will truly 'convert' a bitmap to a vector drawing in that there will always be some touch up needed to do by hand. I've done it and Corel is more than capable.

EDIT - Oh wait, I just went and viewed their demo - you just push one button and instant vector from bitmap - my bad - sorry just kidding, and the reality of that kind of hype will set in really fast on anything YOU want to convert. Trust me it's not a one button operation, but it can get you a good start.

• Making scale drawings of guitar bodies, necks, headstocks, etc.

Corel Draw is NOT a precision drawing program, or at least it wasn't in my version. I think they've improved greatly but 'scale' to me means precision and it is not designed as such. However you should be able to create guitar shapes, bodies, necks, etc. and resize them to your hearts content, just be wary of Corel's limitations as an illustration program and not a technical drawing program.

It CAN be done as I have created small architectural drawings to scale but it takes some fancy foowrok.

I love Corel Draw and could not do without it but I would do a little more research to see if another product may serve you better. Again be wary because the interface is easy to learn and learning curve of Corel is very fast where others can be down right painful, AND it's really cheap.

If you have more specific questions give me a shout.

LarryLarryH38768.8542592593

_________________
Thank You and Best To All

I use adobe photoshop 7.0 pro. Just apply the cutout filter to your picture/graphic, then you can change individual colors to match your inlay, or if you want two tone use the grayscale mode or duotone mode. You can get all kinds of effects with this program, this is just one technique I like to use.

What Larry said -- except I think you can be as precise as you wish to be with it. The limitation you will run into is the same with all drawing programs: Your precision is limited by the accuracy of the output device.

CorelDraw didn't start getting really good until V 8.0, which can be had for a song. My favorite is V 11.0. You're basically limited only by your imagination with Corel.

I use it for making full scale drawings, comps, and just plain noodling around with design. Here are some samples:

Here's an old Regal tiple. No, it's not really a vector conversion ... I just drew out it and overlaid that with a photo:




Here's very compact 12-string peghead that uses Sperzels:



Finally, here's a concept instrument created with a combination of drawing and photos. The graphic is made using three different images blended together. I later printed the graphics on vinyl and "wrapped" a strat-copy with it:

Dennis E.38768.9253125

_________________
D..

Gentlemen I am much obliged for your guidance. One of my motivations for wanting to get CorelDRAW is the easy learning curve (I am not up to the challenge of mastering a CAD program like AutoCad).

Dennis thanks for the cool pictures/illustrations!