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Discover xTool Creative Space V1.0's exciting new features, including enhanced text and outline functions, UI updates, GCode support, and crucial bug fixes for an improved laser engraving experience.
The release of xTool Creative Space (XCS) V1.0 brings significant enhancements to text manipulation and engraving, a critical feature for artisans. This latest iteration introduces new capabilities and addresses previous limitations within its "Text" function. These updates aim to streamline your workflow and ensure superior results for designs on various materials like leather, wood, and more.
A primary enhancement in XCS V1.0 is the improved output of text engraving. Users will immediately notice significantly smoother and more refined edges in engraved text. Comparing V1.0 to XCS beta 8 reveals a superior level of polish and clarity, even on enlarged characters. This optimization ensures fine lines and intricate fonts translate with greater fidelity from screen to material, maintaining intended elegance and readability. This precision is particularly beneficial for detailed projects, such as custom lettering on leather goods, where crisp edges are essential for a professional finish.
Furthermore, XCS V1.0 resolves a previous issue where text generated by the "text" function would appear thickened during engraving. This thickening often led to a less crisp or slightly blurred appearance, especially with smaller fonts. With V1.0, this discrepancy is eliminated, preserving the visual integrity of your text from design to finished product. This allows for more accurate representation of your chosen typeface and size, granting designers confidence in achieving the desired aesthetic without unexpected distortions. This reliability is crucial for projects requiring consistent results across multiple engravings.
Beyond foundational engraving quality, XCS V1.0 introduces more options for text settings, empowering users with greater creative control. A significant update is the ability to apply different styles to text, such as bold or italic, directly within the software. While style availability depends on the typeface and system support, this feature expands avenues for textual expression and design versatility. Users can now vary text impact without external software, streamlining the creative process. These style options provide valuable tools for customizing engravings, whether for subtle emphasis or a bold statement.
In a move towards industry-standard precision, the text size unit is now 'pt' (point) in XCS V1.0. This aligns the software with common graphic design and typesetting conventions, simplifying accurate text dimension adjustments. This consistency aids in precise scaling and better integration with other design platforms, fostering a more professional and predictable design environment. Additionally, the text selection box on the canvas is optimized. Previously, framing extended beyond actual text size due to margins. XCS V1.0 rectifies this with more accurate framing, allowing for better visual alignment and positioning of text elements, enhancing the overall user interface and design accuracy.
For users upgrading from previous versions, XCS V1.0 includes important considerations for existing project files. Due to the comprehensive upgrade of the "text" function, text settings in older files might change when opened in V1.0. Users are strongly advised to make copies of previous project files before upgrading. This precautionary step ensures original designs are safely preserved. After the upgrade, opening these copied files requires a quick check to verify text settings remain consistent with the original design intent. This approach helps users maintain their extensive work libraries.
XCS V1.0 provides clear instructions for three common scenarios where text settings might be affected. First, if text height changes, users can drag the anchor point to adjust both height and x-height back to their original ratio, maintaining proportional integrity. Second, if the typeface reverts to a default, users can select the desired typeface from the list on the text setting panel. These direct solutions minimize downtime and frustration during project migration.
For precise restoration of text size and ratio, XCS V1.0 offers a meticulous three-step process. Before updating, open the project file and draw a rectangle tightly over the text as a precise reference. After upgrading XCS to V1.0, reopen the project file. Finally, adjust the text's position and size to perfectly match the rectangle. This method ensures accurate restoration of complex textual layouts. Note that XCS V1.0 does not support emoji input. These detailed guidelines underscore XCS's commitment to supporting its user base through software evolutions.
The latest iteration of xTool Creative Space V1.0 brings forth a suite of enhancements designed to elevate the precision and versatility of laser crafting projects, particularly for intricate leather designs. Among the most impactful improvements are the significant upgrades to the "Outline" function. These advancements empower designers and artisans with greater control over their creative process, enabling more sophisticated and detailed outcomes for both cutting and engraving on various materials, including the nuanced surfaces of leather. This refined functionality ensures that every line, curve, and edge can be defined with exceptional clarity, transforming digital concepts into tangible, high-quality finished pieces. Whether you are working on bespoke leather goods, decorative panels, or personalized accessories, these new outline features open up a world of creative possibilities, streamlining complex tasks and fostering innovative design approaches.
One of the most anticipated improvements in XCS V1.0 is the newfound ability to set outlines for vector graphics. Previously, the application of outlines might have been more inherently associated with raster images or limited in scope for vector elements. This update significantly broadens the creative horizon for users who predominantly work with vector-based designs, which are fundamental for precision laser cutting and engraving on leather. Vector graphics, by their nature, are scalable without loss of quality, making them ideal for creating crisp cut lines for leather patterns, intricate scoring for folding guides, or detailed engraving paths for text and logos on a hide. Now, with the outline function extended to these versatile graphic types, designers can effortlessly add borders, create concentric patterns, or define distinct engraving zones around any vector shape. Imagine crafting a leather coaster with an elegant border that perfectly mirrors the internal vector design, or adding a subtle etched frame around a meticulously designed monogram; these capabilities are now at your fingertips, offering a new dimension of design integrity and aesthetic appeal. This feature is particularly beneficial for leather crafters who rely on precise outlines to guide their cutting and engraving processes, ensuring that decorative elements and functional components are seamlessly integrated into their final product.
Further enhancing the flexibility of the "Outline" tool, XCS V1.0 introduces the groundbreaking option to set a negative value for an outline. This innovative capability means that the outline will now appear *inside* the element, rather than exclusively outside or centered on the path. This seemingly subtle change unlocks a vast array of design opportunities for creating nuanced and sophisticated visual effects, especially on materials like leather where texture and depth play a crucial role. For leather artisans, this translates into the ability to generate internal decorative borders, design intricate inset patterns, or create refined edge details within a specific shape. For instance, one could design a leather wallet flap with an outer cut line and then use a negative outline to etch a delicate stitching guide or a decorative inner contour, adding a layer of professional finish. This feature is invaluable for achieving a debossed look through careful engraving, or for marking precise internal areas for color application or other embellishments. The capacity to control whether an outline expands outward or contracts inward provides unparalleled precision, allowing designers to achieve exact spacing and complex layering effects without manual adjustments, thereby elevating the overall quality and intricacy of their leather projects.
Efficiency in design software is paramount for productive crafting, and XCS V1.0 addresses this with a significant workflow enhancement: the ability to multiple-select both bitmap and vector graphics and apply outlines to them simultaneously. In the realm of leather crafting, it is common practice to combine various graphic types within a single project. For example, a personalized leather bag might feature an engraved photographic image (a bitmap graphic) alongside custom vector-cut lettering and intricate vector decorative elements. In previous versions, applying outlines to these disparate graphic types might have required separate operations, consuming valuable time and potentially leading to inconsistencies. Now, with the multi-selection capability, designers can select a group comprising both rasterized images and scalable vector shapes and apply a uniform outline setting across all of them in one swift action. This not only dramatically streamlines the design process but also ensures visual cohesion across complex, mixed-media designs. Imagine effortlessly adding a consistent border to an entire scene on a leather panel, regardless of whether parts of that scene are photographs or vector illustrations. This feature is a game-changer for maintaining design integrity and accelerating project completion, making the creation of sophisticated leather items more efficient and enjoyable. The ability to unify the outlining process for diverse graphic elements underscores a commitment to user-centric design, providing an intuitive and powerful toolset for modern leather artisans.
These comprehensive upgrades to the "Outline" function in xTool Creative Space V1.0 represent a significant leap forward for creative professionals and hobbyists alike, particularly those engaged in the precise art of leather working. By extending outline capabilities to vector graphics, introducing the versatility of negative (inner) outlines, and streamlining the process for mixed-media selections, the software empowers users to achieve unprecedented levels of detail, precision, and efficiency. Crafters can now explore more intricate designs, experiment with layered aesthetic effects, and bring their most ambitious leather projects to life with greater ease and confidence. The enhanced outline tools are not merely incremental improvements; they are foundational advancements that foster innovation and elevate the standard of digital design for physical fabrication, ensuring that every cut, etch, and engrave contributes to a masterful finished product. This commitment to continuous improvement solidifies XCS V1.0 as an indispensable tool in the modern crafting workshop, providing the precision and flexibility needed to transform raw leather into works of art.
The latest iteration of xTool Creative Space, Version 1.0, introduces a comprehensive suite of enhancements designed to elevate the user experience, particularly for those engaged in intricate crafting and laser engraving projects, such as those involving leather. These updates are strategically implemented to streamline design workflows, improve precision, and offer greater control over various machine operations, ultimately leading to superior quality outcomes and a more intuitive interface for crafters. From fundamental text manipulations to advanced machine calibrations, XCS V1.0 is poised to become an indispensable tool for hobbyists and professionals alike, making complex design tasks more accessible and efficient.
A significant focus of the XCS V1.0 update revolves around refining text and graphic handling, critical elements for personalized laser engraving, especially on materials like leather where crisp details are paramount. The text engraving outcome has seen remarkable improvement; a direct comparison reveals noticeably smoother edges on characters processed with V1.0 compared to previous beta versions. This enhancement ensures cleaner, more professional-looking engravings, preventing the thickened appearance of text generated by the software's own text function, an issue now completely resolved.
Beyond mere output quality, the text function now offers expanded creative freedom. Users can access more options for text settings, including the ability to apply different text styles, dependent on the typefaces available on their computer and supported by the font. Furthermore, the unit of text size has been standardized to 'pt' (point), offering a more familiar and precise measurement system for designers. The selection box for text on the canvas has also been optimized, providing a more accurate framing area that closely matches the actual text size, removing the previous issue of excessive margins. However, it is important to note that XCS V1.0 no longer supports the input of emojis within text fields.
The upgrade to the "Outline" function is another pivotal improvement, significantly broadening graphic design capabilities. Users can now apply outlines to vector graphics, offering greater versatility in design. A particularly innovative feature is the ability to set a negative value for an outline, which results in the outline appearing inside an element, perfect for creating subtle borders or inset designs. Moreover, the workflow for applying outlines has been streamlined, allowing users to select multiple bitmap and vector graphics simultaneously to set outlines, greatly enhancing efficiency for complex projects involving varied graphic elements.
For existing projects, the overall upgrade of the "text" function necessitates careful attention. When opening previous project files in XCS V1.0, text settings might change. To mitigate this, users are advised to make copies of previous project files before upgrading. If text height is altered, dragging an anchor point can restore the original height and x-height ratio. Should a typeface revert to default, it can be easily changed from the typeface list. For comprehensive restoration of text size and ratio, a recommended process involves drawing a tight-fitting rectangle over the text in the old version, upgrading, and then adjusting the text to match the rectangle's position and size in XCS V1.0.
The XCS V1.0 update also brings a host of user interface refinements and enhanced machine control options, contributing to a more intuitive and efficient design-to-production workflow. One minor yet impactful UI adjustment is the relocation of the zoom button from the top right corner to the bottom left corner on the canvas, ensuring better ergonomic access. Crucially, new group and ungroup options have been added directly to the top toolbar, simplifying object arrangement and management on the canvas, a feature vital for handling multi-layered designs often seen in leather crafting.
Precision in object manipulation is further improved with a smaller nudge distance. When selecting an element, a single press of the arrow keys now moves it by a precise 0.1mm, while holding Shift+arrow keys allows for 1mm adjustments. This level of granular control is invaluable for fine-tuning design placements. Additionally, when scaling an element, the size ratio is now locked by default, preventing accidental distortions, though users can easily click the "lock" button to unlock it for free-form scaling when needed. For vector drawing, the "esc" button on the keyboard now provides a quick way to stop the drawing function, enhancing user control during design creation.
Machine control has also seen significant advancements. The GCode export/import option has been integrated into the device settings, offering greater flexibility for advanced users. D1 and D1 Pro machines now support GCode export, while the M1 machine supports both exporting and importing. This opens up possibilities for integrating with other software ecosystems. For M1 users, connecting the machine to XCS now allows switching the snap function on or off via the "show/hide background" options, accessible by right-clicking on the canvas, aiding in accurate alignment. In the preview page, users can now adjust the light power and speed of framing directly by clicking the setting button next to the framing button. This feature is particularly important for delicate materials where high power could create burn marks; users of D1/D1 Pro need to switch to "laser spot" in device settings, and infrared laser head users can adjust light power as well. The processing page now also displays the total time used for processing, offering valuable project management insights. Lastly, a new cut pressure calibration function is available to restore the M1's cut pressure to factory settings, useful after laser head replacements or if pressure variations occur, ensuring consistent cutting performance.
XCS V1.0 also addresses several underlying issues and introduces enhancements that significantly improve project compatibility and overall software stability. A notable improvement for designers is the successful import of bitmap images contained within SVG files, resolving previous compatibility hurdles. Furthermore, the software now correctly opens SVG files utilizing 'em' and 'ex' units and accurately displays rectangles with round corners, which were previously rendered incorrectly. These fixes ensure that designs created in other vector graphics software are seamlessly integrated into XCS, preserving their intended appearance and functionality.
Beyond import compatibility, the software's internal logic and user interaction have been refined. The issue of text not displaying completely on the canvas, occasionally leading to incomplete processing outcomes, has been resolved. Selecting the outline of a bitmap image has been optimized for a much smoother and more intuitive experience. A persistent problem where an undo operation on a complex image would cause its position to shift has been fixed, guaranteeing design integrity even after iterative changes. The processing of non-closed graphics has also been corrected; previously, if a non-closed graphic's start and end points were very close, it might be erroneously processed as a closed graphic, an issue now addressed for more predictable results.
Finally, the processing order for projects has been optimized. In most cases, XCS V1.0 will now ensure that all engraving tasks are completed before any cutting begins. This intelligent sequencing can prevent potential issues, such as engraved lines being disrupted by subsequent cutting operations, leading to cleaner and more consistent final products. These numerous fixes and optimizations underscore xTool's commitment to continuously improving XCS, providing a more reliable and efficient design environment for all users.
The latest iteration of xTool Creative Space, Version 1.0, ushers in a new era of expanded capabilities and refined control for laser engravers and cutters. For professionals and enthusiasts working with diverse materials like leather, wood, and acrylic, these enhancements translate directly into greater precision, efficiency, and a broader scope for creative projects. From intricate text engraving to complex graphic outlines and advanced machine interoperability, XCS V1.0 significantly elevates the user experience and the potential output of your xTool machine, offering a more robust and intuitive platform for crafting and production.
A key focus of XCS V1.0 is empowering users with finer control over their machines and processes. The introduction of GCode export and import capabilities marks a significant leap forward, particularly for advanced users. D1 and D1 Pro machines now support GCode export, allowing for greater flexibility in project workflows, while M1 machines benefit from both GCode export and import functionality. This expanded support enables integration with other powerful software platforms, opening up new avenues for intricate designs and specialized fabrication techniques often critical in high-quality leatherwork and custom engraving projects.
Precision is further bolstered by the ability to adjust the light power and speed of framing directly from the preview page. This granular control helps prevent unwanted burn marks on sensitive materials like delicate leathers during the initial setup phase. For D1/D1 Pro users, switching to "laser spot" in device settings is necessary to access this framing adjustment, while infrared laser heads offer direct power control. Moreover, the nudge distance for elements on the canvas has been significantly reduced. A single press of the arrow keys now moves an element by a mere 0.1mm, and holding Shift combined with arrow keys moves it by 1mm. This microscopic control is invaluable for aligning designs perfectly, ensuring exact placement for logos, text, or intricate patterns on a valuable leather piece before processing.
M1 machine users will also appreciate the new ability to switch the canvas snap function on or off by right-clicking on the canvas and selecting "show/hide background." This allows for more precise manual positioning when needed, or quick alignment when snap is active. These collective improvements in control and machine interoperability ensure that users can achieve the exact results they envision, minimizing material waste and maximizing the quality of their finished products.
XCS V1.0 brings substantial upgrades to its design functionalities, making graphic creation and manipulation more intuitive and precise. The "Text" function has seen numerous enhancements, most notably improved engraving outcomes with visibly smoother edges, ensuring cleaner, professional-looking results on materials like leather. An issue where text generated within XCS would be excessively thickened upon engraving has been resolved. Users now have more options for text settings, including different styles based on available typefaces, and the text size unit has been standardized to 'pt' (point) for greater consistency. The text selection box on the canvas has also been optimized, providing a more accurate framing area that precisely matches the text's actual size, eliminating previous margins that could cause confusion. While previous project files may experience slight text setting shifts due to this upgrade, clear instructions are provided for easy restoration, ensuring continuity for ongoing projects.
The "Outline" function has also been significantly upgraded, now supporting outlines for vector graphics, a crucial feature for precise cutting and engraving. Users can now set negative values for outlines, causing them to appear on the inner side of an element, which is perfect for creating intricate inlays or engraved borders. Furthermore, the ability to multi-select both bitmap and vector graphics to set outlines simultaneously streamlines the design process for complex layouts. Other general design enhancements include the addition of group and ungroup options to the top toolbar for easier object management, and the ability to lock/unlock the size ratio when scaling elements, providing more control over transformations. Users can also now press the "esc" button to stop drawing with vector functions, and SVG files containing bitmap images can be successfully imported, greatly expanding design flexibility.
Beyond design and control, XCS V1.0 introduces features that optimize the processing phase and enhance machine maintenance. A vital new function is "Cut pressure calibration," designed specifically for the M1 machine. If the laser head has been replaced or the cut pressure has changed for any reason, this feature allows users to restore the cut pressure to M1 factory settings, ensuring consistent and optimal cutting performance. This is particularly important for achieving clean cuts on varying thicknesses of leather or other materials, where consistent pressure is paramount.
To assist in project management and efficiency, users can now view the amount of time that has been used for processing directly on the project page. This provides valuable insights for job costing and scheduling, which is critical for professionals managing multiple orders. The software also comes with more pre-set parameter settings for various materials, available for offline use. This means crafters can quickly access optimized settings for different types of leather, wood, or other substrates without needing an internet connection, ensuring reliable results every time. Additionally, the overall processing order has been optimized, with cutting operations now typically beginning only after all engraving tasks are completed within a project, preventing potential issues and ensuring a more efficient workflow. These enhancements collectively contribute to a more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly experience, making XCS V1.0 a powerful tool for any creative endeavor.
The latest iteration, xTool Creative Space V1.0, brings significant improvements to the “Text” function, enhancing both the aesthetic quality and operational reliability of text engraving. Users will notice a remarkably smoother edge on engraved letters, addressing previous issues of uneven outcomes. Furthermore, an issue where text generated within XCS would be unintentionally thickened upon engraving has been resolved, ensuring your designs translate accurately to the physical output. New options for text settings have been introduced, including diverse text styles (dependent on typeface support), and the text size unit has been standardized to 'pt' (point) for greater consistency. The selection box for text on the canvas has also been optimized, now providing a more accurate framing area that precisely matches the text’s actual dimensions, eliminating misleading margins present in earlier versions.
A critical consideration for users upgrading to V1.0 involves project file compatibility. Due to the comprehensive upgrade of the “Text” function, existing project files opened in the new version may exhibit altered text settings. To mitigate any potential data loss or design inconsistencies, securing copies of all previous project files before updating to V1.0 is paramount, much like safeguarding your digital wallet's private keys before a significant software upgrade. Upon opening older projects, a diligent review of text settings is essential. Should text height change, adjust the anchor point to restore the original ratio. If the typeface reverts, reselect your preferred font from the panel. For absolute precision, a recommended verification method involves drawing a tight rectangle around text in the old version, upgrading, and then precisely aligning the text within this saved reference in V1.0. This robust validation method maintains design fidelity and prevents unintended alterations to your creative data.
It is also important to note that xTool Creative Space V1.0 currently does not support the input of emojis.
The “Outline” function has received three key improvements, significantly broadening graphic manipulation capabilities. Users can now set outlines for vector graphics, a crucial feature for detailed design work. The ability to apply negative values for outlines allows for inner boundaries, providing granular control over element interaction. Additionally, multiple bitmap and vector graphics can now be selected simultaneously to set outlines, streamlining complex design workflows. These enhancements provide a higher level of precision and control over graphic elements, reducing ambiguity in design interpretation, akin to defining clear parameters for a smart contract.
Several user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) adjustments aim to enhance operational efficiency. The zoom button has been relocated from the top right to the bottom left corner of the canvas for more intuitive access. Group and ungroup options have been added directly to the top toolbar, simplifying object organization. A notable addition is the GCode export/import option within device settings. D1 and D1 Pro machines now support GCode export, while the M1 machine supports both exporting and importing GCode. This feature expands interoperability, particularly for M1 users, enabling alternative software workflows and greater command over machine operations. Understanding the implications of GCode allows users to exercise direct control over their machine's actions, much like an EOA (Externally Owned Account) manages its own transactions, requiring careful validation of commands to prevent unexpected outcomes.
For M1 users, connecting to XCS now allows switching the canvas snap function on or off via the “show/hide background” options, accessible by right-clicking. When scaling an element, the size ratio is now locked by default, acting as a subtle yet effective safeguard against accidental disproportionate resizing; users can click the “lock” button to unlock this ratio for free scaling. The “esc” button on the keyboard can now be pressed to stop drawing with vector functions, improving workflow fluidity. Furthermore, the successful import of SVG files containing bitmap images has been resolved, along with fixes for SVG files using ’em’ and ‘ex’ units and the correct rendering of round corners in rectangles. Reliable SVG import is fundamental for ensuring the integrity of complex designs. These fixes prevent data corruption or misrepresentation, akin to verifying the hash of a digital file to confirm its authenticity.
XCS V1.0 introduces enhanced control over the framing process. Users can now adjust the light power and speed of framing directly by clicking the setting button next to the framing button in the preview page. This fine-grained control necessitates careful user calibration to prevent unintended material damage; a high power, for instance, may create burn marks on certain materials. D1/D1 Pro users must switch to “laser spot” in device settings to access this adjustment, while infrared laser heads offer direct power modulation. This proactive control over pre-processing parameters is akin to adjusting gas limits for a blockchain transaction to balance cost and execution speed without compromising the outcome.
The new version also provides real-time processing time display, aiding in project management. A cut pressure calibration function has been added for M1 machines, allowing users to restore the cut pressure to factory settings after head replacement or changes, ensuring consistent performance. The nudge distance for elements has been reduced to 0.1mm for single key presses and 1mm when combined with the Shift key, offering greater precision in minor adjustments. Lastly, an expanded library of material parameter settings is now available for offline use, promoting efficiency and reducing reliance on internet connectivity for common tasks.
A series of critical bug fixes have been implemented in xTool Creative Space V1.0 to bolster software stability and user experience. Issues where text occasionally failed to display completely on the canvas, leading to incomplete processing outcomes, have been rectified. The process of selecting the outline of bitmap images has been optimized, making it significantly easier. A persistent problem where complex images would shift position after an undo operation has been resolved, ensuring the integrity of design history. Furthermore, compatibility issues with SVG files containing ’em’ and ‘ex’ units, as well as correctly displaying rounded corners in SVG rectangles, have been addressed. The software now accurately processes non-closed graphics whose start and end points are close, preventing them from being treated as closed graphics. Finally, the processing order has been optimized in most projects, ensuring that all engraving tasks are completed before cutting begins, thereby safeguarding material integrity and final product quality. These critical bug fixes collectively fortify the software's foundation, mitigating risks of data inconsistencies or workflow disruptions. Ensuring 'what you see is what you get' and preventing unintended processing behaviors are paramount for maintaining the integrity and security of your creative projects.
The xTool Creative Space V1.0 update represents a substantial leap forward in user experience, precision, and software reliability. From refined text rendering and advanced graphic controls to critical bug fixes and workflow optimizations, each enhancement is designed to empower creators with greater command over their projects. These improvements empower creators with robust tools for managing intricate designs and significantly refines the digital fabrication experience, offering enhanced precision and stability.
To fully leverage these advancements and safeguard your creative assets, a vigilant approach to software upgrades is essential. Always back up your project files before updating, considering them as valuable as your digital wallet's Seed Phrase (a master key for cryptocurrency funds). Post-upgrade, meticulously verify project settings to ensure design fidelity. Understanding how new features operate, and adjusting parameters thoughtfully, helps prevent 'phishing' scenarios where subtle changes might lead to unintended physical outcomes or material waste. This proactive 'security audit' of your workflow ensures that the power of XCS V1.0 is harnessed safely and effectively, protecting the integrity of your work. Continuous improvement is our goal, and your understanding and careful usage are key to unlocking the full potential of this powerful creative tool.