ENG-U-M04

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual

 Cutting Master 3 License Agreement
Copyright Information Disclaimer
The copyright for all files, data, documents and other works (collectively referred to here as “Software” (1) GRAPHTEC Corporation does not warrant the performance or quality of the Software, annexed files
distributed and provided by GRAPHTEC Corporation) is held by Aspex Research & Technology Ltd and documents.
(©2012).
(2) Any and all risks arising from the use of the Software are assumed by the user. GRAPHTEC
The said copyrighted works are protected under the copyright law as well as other laws and treaties Corporation will not be liable beyond the original purchase price for the use of the Software.
concerned with intellectual property rights.
(3) GRAPHTEC Corporation or its suppliers will not be liable for lost profits or savings, or any other
Scope of Use direct or indirect additional damages, including incidental or consequential loss, deriving from the
installation of the Software, lack of compatibility with a computer system, technical limitations of
(1) You may create one copy of the Software as a back-up. the Software or use thereof, inability to use the Software, or any kind of insufficiency, even when
However, the copy should include the same copyright information and any other property rights GRAPHTEC Corporation has been informed of the possibility of such damages.
indication presented on the medium and along with the Software. (4) GRAPHTEC Corporation makes no warranty that: the Software functions satisfy your requirements,
(2) If a third party agrees to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, your rights arising from the the Software is compatible with the computer system on which the Software is to be used, or there
Agreement can be assigned to the said third party. In such a case, you will need to destroy and dispose are no limitations or errors in Software operation.
of the back-up copy. (5) The selection of this Software for the purpose of achieving the intended results, the installation and
(3) As long as the Software is used on one computer at a time, the Software can be transferred use of the Software, and the results produced by the Software are your responsibility.
to another computer. Here, “use” means a situation where the Software is run in the computer’s Term
temporary memory (RAM) or physical memory (hard disk), or from a CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
This license remains in effect until terminated. This license can be terminated by destroying and
Prohibitions disposing of the Software in full and all back-up copies.
(1) It is prohibited to copy the Software, except for as provided in the Agreement. This license is also terminated when you have breached a term or condition of the Agreement.
(2) You may not reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, modify, alter, or create any derivative In the above case, you agree to destroy and dispose of the Software in full and all copies.
software from the Software, including the Cutting Master 3 file formats created and provided by the
Software. Rights and Limitations
(3) You may not use, duplicate, or distribute part of the Software that includes a source code, help file, Any and all other rights and limitations that are not specifically provided in this license are reserved
or code unit. worldwide.
(4) You may not create the Software and distribute or send it to a third party, or make it transmittable Recognition
for automatic public transmission, unless consent has been given expressly in writing by GRAPHTEC
Corporation. By installing the Software, you are deemed to have read and understood the Agreement, and have
agreed to be bound by the relevant terms and conditions.
(5) It is prohibited to use the Software in a way to reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble the
firmware of the hardware system that the Software communicates with, for the purpose of imitating An individual installing this Software also agrees that the Agreement is a complete and exclusive
or copying the method used by the Software to communicate with the firmware. representation of the agreement between the said individual and GRAPHTEC Corporation, which
supersedes any proposals, prior agreement, and verbal and written consultations made between the
(6) Do not remove or modify the copyright information. said individual and GRAPHTEC Corporation.
(7) You may not amend the License Agreement or add appendices without a written consent from An amendment to the Agreement is void if no signature of the authorized representative of GRAPHTEC
GRAPHTEC Corporation. Corporation is provided.
Part of this Software uses copyright-protected codes under license.
Copyright (c) 2001-2010 Icosasoft Software Inc. (www.icosasoft.ca). All rightsreserved.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual ii

 Model Name in This Manual
In this manual, “FC8600” collectively refers to FC8000 and FC8600 series.

Use of Software
Do not use multiple cutting software applications at the same time.
Doing this may lead to unstable operation or malfunction.
- Do not use Cutting Master 3 and Cutting Master 2 *1 at the same time.
- Do not use Cutting Master 3 and Graphtec Studio at the same time.
- Do not use this software with third party cutting software.
*1
Cutting Master 2 is an older version of Cutting Master 3.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual iii

 Screen Display in the Simple and Normal Modes
The CE6000 series can be switched between the simple mode and the normal mode using the setting on the main unit.
In the simple mode, you can send data to your cutter with simple operations from the predefined menu screen.
In the normal mode, you can set up all the functions to send data to your cutter at a higher definition.
The contents of the menu screen displayed in this software differ depending on the mode (simple or normal) enabled in the
CE6000 main unit.

Menu Screen when the Simple Mode Is Enabled Menu Screen when the Normal Mode Is Enabled

This manual assumes that the normal mode is enabled.

Therefore, the contents of the menu screen used in this manual are those displayed on the screen in the normal mode.
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual iv
 Table of Contents
Cutting Master 3 License Agreement ii Undo/Redo 8

Model Name in This Manual iii Zoom Tools 8

Use of Software iii The Cut Options Buttons 9

Screen Display in the Simple and iv Media Page Options 10

Normal Modes Media Size Presets 11
Table of Contents v Creating your own Categories and Media Page Sizes 12
Repositioning the Job 13
Introduction 1
Re-Sizing the Job 14
Installation and Setup 2
Rotating the Job 14
Before Installing Cutting Master, Follow These Steps: 2
Mirroring a Job 14
Installing Cutting Master 3 - Windows 3
Installing Cutting Master 3 - Macintosh 3
Matrix Copies 15

Using Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW with 4 Using Registration Marks 16

Cutting Master 3 Registration Marks 16

Sending Designs to Cutting Master 3 5 Registration Mark Styles 18

Sending a Design from Adobe Illustrator to Cutting 5 Steps to Creating Print & Cut 19
Master 3 Defining Cutting Conditions 21
Sending a Design from CorelDRAW 5 Defining Conditions and Media Types 21
to Cutting Master 3
Adding Media Types 22
Cutting Master 3 Layout 6 Editing Media Types 23
The Preview Window 7 Organizing your Media Types 25
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual v
 Table of Contents, continued

Configuring a Cut Job 26 Cutting a Large Job 44

Applying a Condition to Colors and Layers 26 Cutting a Print & Cut Job 45
Configure Tiling 29 Sending the Job to the Cutter 46
Sorting the Objects 29 Setting the Preferences 47
Advanced Settings 30 Display 47
Weed Settings 32 General 48
Weed Border 32 Cutters and Import Preferences 49
Weed Lines 32 Appendix A - Cut Line Patterns 50
Tiling 33 Software Update 52
Tiling a Job 34
Enabling/Disabling the Tile Pattern 35
Re-sizing the Tile Pattern 36
Customizing a Tile Pattern 37
Creating More Tiles 38
Overlaps 40
Adjusting the Cutters’ Settings 41
Connected Cutters 41
FC8600/CE6000 Conditions and Tool Settings 43
Steps to Cutting Jobs 44
Cutting a Basic Job 44
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual vi
 Introduction
The Cutting Master 3 program enables designs to be sent to a Graphtec cutter from within supported versions of Adobe
Illustrator and CorelDRAW. Cutting Master 3 is especially helpful for those who have experience designing with Adobe
Illustrator and CorelDRAW, and provides a simple way to cut their design on a Graphtec cutter.

Using Cutting Master 3 Involves of Four Steps:

1
1. Create a Design in a supported version of Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw
2. Send the design to the Cutting Master 3 application through the special
Graphtec plug-in that is added to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW
3. Set the final parameters in Cutting Master 3 where registration marks can
Cutting Master 3 Plug-in
be added if desired. 2
4. Send the design to the cutter.

Supported Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW 3

Versions
On Windows:
- CorelDRAW X4, X5, and X6
- Adobe IllustratorCS4, CS5, CS6, CC

On Macintosh OS X:
- Adobe Illustrator CS4, CS5, CS6, CC. 4

For the latest information, see the Graphtec’s Web site.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 1

 Installation and Setup
Before Installing Cutting Master, Follow These Steps:
√ Check the Recommended System Windows Macintosh
Processor with 1 GHz or faster.
Requirements Processor
2 GHz is preferable
Before installing the software, look at
RAM 1 GB. 2 GB preferred
the hardware requirements shown at the
right. Make sure that your hardware meets Install Space Needed 100 MB
Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.5.8 Intel or later. (PPC
these recommended requirements. These Operating System Vista, XP (sp 3) not supported)
requirements are suggested for optimal 800x600 resolution monitor with 32 bit color or better.
Video
performance. Keep in mind that systems with (1024 x 764 preferred)
CD/DVD drive and / or high speed Internet connection
faster processors, more memory (RAM), and
USB or Serial Port
larger and faster disk drives will keep the Other
processing time to a minimum. This will allow Ethernet Connection (If needed)
you to work with more complex and larger files.
Whenever you install or use the software, make
sure to log on as a member of Administrator.

√ Install the design applications you plan to use

√ Set up your plotter
Install Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, or both. You may
Since Cutting Master 3 outputs to Graphtec’s cutter
also install different versions of the same software (such as
language, known as GP-GL, the cutter will need to be set to
Adobe Illustrator CS4 and CS5) on the same computer and
Automatic or GP-GL mode.
have Cutting Master 3 work with the different versions.
GP-GL has 4 resolution settings therefore verify what STEP
√ Install the Drivers that came with your cutter SIZE your cutter is set to and write it down. See your cutter
For Cutting Master 3, you need Windows drivers that came documentation for instructions on how to verify this. Also
with your cutters. Refer to the setup manual and install the review Adjusting the Cutters Settings.
Windows drivers.
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 2
 Installation and Setup, continued
Installing Cutting Master 3 - Windows Installing Cutting Master 3 - Macintosh
1. Uninstall any previous versions of Cutting Master on your 1. Insert the installation DVD into the CD/DVD drive of your
computer. computer.
2. Insert the Installation DVD into your computer’s CD/DVD disk 2. Open Cutting Master 3.
drive. 3. Select and double-click the file to be used (CM3_Vxxxxxx.dmg
3. When Start screen file). For example, to install Cutting Master 3 in the environment
appears, click Cutting where Adobe Illustrator CS5 is used, select and double-click the
Master 3 Setup. CM3_Vxxxxxx_CS5.dmg file.
4. A window may appear that 4. Drag the created file to the “PLUG-IN” folder in Adobe
will ask if you if you would Illustrator.
like to run this installation
program. Click RUN.
5. In the Setup Wizard
Welcome screen, click
NEXT.
6. Select the folder or
location in which
you would like to
install the software.
In most cases, the
default location
should suffice. Click
NEXT.
7. Click INSTALL to
begin installing the
software.
8. A progression bar
will begin indicating the status of the installation.
9. Click on the “Launch Cutting Master 3” check box if you would
like to open Cutting Master 3 immediately after installation, and
select FINISH.
Your software is READY to use
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 3
 Using Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW with Cutting Master 3
Below shows the basic workflow of using Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW with Cutting Master 3.

Create a design in your design application

Within the design application you will be able to
Step 1 automatically place registration marks for print
and cut applications. When you are ready to cut
the job, the job design can be sent to Cutting
Master 3. Cutting Master 3 is automatically
opened with the design loaded.

Make General Changes

In Cutting Master 3 you will be allowed to make
Step 2 general changes such as size, media size, mirror,
and rotate. You will also be able to set weed
border options if needed.

Send Design Job to the Cutter

Step 3 From Cutting Master 3 you will be able to send
the job directly to the cutter

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 4

 Sending Designs to Cutting Master 3
Sending a Design from Adobe Illustrator to Cut-
Guidelines When Creating a Design
ting Master 3
When creating a job within Adobe Illustrator or
Once your design is ready to cut:
CorelDRAW, remember the following guidelines:
1. Click on File. 1. Convert all bitmap graphics you plan to cut into vector
2. Select Cutting Master 3 paths. Cutting Master 3 can only output vector objects to
the cutter.
3. Choose Send to Cutting Master 3
2. When objects have fills other than solid, Cutting Master 3
This action will open Cutting Master 3 with your design will ignore the pattern, leaving just the outline.
loaded. 3. You can use colors or layers to distinguish objects that
you want to output separately.
4. Make sure that none of the objects overlap. This will
Sending a Design from CorelDRAW to Cutting cause weeding difficulties later. Weld or use Pathfinder to
Master 3 weld the overlapping objects.
Once your design is ready to cut:
1. Click on Corel Application Ensure the connection between the software
Launcher button on the standard and your cutter.
toolbar.
1. Open Cutting Master 3 and click on the rightmost
2. Once the Application Launcher list button in the ‘Tool Property’ buttons in the upper
displays, select Send Cut lines to right corner of Cutting Master 3.
CM3. 2. If you see your cutter there, then you know it is connected.
This action will open Cutting Master 3 If not, check the cable and try again.
with your design loaded.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 5

 Cutting Master 3 Layout
The Software Layout
Once Cutting Master 3 is open, it will have your design in the workspace. Cutting Master 3 layout is quite simple. Below is the
application layout with a brief description of each section of the layout.
Cut Options Buttons
Pull Down Menus Click on these will
open their options
Navigational Zoom Tools in the side panel
below
Undo and Redo
Buttons
The Preview Window Cut Options Side Panel

The White Area

within the Preview
Window represents
the Media Page Size

Opened Jobs Sends

job to
the
cutter
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 6
 Cutting Master 3 Layout, continued

The Preview Window

The Preview Window is where the media size (represented by the white space) and the job can be viewed. Any changes made
in the Cut Job Options side panel will be reflected in the Preview area. The Preview area will help you visualize how the job
will layout on the media that is loaded on the cutter, or the media that is intended to be used. The preview area consists of
the Media Area, the Rulers, and the Job Tabs.

The Rulers are located

The Media Page Size at the top and right side
(represented by the white of the Preview window
space) corresponds to the size and are helpful when
of the media size. positioning the design.
Darker grey represents
the media size.
The bottom of the Media
Page represents the front
edge of the media. A
small cutter icon indicates
this at the top left of the The blue and red
Preview Window. arrow represent
the origin point of
the media page.
The red arrow is the
X-direction and the
blue arrow is the
Y-direction.
The Job Tabs represent the jobs opened in
Cutting Master 3. The lighter tab is the job
that is currently being worked on. Clicking
on a different tab will switch to that job.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 7

 Cutting Master 3 Overview, continued

Undo/Redo
UNDO the last action. This can also be done by REDO the last action. This can also be done by
holding the Control key down on your keyboard holding the Control key and SHIFT key down
and pressing the Z key, or what is also known as on your keyboard, and then press the Z key or
Control-Z. For Macintosh, this can be done with Control-Shift-Z. For Macintosh, this can be done
command-z. with command-shift-z.

The undo / redo is limited only by available memory.

Zoom Tools
The zoom tool will help you zoom in and out of the preview enabling you to navigate to different areas of your design for a
better view.
The ZOOM IN tool The ZOOM OUT tool ZOOM IN SELECTION tool will enable you to draw a
will zoom in so that will zoom out from rectangle to the area you would like to zoom in to. Click,
portions of the design the design allowing hold, and drag the mouse to draw a rectangle of the area
can be seen close up. you to see more of you would like to zoom into, then release the mouse
the design button and the software will zoom into that area.

The PAN tool will pan

across the design job
Clicking this button will
within the Preview
zoom to where the width
window.
of the media area of the
workspace will fit within the
ZOOM SLIDER tool will enable you to use mouse preview window.
Clicking this button will
movement to zoom in and out of the design. Click fit the workspace within
and hold the left mouse button, and then move the the preview window
mouse up and the software will zoom out. Move the
mouse down and it will zoom in.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 8

 Cutting Master 3 Overview, continued

The Cut Options Buttons

The Cut Options Buttons are icons in the upper right corner of the Cutting Master 3 window represents different options and
settings for cutting the job. Clicking on any one of these buttons will display their settings in the side panel just below the
buttons. Each set of options can be accessed through the Tools pull down menu as well. Below describes the setting for each
button that will be displayed in the side panel. These options will be discussed in more detail later in this manual.

The Cut Job Options panel will have settings

The Page Options panel will have settings for choosing different actions you would
for adjusting both the size of the media The Tiling Options panel like the cutter to perform such as Cross Cut,
(represented by the white space) and the will have settings for setting Tiling, Sorting and other advance settings.
job. (See Media Page Options) up tiling. (See Tiling) (See Configuring a Cut Job)

The Weed Border Options The Matrix Copies panel The CUTTER panel will display which
panel will have settings for will have options for making cutters are connected and their status
adjusting the weed borders. multiple copies of the job. (See Adjusting the Cutter Settings).
(See Weed Settings) (See Matrix Copies)

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 9

 Media Page Options
The Media Page Options has settings that pertain to the media page size and the job. The page can be re-sized to
either a custom size, or a preset size which includes the exact cut area size received from the cutter. The Media Page
Options also includes settings to scale, position, rotate or mirror the job.
Setting the Page Size
When determining the Media Page size within the Preview area, its dimensions should reflect the media loaded on each
connected cutter. The size can be adjusted by using the Width (W) and Height (H) settings. The Sliders are for sizing the media
visually, whereas size values
next to the sliders are for
more accurate sizing. Once Width and Height slider
the width and height have and value settings.
been set, the Media Page
in the Preview Window will
adjust accordingly.
To keep the perspective of
Media size adjustments
the job size in relation to the
will be reflected in the
media, the job will always Preview Area.
grow or shrink in relation
to the media size. In other
words, the job size will not
be affected when the media
page is re-sized.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 10

 Media Page Options, continued

Media Size Presets

Just below the sliders are the preset media page sizes. These are sizes that are
commonly used and are categorized by standards such as ANSI sizes.
Click or hover the mouse cursor here to
To view all of the media size presets, either click or hover the mouse over the pull see the Media Page size presets.
down menu and use the scroll bar to pan down the list.
Cutters that are connected to the computer and are in Ready mode will have 3
media size options:
• Automatc (<cutter model> (Poll Size)). Choosing this option will set the media page size
to the current cut area of the cutter. It will automatically change the media page size as
the cut area is changed with the cutter. This will only display for the default cutter.
• <Cutter model> (Poll Size) Choosing this option will set the media page size to the
current cut area of the cutter.
• <Cutter model> (Max Size) Choosing this option will set the media page size to the
maximum cut area of the cutter.
To choose a preset, scroll down the list and click on the desired preset.

What is Poll Size?

Cutting Master 3 constantly communicates with or “polls” the default cutter to gather information about the cutter. One of the items in that
information is the dimensions of the cut area after the material is loaded and is initialized. When using a grit-rolling cutter, the dimension will be
different depending if ROLL-1, ROLL-2, or SHEET has been chosen.
- ROLL-1 and ROLL-2: The dimension will be the distance between the push rollers by the Page Length setting on the cutter.
- SHEET: The dimension will be the distance between the push rollers by the the distance between the front edge of the media and the back
edge of the media.
When using a flatbed cutter, the polled dimension will be the maximum size of the cut area on the flatbed.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 11

 Media Page Options, continued
Creating your own Categories and Media Page Sizes
Typically the media category will be set to Custom, allowing you to manually adjust the size of the media page size. But if you
find that you are consistently using a particular size, then Cutting Master 3 allows you to create your own media page sizes.
Creating a Category Creating a Media Size
Creating a category helps organize the Media Types. After a Category has been created, custom media sizes can
To create a category: start being added, with the media size and a label.
1. Right click on the media To create a new media type:
preset area and a sub 1. Right click on the
menu appears media preset area and
2. Click on ADD CATEGORY a sub menu appears
2. Click on ADD MEDIA
3. Enter the name of the SIZE and this will shift
new category and then to the bottom of the 1
1
press ENTER list.
3. Enter the NAME or
TITLE of the media. 2
2 4. Then enter the
width(W) and height(H)
of the media using the
sliders or entering a
value.

3
4

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 12

 Media Page Options, continued

Repositioning the Job

When sending a job into Cutting Master 3, the job will be placed within the Media Page with the best possible fit. There will
be times when the job will need to be moved to a new position. Positioning the job is done by several methods as discussed
below.
To move the job visually
1. Hover the mouse cursor over the job. The cursor will change into a hand.
2. Click the left mouse button and the hand turns into a fist.
3. Once the fist appears, drag the job to the new location, and then release the mouse
button.
To move the job using the side panel settings
In the side panel, the size can adjusted by using values under the Origin section.
The X and Y values can be adjusted by the either the slider bar or by entering a value.
The Position pull down menu underneath the X and Y settings are quickset positions
within the media page. The choices are Move Freely*, Lower-Left, Center Of Bottom,
Center**, Lower-Right, and Use Document Origin. Use Document Origin will place the
job as it was positioned in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. These can also be selected
from the Edit pull down menu and then selecting Position.

Lower Left Center of Bottom Lower Right

* At any time the X and Y values are changed, or the job is positioned using the hand cursor, the Position setting
automatically switches back to Move Freely.
** Note that when using the Center position preset, it will place the job in the center of the media page. This can be
disconcerting if the page is really long, which can be the case when using a long roll. It is best to avoid this setting when
using a roll feed cutter.
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 13
 Media Page Options, continued

Re-Sizing the Job

When sending a design to Cutting Master 3, it is brought in at the same size as
the original design in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. But if the job needs to be
adjusted, then entering the desired dimensions for the Width and Height can be
used, or entering a desired percentage value for the Width and Height can be used.
• Fit to Media will scale the job so that it fits within the Media Page.
• Proportional will make sure the job is re-sized proportionally.
• Selection Only Output only the selected objects, not the entire design.
This option is enabled if an object is selected when you send the job design
to Cutting Master 3.

Rotating the Job

Rotating a job to a different angle is done by
selecting one of the rotate angles of 0, 90, 180, and
270 degrees. The job rotates from the center.
Choosing one of these angles can be done either
by using the rotate option in the side panel, or
by clicking on the Edit pull down menu, selecting
Rotate, and then select the desired angle.

Mirroring a Job
Mirroring a job is done by selecting one of the
Mirror options in the side panel, or from the Edit pull down menu, selecting Horizontal and/
or Vertical.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 14

 Matrix Copies
If you need to make copies of your job, first click on the Matrix Copies button. Here you are
given options on how you want your copies to lay out.

Rows and Columns

Rows sets the number of rows in the matrix. As the ROWS value is increased,
the copies are added in a vertical upward direction.
Columns set the number of columns in the matrix. As the COLUMNS value is
increased, the copies are made in a horizontal direction.
Clicking the Limit To Media will limit the number of copies to the Media Page
area and prevent copies from being made beyond the edge of the media.

Spacing
Horizontal is the distance or spacing between each copy horizontally.
Vertical is the distance or spacing between each copy vertically.
This is helpful when either needing to spread the copies or compact the
copies.
As these values are entered, the copies will be reflected in the PREVIEW
window.

Preview window showing a matrix copies

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 15

 Using Registration Marks
Registration marks are used when performing print & cut. This Benefit to Using Layers and Other Tips
can be made simple if the these proper steps are taken:
When in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, make full use of
• Create the design in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. your layers. In other words, have 2 layers, one for printing,
• Create an outline around the design that will represent the other for cutting. The print layer will contain everything
the contour cut line for performing print & cut. (See in your design to be printed and the cut layer will contain all
Benefits to Using Layers and Other Tips) the cut lines for contour cutting. Now once you are ready
to print, it’s just a matter of turning the cut layer off. Then
• Create the registration marks.
when you are ready to send the job to the cutter, you can
• Send the job to Cutting Master 3. turn off the print layer in Cutting Master 3.
• Print the design including the registration marks. Tip
• Contour cut the design in Cutting Master 3. Make sure you have welded all of the cut lines and that
none overlap one another.

Registration Marks
Once the design is finished, and the outline has been created, the registration marks can
be placed right within Adobe Ilustrator or CorelDRAW.
Registration marks are little “L” brackets around the whole design. The marks help the
cutter to map out where the contour cut line should be cut. Without them, the cut line
would not be cut accurately when performing print & cut.
To place registration marks within Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW, the registration mark
windows has to be opened. To open the Registration Marks window in each application:
Adobe Illustrator : Click on the File pull down menu, select Cutting Master 3, and then
Registration Marks.
CorelDRAW : Click on the Application Launcher and select Registration Marks.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 16

 Using Registration Marks, continued
Once the Registration Mark window is opened, it will display options for creating
registration marks within Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. The window is
independent from Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. So any changes within this
window will be seen by clicking on the Apply button.
The Registration Marks Options are:
• Style is the type of registration mark to be used with the job design. (See Registration
Mark Styles)
• Unit is the unit measurement to work in.
• Length is the size of the individual registration marks.
• Thickness is the line thickness of the registration marks.
• Step Size is a value used when using segmented registration marks. This value will set the
distance between the side registration marks.
• Margin is the distance the registration marks are placed to either the Cut Job or to the
edge of the Media Page.
• Relative to Cut Job will place the registration marks the margin distance from the cut job.
• Relative to Media will place the registration marks the margin distance from the outer
edge of the media page.
• Convert Rectangle will convert a rectangle into 4 registration marks, using the currently
selected rectangle object.
• Align document origin with registration marks will base the positioning of the
registration marks with the document’s origin. Registration Mark Window
• Reset will revert all settings back to their default settings.

To view the changes always click APPLY. This will allow immediate viewing of the registration marks and any changes that took
place in the workspace of Illustrator or CorelDraw. When you changed any settings within Registration Marks window, clicking
Apply also reflects new setting value to the workspace of Illustrator or CorelDraw.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 17

 Using Registration Marks, continued

Registration Mark Styles

Type 1 registration marks have their corners pointing inward
Type 2 registration marks have their corners pointing outward.
Segmented Type 1 and Segmented Type 2 registration marks are for longer
jobs where media skew during printing may have occurred. When this
pattern is used, it will place registration marks not only on the corners, but
along the side as well, giving better accuracy over longer distances. Thus,
when the registration mark sensor scans these side registration marks, it
can detect any bowing or skewing in the print.
Segmented registration marks pattern can be placed in a horizontal
direction or vertical direction, depending on the orientation of the job and Type 1 Registration Marks
how the job design is laid out.

Type 2 Segmented Registration Marks to detect bowing

Type 2 Registration Marks

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 18

 Using Registration Marks, continued

Steps to Creating Print & Cut

Within Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW
1. Set up two layers within the graphic application. Label one “Print”
and the second “Cut”.
2. Create the Design and place it in the Print layer.
3. Create the cut path for performing cut and place it in the Cut layer. Design and Cut Path
4. Create the registration marks by opening the Registration Marks Print and Cut Layer in
window. Adobe Illustrator

5. Change the settings of the registration marks. Make sure to click Apply
after any changes.
6. Turn the Cut layer off (Review Help or your graphic application manual
for details)
7. Send the job to the printer.
8. Once the print is done, load it onto the cutter. Check Preview window to
ensure the correct orientation. Initialize the cutter.
Print and Cut Layer in
Within Cutting Master 3
CorelDRAW
9. Send the job from Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to Cutting Master 3.
10. In Cutting Master 3, click on the Configure Cut Job, and click on Apply
Condition.
11. Click on By Layer. There should be two layers: Print and Cut. Click the
check mark to turn off the Print layer.
12. If need be, select a condition to cut with.
Turn off Print Layer within
13. Click SEND at the bottom of the side panel. Cutting Master 3

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 19

 Using Registration Marks, continued

Lock of Registration Marks Layer

The registration marks layers are locked when the Cutting Master 3 creates the registration marks. Please don’t move the
registration marks manually to move the registration marks with the cutting object after the registration marks layers are
unlocked. The locations of registration marks are shifted when the registration marks are moved manually. If you want to move
the location of the cutting object with registration marks, delete the registration marks, and then re-create the registration
mark after the cutting object is moved.

Note on Using Registration Mark Pattern “2 Marks” or “3 Marks”

When using registration mark pattern “2 Marks” or “3 Marks,” note the following point.
If the document size specified in Illustrator or Corel DRAW exceeds the plotter’s mountable paper width, registration mark
pattern “2 Marks” or “3 Marks” cannot be specified.
In this case, use registration mark pattern “4 Marks, Type 1” or “4 Marks, Type 2.”
Examples CE6000-40 : 484mm(19inch) FC8600-60 : 770mm(30.3inch)
CE6000-60 : 712mm(28inch) FC8600-75 : 920mm(36.2inch)
CE6000-120 : 1346mm(52inch) FC8600-100 : 1224mm(48.1inch)
FC8600-130 : 1529mm(60.1inch)
FC8600-160 : 1850mm(72.8inch)

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 20

 Defining Cutting Conditions
Defining Conditions and Media Types
This feature of the software is helpful when planning to assign condition settings to line paths in a design (See Applying
a Condition to Colors and Layers). Here is where the assignable Condition and Media Types can be defined or set up. This
is helpful when having a design with two paths that require different tools or settings. An example of this is found with
packaging designs where a pen, cutting tool, and creasing tool are all needed for the one job.
To open the Define Conditions options in the side panel, click on the File pull down menu, and select Define Conditions.
When the Define Conditions options opens in the side panel, there will be two folders: Condition Numbers which contains
the eight conditions where line types and cutting passes can be assigned to each condition, and Graphtec Defaults which
contains pre-installed Media Types. (See What are Media Types?)
Clicking on one of these folders will reveal the contents of the folder.
Defining Condition Line Types and the Number of Passes
When opening the Condition Numbers folder, it will reveal the eight conditions. Double-clicking on a Condition number will
show two settings in the side panel:
• Line Type will assign a line type, whether solid or What are Media Types?
dashed, to the condition, regardless of which cutter
is used. A Media Type is where the condition settings
are configured and stored in the software.
• Passes determines how many passes will be used Media Types have a descriptive label or name
for each line. This is a feature to use when cutting for better identification (for instance “XYZ
harder materials that require more than one pass to High Performance Vinyl”).
cut through the media.
When a Media Type is used for cutting, the
If there is more than one cutter connected to the computer, there may be a need software switches the cutter to the auxiliary
to set the line type or number of passes separately for each cutter. To set the Condition 9, changes that condition to the
cutter’s model for each condition, click on the Conditions icon. This will reveal the settings of the Media Type, and then starts
cutters currently attached. Each cutter can then have their own line type or passes cutting the object or objects.
assigned to that condition.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 21

 Defining Media Types, continued

Adding Media Types

To add, edit, or change anything in the Define Condtions side panel, always double click after the last entry. This will open
a pull down menu with the different available actions. Depending where you click, a menu will appear showing available
actions to choose from.
Steps to Add a Media Type
1. Right click on the area below the last Media Type entry. If this is the first
time, it is right below Car Film. A pull down menu will display with several
options.
2. Select the second choice Add Material.
3. An untitled media type will appear. Enter the name of the new media or
material and press ENTER.
Once the new Media Type has been created,
the values can be adjusted (See Editing Media
Types).
To the left of the media type name is an icon. Next to the icon is a little circle
with a “+” sign within it. By clicking on the
plus sign, the software will reveal the different
Graphtec models, each having its own settings.
This is because some models have special
functions that can be used within a condition.
An example of this is the FC8600’s Cut Line Pattern.
Also, not all models will cut the same material with the
same settings. One model may need a higher force, or if
two or more cutters are connected, one may be using a
different cutting tool than the other.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 22

 Defining Cutting Conditions, continued

Editing Media Types Test Cut Before Creating a Media Type

Before creating a Media Type, test cut the
To re-name a media type media on your cutter. Once the blade type,
1. Right-click on the media type and select Rename <media name> or double- force, speed, acceleration, and other settings
click on the name of the media type. are known, record these to use them for the
new Media Type.
2. Enter a new name and press ENTER.

Adjusting Settings of a Media Type

There are two ways to change the settings of a pre-existing media type:
• Hover the mouse cursor to the right-side of the media name and click on the red Edit (which
will appear as soon as the mouse is hovering over the area).
• Double-click on the right side of the media name.

Both actions will open Media Type editing options in the side panel similar to the
layout when setting a condition. in the Editing options, the settings for the Media
Type can be adjusted, including the blade type, Offset, Speed, Acceleration, and Cut
Force. To learn more about these and other condition settings, see your Graphtec
manual.
Once the settings have been adjusted, click the All Conditions link at the top of the
side panel, or click on the Define Conditions button again.
The media type can now be used for cutting.
Export/Import Conditions
Once you have added all the media types, these settings can be exported and
imported. This is helpful when having to change computers or sharing the conditions
with others. Media Type Condition settings panel
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 23
 Defining Cutting Conditions, continued

Special Advanced Condition Settings

Some Graphtec cutters have added condition settings other
then the standard settings.* For instance, the FC8600 has
the added Condition settings of Cut Line Pattern. Some of 1
the other Graphtec cutters don’t have this Condition setting.
To access these special settings,
1. Click on the plus “+” symbol of the Media Type and the
different cutter series or types will be shown.
2. Click on the red Edit on the cutter you are using. This
will switch the panel to Edit Media mode where these
special settings can be adjusted. (See your Graphtec
2
cutter manual for adjusting the setting)

In this example, the FC8600 cutter Edit Panel has the added
Cut Line Pattern that can be configured as part of the condition
settings for the FC8600. Here the Cut Line Pattern is set to a
dashed line type. For more information, see your Graphtec
Cutter manual.*

*Some legacy cutters may only operate with the standard settings even if they come with the Advanced Condition settings. For instance, the FC7000 has Cut Line Pattern, but it
may not be controlled from the software and would have to be physically enabled from the control panel of the cutter.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 24

 Defining Cutting Conditions, continued

Organizing your Media Types

Sometimes there is a need to group your Media Types. For instance, you may want to group all the Media Types from a
certain manufacturer, or you may want to group a certain type of media. This is where Preset folders can be used.

Creating a new folder

1. Right-click on the open space belowthe last entry .
2. Select Add Preset
3. At the bottom of the list in the panel, a new Preset folder will appear. Enter the
name of the Preset folder and press Enter.

Creating a folder within a folder

Preset folders can also be nested. In other words, similar to how the folders
work on your computer, you can have a folder within a folder.
Inner Preset folders can be used to organized contents within the folder. For 1
instance, you may have a main folder for a certain manufacturer and then
create inner folders for different types of media from that manufacturer. To
create a folder within a folder: 2
1. Right-click on the folder where the inner folder is to be added.
2. Select “Add Presets”
3. Enter the name of the folder and then press ENTER.*

* Note: Cutting Master 3 can have an infinite number of folders.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 25
 Configuring a Cut Job
The Configure a Cut Job panel has useful configuration settings in one panel. The
configuration headings are Apply Conditions, Configure Paneling, Cross Cut*, Sorting,
Advanced and Copy. To access a configuration setting, click on the heading. This will
reveal the settings for that configuration heading.
* Available if supported by your model.

Applying a Condition to Colors and Layers

In this section of the panel, you can determine whether you want to cut ALL, By Color, or By Layer. Line colors and Layer can
be assigned to a condition when control is needed over each cut line type or layer in the job. For instance, you may have use
2 colors to identify two different types of cutting operations.
At the top are the three choices of how you would like to cut the job, as explained below.

• All will cut all the graphic lines in the job.

Cut All Lines
• By Color will allow you to determine which colors are to be
cut, as well as assigning a condition or media type to line
colors.
• By Layer will allow Conditions or Media Types to be
assigned to layers of a job that had been set up in Adobe
Illustrator or CorelDRAW..
Below those choices is where each line, whether a color or layer,
can be assigned a condition or media type.
When By Line Color or By Layer is selected, there are two
Cut By Color
columns. The first will be the line color, or layer, depending on
which mode is selected. Each layer or line color can be disabled,
left as is, or have a condition or media type be assigned to them.

Cut By Layer
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 26
 Configuring a Cut Job, continued

Assigning a Condition to a Line Color

In the job shown, the preview and the side panel show there are the two colors (Red and Black) in RGB values. In the side
panel, there’s a check box on the right side of the color spots that determines whether that line will be sent to the cutter or
not.

On the left column, line colors

can be assigned to one of the
eight conditions set up on your
cutter, or to one of the media Enlarged for better viewing
types. Clicking on the column will
show the eight conditions and the Check boxes
media types available.

Assign Conditions or
a Media Type column

A condition or media
type can be assigned
to a line color.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 27

 Configuring a Cut Job, continued

Assigning a Condition to a Layer

In the example below, the preview displays a job with one color, but the side panel shows there are two layers: One labeled
“Print Layer” and the other “Cut Layer”. In the side panel, there’s a check box on the right side of the layers that determines
whether that line will be sent to the cutter or not. In this case, because it is a print and cut job for performing print & cut,
the “Print Layer” has been disabled because it’s not meant to be cut. When a layer is disabled, the contents of that layer will
disappear in the Preview window.

On the left column, the

condition has been assigned
to a media type labeled “Cut
Through” that has been set
up with a high force to cut
through the liner or carrier
sheet.* Thus, when this job Enlarged for better viewing
is sent to the cutter, the
“Print” layer will not be sent.
The software will change
the condition setting on the
cutter using the settings The “Print Layer”
The Cut Layer has bee
within the “Cut Through” check box is disabled
assigned Media Type
Media Type, and then the job and all the contents
“Cut Through”
have disappear in the
will be sent to the cutter. Preview window

* Cutting through the backing requires

either a dashed line, as in the case of
the FC8600, a carrier sheet, or use of a
flatbed cutter.
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 28
 Configuring a Cut Job, continued

Configure Tiling
Under the Configure Tiling you have the choice of cutting All Tiles or Selected
Tiles Only. When Selected Tiles Only is selected, you can enter the tile numbers
you need to cut. The Separation value determines the distance between tiles
when they are cut. (On setting the tiles, see chapter on Tiling)
Sorting the Objects
Sorting objects within a job is not only efficient, but will reduce skewing. It does
this by organizing the objects so that they will cut in order of their position. The
reduces movement of the media making the cutting more efficient.
The settings are grouped into sections. The first section will organize the job so
that the objects are sorted by the condition they are assigned to. For instance, if
two layers or colors are assigned to a certain condition, those objects will be cut
in succession of each other. This operation prevents the cutter from switching
between condtions needlessly. In this section the choices are:
• No Sort will sort the layers as they are listed in the Apply Conditions panel. Use this
setting when conditions are not assigned to layers or colors
• Group Layers by Condition will sort layers or colors assigned to the same condition so
that they cut together, in succession.
Cut Line Sorting will have the objects sorted according to order.
• No Sort will send objects to the cutter in the same order as they are stacked in the
design. Objects on top are cut first and the objects on the bottom are cut last.
• Maximize Speed sorts objects so that the next object to be cut will be the object closest to the current blade position. Use this setting to
maximize the cutting speed.
• Minimize Roller Movement sorts the objects so that objects are cut in order of how they are laid out in the job. The objects closest to the
arrow will cut first. This method is the recommend default setting and will minimize the movement of the media.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 29

 Configuring a Cut Job, continued

Advanced Settings
The Advanced section has settings on what to do after a layer, a tile, or a job is
completed.
After Cutting a Layer
Continue Immediately will continue to send the job at the highest data rate
speed possible without pausing.
Await Cutter Ready will hold back from sending the job to the cutter until the
cutter is ready. It will resume sending the job once the cutter is in READY mode.
After Cutting a Tile
Continue Immediately will continue to send the job at the highest transfer
speed possible, regardless of whether the cutter is still busy cutting.
Await Cutter Ready will not send a job to the cutter automatically if the cutter
is not in READY mode. It will resume sending the job once the cutter is back to
READY mode.
Choosing Pause will suspend the sending of next tile. Then, a message will appear,
which allows you to determine the timing to resume the cutting.
After Cut Job
Feed will feed the job beyond its edge and resets the origin. This setting is
useful if you plan to cut different jobs sequentially.
Return to Origin will return the cutter back to its origin point. The Cross Cut
feature (only on the FC8600 series) will be disabled with this setting.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 30

 Configuring a Cut Job, continued
Other
Select Send Cut Job Uninterrupted to create all the cut jobs and then send them to
the cutter at once. This reduces the computer opening time.
Select Auto Weld to combine overlapping objects before sending the data for the
condition specified in [Apply Conditions] ([All], [By Color], or [By Layer]).
Select Convert Strokes to Outlines to create and cut an outline of the line width.
When this option is not selected, the center of the line width is cut.
Select Cut Page Border to cut the object boundary between tiles when tiling and
outputting an object.
When this function is turned off, the object boundary between tiles is not cut.
Select Cut by Registration Segment to scan for each segmented registration mark
for segmented cutting in the design where segmented registration marks are placed.
This option gives better accuracy by detecting any bowing or skewing on longer
prints. If this option is not selected, segmented cutting is not performed (FC8600
series only).
Copies
Once all the cutting options have been set prior to sending the job, this option can be used to send several copies of the final job.
For instance, if a matrix copies has been set so that the design is in a pattern of 3 rows and 3 columns, and the number of copies in
this option has been set to 2, then it will send 2 sets of the 9 copies, or 18 copies altogether, pausing briefly between the two sets.
Cross Cut
The cross cut feature is enabled when the cutter equipped with this feature is
connected and selected as the default cutter by using [Set as Default Cutter] on the
Connected Cutters side panel.
• Cross Cut check box will either enable the cross cutter or not.
• Before Job will initiate a cross cut action prior to the job being cut.
• Rows and Tiles Cross cut the media after predetermined rows.
• After Job will initiate a cross cut action after the job is cut.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 31

 Weed Settings
In this panel, the settings for both the weed border and weed lines
can be configured. The first section is where the weed border can
be enabled and the size of the weed border can be set. The second
section is where weed lines can be included (See What are weed
borders and weed lines).
Weed borders and weed lines become part of the job until they are
disabled.
Weed Border
The Show Weed Border check box will either display the weed
border, or turn off the weed border.
Padding is the distance between the job and the weed border.
What are weed borders and Weed Lines
weed lines?
This section gives several choices for weed line placement.
Weed borders and lines make it easier to
remove excess material when cutting vinyl Horizontal will add horizontal weed lines between characters (when lines of text have
signs and graphics. a vertical orientation), lines of text, or objects.
A weed border is a rectangle that borders Vertical will add vertical weed lines between characters, lines of text (when lines of
the job. The size is determined by the text have a vertical orientation) or objects.
padding, which is the determined space
between the job and border. H/V will add both horizontal and vertical weed lines between lines of text, characters,
Weed lines are cut lines within the weed or objects.
border. Weed lines, depending on their Recursive will add horizontal weed lines with vertical lines between each character or
layout, help when weeding smaller or object. The vertical lines only extend between the horizontal lines.
complex objects. Caution is in order: Too
many weed lines can make weeding more
difficult.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 32

 Tiling
Tiling is an operation that is necessary if you plan to cut a job that is larger than the cutter you are using. For instance, if your
job is 30 inches in height by 120 inches long, and your cutter is only 24”, the job will have to be split up into two sections or
tiles. This is called tiling the job. Each tile will be cut separately as an individual job. In the diagram below, the left side shows
a large job with a tile pattern applied to it within Cutting Master 3. The right side is an illustration of the end result, with the
two tiles cut separately. The Tile options in the side panel is where you can configure the tile pattern.

Tiling pattern applied in The final result shows 2

Cutting Master 3 separate jobs

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 33

 Tile Patterns, continued

Tiling a Job
When a job is brought into Cutting Master 3, if it is larger than the Media Page size (see Media Page Options), it will be tiled
automatically. The tiling can be seen in the Preview window, or it can be adjusted using the tiling options.
To open up the tiling options in the side panel, click on the Tiling button.This will also change the preview so that a light blue
tile pattern overlays on top of the job. The pattern can be adjusted either by control handles on the edges of each tile or by
the tiling options available in the side panel

Tile Split
Tile Split
Line

This job is a little too large for the Media Page size, so Here is the same job once the Tiling Options is open
the job has been tiled automatically at the top. in the side panel. Notice the red vertical line which
indicates where the job is split or tiled
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 34
 Tile Patterns, continued

Enabling/Disabling the Tile Pattern

The first setting at the top of the side panel is the Show Tiling check box. When this
is checked, the tiling pattern is applied and the tiling overlay is applied. To disable the
complete pattern, un-check the check box.
Moving a Tile pattern
Patterns can be re-positioned by using the side panel settings.
To move the pattern using the Side Panel Settings:
1. Enable the tile pattern.
2. In the side panel, set the Origin X for moving the pattern in a horizontal position, The Tiling Options side panel
and the Origin Y for moving the pattern in the vertical position.
Take note that these values are absolute and start from the lower left corner of the media. As the
X Origin value is increased, the pattern moves to the right. As the value is decreased, the pattern
moves to the left. When the Y Origin is increased, the pattern moves in an upward direction. As the
value is decreased, the pattern moves in a downward direction.
Moving the Tile Pattern by using the Position Control Point:
When the Configure a Regular Grid is set to Custom or Regular Grid, the Position Control Handle Position Control Handle
will appear in the upper left corner of the tile pattern. This will allow you to visually move the
pattern.

Disabling Individual Tiles within a Pattern

Individual tiles can be turned off or disabled. When a tile is disabled, it will be clear and
will not be sent to the cutter. When a tile is turned on or enabled, it will have the
Clicking on a tile will toggle it
transparent blue fill and will be cut when the job is sent to the cutter. To disable a between disabling or enabling
tile, make sure the tile pattern is enabled and click on the tile. the tile.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 35

 Tile Patterns, continued

Re-sizing the Tile Pattern

Patterns can be re-sized by clicking on the corner control points, or by entering the width and height using the side panel
settings.
To re-size a pattern using
the Control Points: Red control points can be
used to resize the pattern
1. Click, hold, and drag one in a horizontal or vertical
of the corner control direction
points.
Side panel values for re-sizing
2. Once the desired size Corner Control Points are the tile pattern
is achieved, release the for resizing the tile pattern
mouse button.
Take note that at the end of
each tiling line are red control
points. These too can be used
to re-size the pattern in a
horizontal or vertical direction.

To re-size a pattern using values,

1. Enable the Tile Pattern.
2. Enter the size of the pattern for the width and height using the slider bar or
entering a value.
3. Press ENTER after entering a value.
4. As the slider bar is adjusted, the tiling pattern will be visibly changing.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 36

 Tile Patterns, continued

Customizing a Tile Pattern

Once the main tile pattern is created, the pattern can be
customized by using the settings on the side panel, or within
the Preview window.
Re-sizing Tiles Red control points
Here the tile
There are times when a tile line may be positioned right in line is placed
the middle of a letter or object. When that happens, Cutting by default
Master 3 will split the letter so that part of the letter will directly over
be with one panel, and the other part will be with the next a letter,
which is
panel. This can be corrected by re-positioning the tile lines, undesirable
using the red control points.
To re-size tiles:
1. Select the tile pattern.
2. Hover the mouse pointer over the red control
points until the pointer turns into a 4-arrow
Here the
icon. tile line has
3. Click, hold, and drag the mouse to position the tile line been placed
to desired position. between the
letters
4. Release the mouse button.
When positioning the tile line to its new location, make sure
the size of the tile is not greater than the cutting area width
on your cutter. Otherwise, part of the panel will not cut.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 37

 Tile Patterns, continued

Creating More Tiles

If you need to break up the job into more tiles, this can be done by drawing new tile lines, or by adding the total number of
tiles in the side panel settings.
Drawing More Tile Lines
1. Select the tile pattern, Click, hold, and
2. Hover your mouse over the edge of tile pattern. drag and a red
line will appear
The mouse will switch to a plus and an arrow.
3. Click, hold, and drag the mouse and a red line
will start to draw across the pattern.
4. Drag the mouse to a tile line or to the opposite edge
Once the line passes a tile
of the tile pattern. When it crosses a tile line, a red line, a red control point is
control point is added. added. In this case tile #1
5. Once the red control point is added, either release the is split into 2 tiles
mouse button, or continue extending the line.
These newly added red control points can be used to re-
position the tile lines to resize the tiles.
Starting the line from a horizontal line of the tile pattern
generates vertical lines. Starting the line from the vertical
line will generate horizontal lines.
In this sample, tile 1 is split into 2 tiles, creating a total
number of 4 tiles in the tile pattern.
The red control point can
be re-positioned to adjust
the size of the panel

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 38

 Tile Patterns, continued

Creating More Tiles by Grid

Creating more tiles can also be accomplished by using the Regular Grid feature. This setting, once enabled by the check box,
will make the current tile pattern into a symmetrical grid pattern so that each tile is equal in size.
The Cell Width value will affect the width of each tile in the pattern. As the tile width changes, this will affect the total width
of the tile pattern.
The Cell Height value will affect the height of all the tiles. As the tile height changes, this will affect the total height of the tile
pattern.
# Columns and # Rows will add more columns and rows, but keeps the tile pattern size the same. As more columns and rows
are added, the size of each tile becomes smaller so that the total number of rows and columns fit within the tile pattern.

The grid pattern is set to a 3 x 4 pattern of equal sized tiles

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 39

 Tile Patterns, continued

Overlaps
This feature specifies the amount of overlap between the rows and columns of tiles. By overlapping the tiles onto the
adjoining tiles, you can eliminate any gaps between the tiles when assembling the panels after they have been cut. The
overlap is represented by a red bar in the Preview window.

There are 4 choices that can control the thickness of the overlaps:
Right will extend the overlap to the right of all panels
Bottom will extend the overlap to the bottom of all panels
Left will extend the overlap to the left of all panels
Top will extend the overlap to the top of all panels
The red bar
represents the
overlap on the tile
line

Symmetrical
Check Box

Show Dimensions
Check Box

The Symmetrical check box at the bottom of the overlap section will keep the values symmetrical. The top and bottom
overlaps are kept the same size, as well as the left and right overlaps. For instance, if the bottom overlap value is changed to
1 inch, the top value will be set to 1 inch. The same would be true for the left and right overlaps; as one changes, so does the
other.
The Show Dimension check box, when checked, will show the dimensions along the edge of each panel.
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 40
 Adjusting the Cutters’ Settings
The Cutter panel or window is where you can view cutters that are currently
connected to your computer. This means that more than one cutter can be
connected at the same time, and Cutting Master 3 will recognize each one.

A cutter not showing in this panel indicates that the cutter is not connected, or is not
turned on.
Connected Cutters
Each connected cutter will consist of a picture of the connected cutter, the model
name, the status of the cutter, along with several groups of setting.
The Status displays the status of the cutter. The more common status modes are:
• Syncing indicates Cutting Master 3 is gathering information from the cutter.
• Menu Display indicates the cutter is in PAUSE mode.
• Ready indicates the cutter is in READY mode and is ready to accept cutting data from Cutting
Master 3 .
• Cutting indicates the cutter is cutting a job.

Condition and Advanced Settings

When the Status is in READY, each cutter that is connected will display three groups*
of settings: Condition, Advanced, and Test Cut.
• Condition of settings will show the current setting of the connected cutter. If the FC8600 or
the CE6000 are being used, Condition will display the current settings for that condition.
• Advanced will display added condition settings By clicking on either group, it will display the
settings therein, where they can then be adjusted.
• Test Cut will cut perform at test cut. This allow you to test the condition after it has been
adjusted.
More than one cutter can be
connected at the same time
* The FC8600 and the CE6000 will have five groups of settings. See FC8600/CE6000 Conditions and Tool Settings
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 41
 Adjusting the Cutter Setting, continued

Conditions Settings
Conditions is a group of basic settings for the current condition on the cutter. Unless
the layers or colors are assigned to a different condition or media type (See Applying a
Condition to Colors and Layers), Cutting Master 3 will use these settings when cutting the
job. Most of the settings are standard with the exception of two added settings:
Cut Line Pattern determines the type of line to be cut, from Solid to different types of
dashed lines. See Appendix A - Cut Line Patterns more details.
Passes determines how many passes each cut line will make. This is helpful when cutting
harder or thicker materials where more than one pass is needed with the cutting tool.
Tool Settings
Below the Condition settings are the Tool settings. For the settings of Step Size, Offset
Forse, Offset Angle, Initial Blade Position, Speed*, and Move, review your Graphtec
Cutter manual for an explanation of each of these settings.
Making Adjustments
To make an adjustment, use either the slider, or enter a value. Once an adjustment is
made to any setting, the software will sync with the cutter**.

* This refers to the speed of the tool when it is in the up position

** Note that the settings for the current Condition number will not be affected. The cutter will use an auxiliary condition
(Condition 9) for the temporary job settings. This is true with all cutters except the FC8600 series and the CE6000, where the
selected condition will be affected.
Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 42
 Adjusting the Cutter Settings, continued

FC8600/CE6000 Conditions and Tool Settings

While the FC8600 and the CE6000 have the similar settings
as other Graphtec cutters, they also have additional control Buttons for the 8
settings. conditions

At the top, just underneath the Status, there will be eight

condition buttons. Selecting one of these buttons, the panel
will display the setting for that condition in the Condition
group of settings. Added group of
The FC8600 and the CE6000 have an added group as well: Tool Settings
Tool Settings. These settings include Step Pass, Offset Force,
Offset Angle, and Initial Blade Position.*
Finally, the Advanced group of settings has added settings
such as Language, Length Unit, Move Step, Step Size Fan
Power, Media Sensor, Push Roller Sensor, and Beeper.*
Ethernet
If using an Ethernet
connection, there
will be the added
setting of entering
the IP Address.
After entering the IP
address, click Apply
Changes.
* It is strongly recommended that if you plan to adjust any of these advanced set-
tings, review the FC8600 or the CE6000 Users Manual to become familiar with these
special settings.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 43

 Steps to Cutting Jobs
The steps to sending a job to the cutter is a matter of sequentially checking each of the Tool Property settings to ensure
everything is how you would like the job to be cut. Below are simple checklists for each type of job.
Cutting a Basic Job Cutting a Large Job
Check the media size to make sure it matches the media size Set the Media size to the total size of the job (See Media
you plan to cut. This gives you an idea of how the job will lay Page Options)
out (See Media Page Options)
Check the orientation of the job such as rotation, mirroring
Check the orientation of the job such a rotation, mirroring the job. (See Media Page Options)
the job, and the position of the job to save media. (See
Media Page Options) Set the weed border and lines. (See Weed Settings)

Check the number copies, if needed (See Matrix Copies) Set the tilling border and lines. (See Tiling)

Set the weed border and lines. (See Weed Settings) Check the condition of the cutter to ensure the right
conditions are setup for the type of media you plan to cut.
Check the condition of the cutter to ensure the right (See Adjusting the Cutter Settings)
conditions are set up for the type of media you plan to cut.
(See Adjusting the Cutter Settings)

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 44

 Steps to Cutting Jobs, continued

Cutting a Print & Cut Job

The Design Application
• Create the cut line for print & cut within the design
application.
• Create the registration mark within the design
application. (See Using Registration Marks)
Within Cutting Master 3
• Ensure the media size matches the size of the media in
your cutter. This will show how the job will layout on
the media, prior to cutting. (See Media Page Options)
• Set the number copies. (See Matrix Copies)
• Make sure the condition settings to be used are
accurate for the media to be cut. (See Adjusting the
Cutter Settings)
• If using colors or layers for different types of cuts,
assign conditions to the line colors or layers. (See
Configuring the Cut Job)

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 45

 Steps to Cutting Jobs, continued

Sending the Job to the Cutter

Sending a job to the cutter is done simply by clicking on the Send button at the lower right corner of the Cutting Master 3
window.
If there is more than one cutter connected, it will display the cutter model. Click on the model you would like the job to be
sent to.
This can also be done by clicking on the Cutter pull down menu, selecting Send Cut Job, Once again, if there is more than one
cutter, a list of the connected cutters will appear.

When the job is sent, the side panel will show the status of
the cutter as Cutting.
The Currently Cutting box will appear and show the
Document name, which Layer is currently being cut, the
Condition being used for cutting, and which copy is being
cut.
When the Condition shows Default this indicates the plotter
is using the current condition in the Condition settings group
below.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 46

 Setting the Preferences
The Preference window is where you can set common settings of how you would like Cutting Master 3 to work. This includes
common settings such as the language or units of measurement you would prefer to work in. This chapter will cover what
these are and what they are used for, although many of them are obvious. The preferences are set by clicking on the File pull
down menu, and clicking on Preferences. This will open up the Preference window.
On the left hand side of the window, preference options are Preference settings
grouped. Clicking any one of the group of options will display are grouped
the settings for that group.
Display
Antialiasing is how much anti-alias is applied to the graphics.
The better the anti-aliasing, the better the graphics.
However, the re-draw of the graphics is slower.
Button Size determines the button size.
Animation determines the speed of the animati on of the
program. Many operations such as undo, redo, zoom, etc are
displayed as animations.
Curve Quality adjusts curve display. The larger the number,
the smoother the displayed curve.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 47

 Setting the Preferences, continued

General
Language determines which language you would like the
program to work in.

Check for updates specifies the interval at which update

information is checked at software activation.
The default value is Always.

Proxy Settings is the setting for Web browser Internet

connection.
The default value is Auto Detect.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 48

 Setting the Preferences, continued

Cutters and Import Preferences

Cutter Connections determines the times and durations for which
Cutting Master 3 will maintain the connection to a cutter.
• Do not auto-release cutter connections will have Cutting Master 3
hold on to all connected cutters until the application is exited, or until
the user manually releases a cutter.
• Auto-release cutter connections when Cutters panel closed will have
Cutting Master 3 auto-connect to cutters only when the Cutters panel
is opened, and auto-releases them at other times (allowing for other
applications to access the cutters).
• Auto-release cutter connections when not in use will release the
cutter when it is not in use.
• Scan USB for cutters when checked, will automatically search for
and connect to Graphtec cutters connected through any USB ports.
It will then gather the information of cutters and display them in the
Connected Cutter panel.
Import Options determines how Cutting Master 3 imports the
graphics from Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.
• Transfer fill color to lines, if checked, will use the fill color of the
graphics as the outline color when it is displayed in the Cutting Master
3 Preview window.
• Make white lines black when checked, will show black outlines for
any white or transparent objects being imported to Cutting Master 3.
• Join lines into polylines will take shapes constructed from many
separate contours, with touching end points, and convert them into
a single continuous contour. This eliminates the need for the cutter
blade to raise and lower as it would if the segments were separated.
This increases the speed as well as produced a smoother cut.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 49

 Appendix A - Cut Line Patterns
As part of a Condition or Media Type, a cut line pattern can be selected. A cut line pattern can either be a solid line or dashed
line pattern. When the job is cut, it will then cut that line pattern. There is only one solid line, but there are several types
of dashed lines; the differences usually being the distance of the dash as well as
the gap. The Cut Line Pattern for the FC8600 is different from the other cutters:
CE6000, CE5000, FC2250, and the FC4500 series. Because it is important that
differences are clear, the section below describes how the Cut Line Pattern is used
for the different models:
FC8600 Cut Line Pattern
The FC8600 has built-in cut line patterns. The Cut Line Pattern list for these
devices will show the dimensions of the dashed line. The first number is the dash,
and the second number is the gap. Since the choice of patterns are inherent to
these cutters, they cannot be changed. What makes these patterns
different are the gaps. During the cutting operation, typically a gap is
where the blade or tool will lift completely out of the material. Here
though, the blade never lifts completely out of the material but will
cut with a lesser amount of force. This type of dashed line pattern was
designed to use when cutting completely through media. The gaps
will keep the cut objects in place until the job has finished cutting.
To edit the user-define line pattern: User-Defined Cut Line Pattern

1. Click on the pull down list of Line Patterns.

2. At the bottom of the list, select User-Defined. This will expand the list with these three settings: Cut Line Patterns for the
FC8600
• Cut Length is the part of the line where the full cutting force is applied, cutting completely through the media.
• Up Length is the segments of the cut line where the Up Force (which is generally less) is used. The Up Length establishes the tags for
holding the cut portion in place.
• Up Force is the force used when cutting the Up Length.
3. Set the value for each setting and press Enter.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 50

 Appendix A - Cut Line Patterns

CE6000, CE5000, FC2250, and the FC4500 Cut Line Patterns

The Cut Line Pattern for these Graphtec cutters will have nine pre-installed Line Styles, and three User styles. The first style is
a solid line, which is generally the default and cannot be changed. Aside from the solid line style, there is a range of different
dashed line patterns or styles, each being editable, and, if need be, dashed line styles can be created and added to the list.
The dashed lines for these cutters are used when the cut lines need to be perforated, or when plotting dashed lines.
When editing a Style, a diagram will be provided to illustrate how the pitch effects
the line. Keep in mind that while editing the line type, only the pitch can be adjusted.
After editing a line style, if desired, a name can be given to help identify the line style
later on.
To edit a Style:
1. Click on the pull down list.
2. Either right-click on the Style to change and
select Edit, or hover the mouse over the line
style and click on Edit.
3. Set the pitch length and press Enter. Style Patterns
To edit a User style:
1. Click on the pull down list.
2. Either right-click on the User style to change and select Edit, or hover the mouse over the line
style and click on Edit.
3. Set the pitch length and press Enter.
To add a new Dash line
1. Click on the pull down list.
2. Right-click any where on the list.
3. Choose one of the three choices of dashed lines.
Defining User Style Cut Line Patterns
4. Set the A, B, and C length and press Enter.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 51

 Software Update
This software automatically checks update information at startup.
If the latest released version is newer than your software, an update message screen is displayed.
Update your software by following the message instructions.
The update information can be also manually checked.

* An environment that can be connected to the Internet is required to check software update information.

Updating Software
1. The message screen shown below is displayed if your software 3. Select and download the desired software from the download
can be updated to the latest version. page.
Click Go to Download Page… button. 4. When downloading is complete, exit open applications.
5. Double-click the downloaded software to start installation.

Windows version Macintosh version

6. When installation ends, software update is complete.

2. The download page opens from Graphtec’s Web site.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 52

 Software Update, continued

Checking Update Information

To check software update information, select Check for Updates… from the Help menu.

Windows version Macintosh version

Update Information Preference

You can specify how often update information should be checked when the software starts in Preferences.

Windows version
Select Preferences from the File menu.

Macintosh version
Select Preferences from the Cutting Master 3 menu.

Cutting Master 3 User’s Manual 53