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SignTools FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Installing SignTools
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Install
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CD-ROM does not start.
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Use windows explorer to find the autorun.exe file on the CD-ROM. Double click autorun.exe.
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Install fails or unable to run
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Please download a copy of the Demo from the website http://www.asigns.com/SignTools_Downloads.htm Then register the Demo with current serial number. Contact distributor for new CD-ROM.
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Need to Uninstall, Reinstalling
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Go to Add/Remove Programs from the Windows control panel. Or insert SignTools CD Select Install then Select Remove.
Check that the Asigns folder has been removed from the program files directory.
Check that the following DLL's have been removed. Signtools.dll,corelscriptapi.dll
Reboot computer and re-install SignTools, if desired.
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Activation Issues
Q. I am having problems activating my SignTools 3 Software. Can you explain the activation process ?
A. Click on the link to our SignTools Activation Help page >> SignTools Activation Help
Problems with SignTools Text, Blocking Outline or Paneling Tools
Q. I can't get some of the text commands to work. All of the 'Shade and Decorations' commands won't work. Outline, Relief Outline etc. all give me the message "Please ensure only one object is selected". I think I have the text selected until I click the command and the message appears.
A. It sounds like you are using "Paragraph Text" in CorelDRAW. The tools in SignTools will only work with "Artistic Text". To create "Artistic Text" click on the text tool then click on the page... don't drag the mouse when clicking on the page otherwise it will be "Paragraph Text.
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Using SignTools
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Text tools does not work
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SignTools performs the "text" tools only on standard text. The functions will not work on paragraph text setting in CorelDRAW.
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Blocking Outline does not work properly
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Use the shadow and outline feature set the x axis to a negative. then use node edit to create blocking effect. note this problem will occur only with a large amount of text.
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Paneling is not working
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Make sure you un-group all objects using "ungroup all" in CorelDRAW then combine all objects and then use the paneling tool as normal.
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CorelDRAW Versions
Q. Which versions of Coreldraw are compatible with SignTools 3 ?
A. Signtools 3 is NOT compatible with Corel 9 Office (it is compatible with CorelDRAW 9) and NOT Corel Essentials. Both of these versions of CorelDraw are missing some of the key functions required to run SignTools 3 successfully. In particular they are missing Microsoft Visual Basic support.
Below is a list of compatible versions of CorelDraw.
Full versions of CorelDRAW 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, X3
CorelDRAW Select Edition (Corel 7)
CorelDRAW Classic (Corel 8)
CorelDRAW Issues
Most Corel problems can be solved by downloading the service patches from www.corel.com
Insure you apply both CorelDRAW Service Patches that are located on the SignTools CD.
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Category
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Issue
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Resolutions
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Corel 7
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Select edition does not contain HPGL driver
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Upgrade to Full Version
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Corel 8
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Corel 9
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Corel Office, Corel Essentials do not work (no visual basic support)
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Upgrade to Full Version
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Corel 10
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Default Install does not set HPGL filter
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Insert Corel CD , add Components - Select HPGL filter
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Corel 11
- X3
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What's New in SignTools ?
Q. What is new in SignTools 3.
A. Below is a list on new features.
New Tools
1. Relief Outline - Creates an outline around an object that has a relief space between the outline and the object.
2. Relief Outline & Shade - Creates an outline & drop shade around an object that has a relief space between the outline & shade and object.
3. Emboss - Created an appearance that the lettering or object is embossed out of the background.
4. Vinyl Saver - A powerful nesting tool that optimizes your files to use less vinyl.
5. Auto Numbering - Creates consective numbers quickly and easily. Has many options including:- Choice of Font, Size, Weedbox, Place horintally or vertically, etc.
6. Cut - Direct cutting from the SignTools menu. No need to export files or place hairline outlines to get the objects to cut. Design in full color, with or without outlines.
Enhanced Tools
1. Descriptive Text - Comes with an extra 50 templates to choose from as well an an option for single color effect.
2. Price Formattor - Comes with new templates.
3. Rego Marks - Now has the option for 2 or 4 rego marks as well as an option to place them inside the object(s).
4. Color Seperator - Now has the ability to select the colors that you require. Also now names the pages by color.
5. Weedbox - Now has the option to apply an individual weedbox each object objects with one click.
6. Stripe Effect - New options including a choice of Horizontal, Verticle or Angled stripes. Also on Horizontal stripes you can now choose starting and ending points.
New Interface
SignTools 3 has a new floating interface. It is now interactive and has a look that is both modern and helpful to the user. When you place your curser over a SignTools button it shows you the look of the effect. This can save you much time when deciding which shade or decoration to choose. It can also help you remember exactly what a specific tool is used for.
Upgrading SignTools version 1 & 2 to version 3
Q. I have SignTools version 2 and would like to know if I am eligible to upgrade to version 3. If so, what is the upgrade price ?
A. Version 1 and 2 users of Signtools can upgrade for
$139 USD. To order online click here.
SignTools Cut Tool Setup
Q. How does the Cut tool work in SignTools 3.
A. Below is a link to our SignTools Cut page showing screen shots as well as a breif explanation of the Cut tool.
SignTools 3 Cut Tool
Problem Importing EPS Files
Q. I am having trouble importing EPS files into Corel ?
A. Although strictly speaking this is not a SignTools question, we get asked this at least once a week. The answer can be found in a step by step on our CorelDraw Sign Tips Page.
Plotter Not Cutting Correctly
Q. My plotter doesn't cut the bottom and left 5mm of an object. Is there a way to fix this ?
A. This problem only occurs in Windows NT, 2000 and XP. Below is a step by step solution.
Note:
Do not install the Generic Plotter Driver unless you have tried ALL
other resolutions first!
It
is ALWAYS preferable to use the Specific driver for your Plotter model
from the SIgnTools Plotter Driver list in the CUT MENU.
1) From the desktop, select Start -> Printers and Faxes
2) Right-click on your Signtools generic driver (HP-GL Lleft or HP-GL Center), select "Properties"
3) Select the "Advanced" tab, then press the "Printing Defaults" button
4) Select the "Plotting Area" option, in the drop-down, select "Ignore Plotter Margins"
5) Press the "Apply" or "OK" button.
OTHER CUTTING PROBLEMS....
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Cutting
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Cutting is slower after upgrading SignTools
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We are continuously upgrading SignTools. In the latest version we have improved accuracy of cutting by sending more information(points) to the cutter.
In the advanced cut settings in SignTools, increasing the min plotter point separation setting will result in fewer points being sent to the cutter and hence a faster cut speed.
Note that increasing the separation excessively can result in a less accurate cut (see the next issue below).
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Outlines are jagged no smooth curves
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Check to see what version of Corel they are using. In different versions of Corel, the number of points has changed this can result in jagged edges.
Also in the advanced cut settings in SignTools reducing the min plotter point separation setting will increase the amount of plotter points sent to the plotter and hence a more accurate cut.
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Cannot cut. No reaction from cutter.
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Check the serial / cable. Check to see if you are using the correct driver and communications
port set up.
If both are fine and you are still having problems please
Update your SignTools3 software to the newest version available on
this web site.
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Cutter cutting Diagonals then stopping
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To remedy this simply install
the newest SignTools version from this web site.
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HPGL Filter error
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The Corel HPGL filter needs to be reset. Simply Go to FILE on the Corel Menu. Then Select EXPORT. Ensure all boxes are unchecked then select .PLT ( HPGL ) and save the file.
Remedy:
Update your SignTools3 software to the newest version on this web
site.
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Cutter hangs and not responding
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Cutter has hung due to a failure in sending the data. If you are communicating directly to the cutter through its driver this can cause the machine to hang even after a reboot.
To solve this issue set up the Generic Text Driver
be
sure you have your PORT setting correctly set. Also, try
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Cutter Taps once then stops.
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This can occur when the settings of Corel or SignTools are set to cut from center, or a position that is not lower left.
Be sure to set SignTools to cut from the Lower Left.
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Starting SignTools - Problems
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Launching SignTools
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SignTools not in CorelDRAW application launcher after SignTools upgrade or reinstall of CorelDRAW
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SignTools needs to be associated with CorelDRAW. If you have reinstalled CorelDRAW or installed a new version you will need to reinstall SignTools.
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GRS HOME PAGE
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