How to Create Monograms for Your Laser

Article ID: 29901  

Question
How can I create a monogram using CorelDRAW?

Answer

How to Create Monograms for Your Laser

 

Create your monogram letters in CorelDRAW

Start by selecting the Text Tool in the Toolbox.
coreldraw text tool

Then choose the typeface, and text size in the Properties Bar at the top of the screen.
typeface and text size

We used Monotype Corsiva set at 100 points for this example. Monotype Corsiva makes a great typeface to use for monograms because of its script cursive style, plus it is easy to read.

Next click on the page and type out the capilatized letters for your monogram.

monogram letters

 

 


 

Break Apart the Letters of Your Monogram.

Now select the letters with the Pick Tool, and choose Break Artistic Text: (Typeface Name) Apart from the Arrange drop-down menu at the top of the screen.

break artistic text apart

break artistic text: apart

 



 

Convert Typeface to Curves.

Select the letters with the Pick Tool, then choose Convert to Curves from the Arrange drop-down menu at the top of the screen.

convert to curves

 





 

Increase Object Size for the Center Letter.

Select the middle letter, and in the Object Size properties boxes enter 125% for the height and width dimensions.



If you click the Lock ratio button the dimensions of the letter will increase proportionately.

center letter size increase

 


 

Overlap the Letters to Create the Monogram.

Next click and drag the left and right letters seperately so both overlap the middle letter.

overlapping monogram letters

 


 

Weld the Monogram.

Weld all three letters together by selecting all three and clicking on the Weld button in the Shaping Box at the top of the screen.

weld letter together

To see the results of the Weld more clearly add a black outline and choose white as the fill color. (pictured below.)

weld results outlined

 


 

Create a Chain Loop.

Select the Ellipse Tool from the Toolbox, then draw a circle that is .2" x 2". This is your outer loop. Hold Ctrl to draw a proportionate circle.
circle width and height


Then Copy and Paste the first circle and change the size to .125" x .125". This is your inner loop.
inner cirlce size

Now select both and select Back minus front from the Shaping box.
back minus front knockout



 

 

outer circle
Outer Loops

inner loops
Inner Loop

final loop
Final Loop

 

 

Connecting the Chain Loop to the Monogram.

Select the location of the chain loop that you like best (there are two options below), and Weld the loops to the monogram by selecting the monogram and the loop then clicking the Weld button. The configuration of the loops will depend on your customers' preference.

adding necklace and chain loops

An Alternative Monogram Option.

Another great option for a monogram is adding an oval to the outside. If you are using an especially delicate typeface, the oval will help prevent the scripts on the letters from breaking off and provides a completely different look than the letters on their own.

Now test out what you've learned above and use those skills to create the oval look, pictured to the right.

We'll give you a little hint: the feature in CorelDRAW you'll need to use is called Convert Outline to Object.

Add the chain loops and a nice necklace chain to the oval as a finishing touch. Have fun!

oval monogram option

Monogram necklaces are exceptionally popular gifts. Here we'll walk you through the steps of creating a monogram in CorelDRAW and manipulating it so the laser cuts it as a single piece. All you need to do is loop a chain through and you have a wonderful, personalized gift ideal for any occasion!









 

Article Details
: 70186 Created on: May 28, 2013