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Feeling like an idiot now. I am actually pretty good with AI...I've been using it since version 2...I didn't even THINK to design in there and import. Great helpful tips everyone...thank you! Scott

You're already leaps and bounds farther then when you started this thread! I definitely welcome a fellow AI user as well. You should be able to design in AI and just use SCALP as a cutting tool. There is a lengthy tutorial I put together in the AI section that may help you with some of the cutter specific settings.

Another great idea Cal...just on paper? Never used the pen...but I noticed in SCAL how I can see the cuts now without colors in the way and I feel like I've come a little further with at least my logo... I got rid of the double cuts that were going through the vinyl. That was most of my issues...even though the blade was set what I feel is properly. I can use the holder on scrap, draw a circle and it only cuts through the vinyl layer. When I cut my logo now, it doesn't go through anything.

Weld, Merge, Union are terms you might encounter for the same thing. Inkscape is a fine vector program for using with cutters. It lacks cmyk and spot color support, so doesn't do the commercial rounds as much.

The weld thing is usually done in the design software. Depending on the program, you may have to convert the text to curves before welding.

Welding will be something you select and do typically. It may do weird things depending on the program and situation. What you are trying t do is create a single object out of the text where they overlap. HTV you got away with it but it will be a ruined design in sign vinyl. SignCut Pro 1 (what I use) is not a design program. Just a cutting utility. It is built to use in conjunction with a full on design program like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape (free open source) and I think Corel (pretty much windows only unless you find an old version). If you are considering a change from your current set-up I would download Inkscape for free and maybe try some free trials before you drop $$$ on one. AI is a brute to learn but is the program that all the others compare to and most of your full on graphic designers use it. There are other options out there but not many that are straight away mac friendly. SignCut for the cutting is both mac AND pc compatible so you can run it on either one. I actually cut from a pc laptop but design on an iMac. If my laptop does the blue screen (why would I think that might happen?) I can wheel my cutter over and hook it up to my iMac and keep cutting.

That's good to know...I'm 1/2 way there...I'm already old! lol!