MIT Edgerton Center. Build It, Learn It, Share It. MAKERSPACE RESOURCES FOR K-12 EDUCATORS MIT
  MAKERSPACE RESOURCES FOR K-12 EDUCATORS
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2D Modeling Software

Laser Cut shapes must be SVG files (scalable vector graphics). Vector art programs use mathematic equations and geometric primitives (points, lines, and shapes) to create art that is clean, camera ready, and can be scaled infinitely, without any loss of quality or fidelity. These programs are the first step in the process of cutting or engraving sheet material using a digital fabrication tool such as a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, router, etc. 2D vector graphics are created to tell the machine what to do.  Vector graphics can be created using a variety of software applications.  Pre-made vector graphics can be also be downloaded from other digital sources. Black-and-white graphic images in pixel-based formats( such as JPEGs) can be utilized by converting them to bit-mapped images( BMP's), then using image trace to convert them to vector format( such as SVGs and PDFs).

Each application comes with its own set of pros to meet an individual user's needs, and choosing the appropriate software is easy given certain considerations:
+

Ease of Learning

Some modeling programs
are intuitive and easy to
learn. The cost, usually, is
a lack of functional
features, 
but this makes these programs a great introductory tool.
+

Background Knowledge

Does the user need to be
familiar with mechanical or
artistic design to use this
​software?
+

Cost

2D modeling software
packages range from free
online to downloadable to
multi-​hundred dollar
​subscriptions.
+

Operating System/
Platform

Some packages are designed on Windows machines and will ​not run on Macintosh. Some packages run in a browser, making them
​suitable for platforms like Chromebooks.
+

Capability

Can the package create models at the level of sophistication
and 
​complexity for the desired outcome?
+

Portability and Output

Consider whether models
created in one package can
be 
imported into another for
further development. 2D
drawings can be saved as
vector-based (lines, for
cutting) 
or raster-based
​(dots, for engraving).

Common Software Applications for Creating 2D Vector Graphics

Picture
Gravit Designer - Free Browser-based Vector Design
  • Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
    • Official Gravit Tutorial
  • Suggested age range: 10+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: Free vector design
  • Platform: Mac/PC/Chromebook
  • Downloadable also
Adobe Illustrator - Free Trial, from $9.99/mo. as Part of Adobe Creative Suite
  • Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
    • Online tutorial
    • Preparing Images for Laser Cutting PPT
  • Suggested age range: 12+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: Industry standard for graphic arts design; integrates with rest of Adobe Creative Suite
  • Platform: Mac/PC
Picture
 Google Drawings
https://docs.google.com/drawings/
  • Free app within Google Drive
  • Estimated Tutorial Time 30 minutes
  • Suggested age range 12+
  • Brackground knowledge Needed: None
Picture
CorelDraw - Educational Version from $90
  • Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
    • Laser etching a Photo with CorelDraw
  • Suggested age range: 12+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: Industry standard for use with laser cutters
  • Platform: Mac/PC
InkScape - Free Vector-based CAD for Laser Cutting
  • Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
    • Official Inkscape Tutorial
    • How to Set Up a File for Cutting
  • Suggested age range: 12+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: Most common free graphics software
  • Platform: Mac/PC
  • Cons: Inkscape SVG format must be converted to standard SVG prior to cutting
Picture
Rhino 2D and 3D CAD - Free 30-day Evaluation Version
  • Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
  • Suggested age range: 12+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: Industry standard for architectural design; use for both 2D vector design and 3D modeling
  • Platform: Mac/PC
  • Cons: Steep learning curve at first
Picture
AutoCAD - Free Trial, Free for 3 Years for Students
  • Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
    • Official AutoCAD Tutorials
  • Suggested age range: 12+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: Industry standard for architectural design and engineering
  • Platform: Mac/PC

Specialty Tools for 2D Design

Picture

Software to convert pictures to SVG format
  • PicSvg
​
Picture
Box Making
  • Box Designer
  • MakerCase​

Picture
Gears
  • Drawing Gears in Inkscape
  • Wooden Gears Gear Templates
  • Downloadable Vector Gears
  • GearSketch​

Contact Us

About Us
Accessibility
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  • Home
    • Getting Started >
      • What is Making?
      • Types of Makerspaces
      • Goals
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Run a Makerspace
    • Design Guide
    • Facilities and Storage
    • Tools and Materials
    • Training and Supervision
    • Staff, Hours and Scheduling
    • Events and Growth
  • Maker Tools
    • Shop Tools and Materials
    • Electronics
    • Physical Computing
    • 2D Modeling Software
    • Vinyl/Craft Cutters
    • Laser Cutting
    • 3D Design Tools
    • 3D Printing
    • Photo and Video
    • Sewing
  • Create Projects
    • Designing Maker Projects
    • Idea Gallery
    • FullSTEAM
  • Teacher PD
    • Teacher Training Workshops
    • Master Making in the Classroom
    • Articles and Books
    • Aprendo Creando