Graphic file

In order to print a print graphic on the front panel, please first select Insert > Print graphic and place the object. In the subsequent dialog box "Graphic object properties", you can then determine the desired properties.

A print graphic is a graphic that is printed directly onto the front panel in a UV printing process. The file will be printed as displayed in Front Panel Designer.

PDF, JPG, PNG, BMP and TIFF files are supported. We recommend the use of PDF files.

Both anodized as well as chromated aluminum can be printed upon in every available color. With non-natural-colored materials, white is automatically printed beneath the actual print image.

Since the graphic files are embedded without loss in the saved FPD file, we recommend keeping print graphics as small as possible (<5MB is sufficient in most cases). This will limit the space requirement and, in the case of an order, also the amount of data to be transferred. Very large files can significantly slow down the work with Front Panel Designer. Vector graphics are suitable for reducing file size in many cases.

The resolution of the graphic should be at least 300DPI for an optimal print image.

If a PDF file with multiple pages is read in, you will be asked which page is to be used. Only one page can be used.

Print graphics may contain the color white. A differentiation is made between transparent and white areas. In order to print white, the option "Use white ink for print elements" must be activated under front panel properties. It is not necessary to create white as a special colour in the print graphic.

Here you will find information on general printing options.

After placing the object you can set the following variables for the required line engraving in the properties dialog box, while previewing the resulting engraving:

Variable	Description
Graphic file	Select the desired graphic file from the suggestion list or import it from its location. The display size of the graphic is shown at the lower edge of the preview.
Reference point	You can select one of 5 points of the rectangular outline of the graphic as a reference point.
Angle of rotation	Rotation angle of the graphic around its reference point
Scale	Check this box to scale the graphic proportionally.
X scale	Scales the graphic horizontally to the % value
Y scale	Scales the graphic vertically to the % value
Cropping top	Crops the graphic from the top by the specified value. The reference size for cropping is the original size of the file.
Cropping left	Crops the graphic from the left by the specified value. The reference size for cropping is the original size of the file.
Cropping right	Crops the graphic from the right by the specified value. The reference size for cropping is the original size of the file.
Cropping bottom	Crops the graphic from the bottom by the specified value. The reference size for cropping is the original size of the file.
Mirror	Option of mirroring the graphic on its vertical axis through the reference point.
Do not produce object	If you do not want to produce a print graphic, but to place it on the front panel for information purposes only - for example as a marker - then check this box.