While at my LHS a few weeks back, I noticed that they had Testors custom decal design and print kit so since I am and pennypinching college student, I figured it would be cheaper than paying a pro to make them for me. Once I downloaded the software, the computer went bezirk so I uninstalled and tried again without issue. When I got to the design part, the tools were surprisingly limited and difficult to use. When downloading I noticed that the software was from 2003 from Surething so I figure some easer to use software has come out since then. Does anyone have experience with the Testors product that would be able to give me some tips and pointers and using it? Also are there easier to use design software that is free or inexpensive that I could try?
I don’t have experience with Testors. I made my artwork for decals with Inkskape. It is a vector-based software similar to Corel Draw but free: https://inkscape.org/en/
It has a learning curve.
For simple lettering Word or any other text processing software might work. Fitting or similar fonts can be found on the internet, many as freeware.
Windows Paint might work too.
I’m sure there is more free software others can perhaps add.
Just a reminder: with homeprinters you usually can’t print white as the inks are composed to be printed on white paper. But there are a lot of threads aiding in this matter.
Regards, Volker (Germany)
I use MS Word and Powerpoint for decal graphic design
I use Adobe Photoshop and Pagemaker. I edit the pictures in Photoshop and put them onto a page in Pagemaker. I type all of the text in Pagemaker so it stays true and doesn’t get jagged edges. . Both of these programs are expensive.
You can always find freeware or shareware at downloads.com which is a site ran by the geeks at C-Net.
Inkscape and Gimp.
I’m a graphic designer by trade (among many other hats). I will caution you that there’s a steep learning curve with any design software and just the general aptitude for such things. Simple reporting marks and the like are very easy to do for most people, really, though. Complex work, well, lots of practice before going live. I use Adobe Illustrator, but have switched over to Inkscape, so that I don’t have to use my work computer for personal stuff any more.
You want anything that can produce vector art over raster. Raster means you get the jaggy edges (or pixelation, as the actual term goes). In short, raster art is an encoded system of coordinates, whereas vector is a mathematical calculation of curves. That’s why vector art produces higher quality work.
More specific guidance would be keyed to your own goals. The only two truly universal advices are 1) vector and 2) convert text to curves before sending your art off.
All good info above! I tried Testors Decal Kit probably when it was released in 2003 and I also found it leaving a lot to be desired.
Unless you are really into your computer the learning curve is huge on the programs above. If you are patient and a quick learner any of the programs in the previous posts will work great, most of the programs have lookalike freeware available online.
I have been into CAD for over 32 years so that’s my go-to for decals. The new CAD software will import images and there are tons of images available with a Google search. Most railroad fonts are also available for download for free.
Mel
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
I agree: I recently submitted artwork, done by my brother, who works in a similar field, to Rail Graphics, and that is the format which he sent.
I did most of the original design work years ago, using pencil and paper, but don’t have the computer (or abilities) to make it into a ready-to-print form.
Wayne
Hello all,
What OS are you using…Mac or BillyWindows?
What printer are you planning on using…Ink Jet, Laser, Dye Sublimation or Alps?
Check out these threads…
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/262408.aspx
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/261296.aspx
For custom decals I would use graphics software that is compatible with your OS and printer type.
There are different types of graphics software available as freeware or shareware. You can also purchase high-end software like Photoshop.
You mentioned that you are college student. Many software manufacturers offer “student pricing” at a heavily discounted prices- -hint, hint, Photoshop.
There are many types of decal paper available that were mentioned in the previous threads.
Hope this helps
I am using Windows 10 with access to a low end Canon inkjet printer and a better Brother inkjet. Are there companies in Canada that I can send my designs to to have the decals made and mailed to me? If so, what would the price range be around? Thank you for all the help, though I am fairly computer literate, I have a lot left to learn! [:D]
In Canada: