Dimensions

With this node you can apply dimension lines, guide lines and the dimension values to a document containing artwork for a bag.

There are different kinds of bags: gusseted bags, paper bags, pillows and sachets. Each type of bag exists in different sizes, but the initial structure remains, independent of type and/or size. Before a bag is processed into its final shape, it is a rectangular shape on which the artwork is positioned. To know where certain artwork needs to be positioned a technical representation can be useful. This technical representation will give you an insight of the location of the different parts of the bag. Therefore, dimension lines can be placed on the artwork.

With Dimensions, you can apply dimension lines, guide lines and the dimension values to a document containing artwork for a bag. These dimensions are placed according to a reference box and are based on a certain type of bag. The bag divisions will automatically take the sizes of the reference box into account when they are being defined.

The node has the following configuration options:
  • Input File: here you can define the input file. Select the pencil to open Expression Builder.

Global Settings

  • Reference: here you can define the reference box and the position of the dimension lines within the reference box.
  • Dimension above / below / to left of / to right of buttons: with these buttons you can define where the dimension lines of the reference box should be placed.
  • Offset input field: here you can define a value that determines the distance between the border of the reference box and the dimension line.
  • Generate border on box button: with this button you can create a dashed border on the reference box.
  • Stroke Width: here you can define the thickness of the dashed lines and the width of the lines at the end of the arrows in case arrows are defined.

Bag

  • Horizontal/Vertical buttons: if you select the icon(s), the parameters for the horizontal/vertical orientation become available. When you activate the horizontal button, the width of the reference box is used, when you activate case the vertical button, the height of the reference box is used.
  • Type: here you can select a predefined parameterized type of bag. You can extend this list by adding your own custom bags. In that case you need to enter a definition in the Custom Bag Definition field. User defined bags are indicated by a U in front of the type name.

    Example of a custom bag definition

    B;R;S;2*R;S;R;E

    Where:
    • B: (begin) refers to the left or top of a bag, depending on the orientation.
    • E: (end) refers to the right or bottom of a bag, depending on the orientation.
    • S: refers to the side of a bag.
    • R: corresponds with the result parameter. Only this parameter can be used in combination with a multiplication factor, for example 2*R.
  • Begin / End / Side input fields: here you can define the begin, end and side dimensions in case of a horizontal orientation. When the orientation is vertical, these parameters correspond with the top, bottom and side of the bag. Depending on the type of bag, the Side input field might not be available.

Horizontal Division

Based on the type of bag selected from the Type drop-down and the length (the width or height of the reference box), the divisions for the horizontal orientation are calculated from the parameters in the Bag section and displayed here.
  • Position: with the segmented buttons Dimensions above box / Dimensions below box you can define the position of the dimension lines and their values.
  • Offset: here you can define the distance between the reference box and the placed dimension.

Vertical Division

Based on the type of bag selected from the Type drop-down and the length (the width or height of the reference box), the divisions for the vertical orientation are calculated from the parameters in the Bag section and displayed here.
  • Position: with the segmented buttons Dimensions to left of box / Dimensions to right of box allows you can define the position of the dimension lines and their values. The distance between the reference box and the placed dimension are specified in the Offset fields.
  • Offset: here you can define the distance between the reference box and the placed dimension.

Dimension Arrows

With Dimension Arrows you can control how the arrows that are created when creating dimension lines.

A Dimension Arrow is a group containing:
  • A line with markers on both ends.
  • A dimension value in a particular unit, centered on the line.
  • A unit (optional).
  • Font: here you can define the font family.
  • Font Style: here you can define the font style.
  • Font Size: here you can define the size.
  • Unit: here you can define the unit. Options: Millimeter (mm), Centimeter (cm), Inch (in) and Point (pt).
  • Unit Precision: here you can define the unit precision.
  • Include Unit Symbol: if you select this checkbox, the unit symbol will be included.
  • Marker: here you can select the type of marker from a drop-down list.
  • Stroke Width: here you can define the stroke width.
  • Output: here you can select the output type. Options:
    • Postfix: if you select this option, you can define a postfix that will be added to the newly generated file. The new file will be placed on the same location as the original file.
    • Custom: if you select this option, you can specify a path where the new file will be placed and a postfix that will be added to the new file. Select the pencil to open Expression Builder.