How to create vector textures in Vectric software | Creating Vectors

Overview

This video demonstrates how to use the Create Vector Texture tool in Vectric Aspire V12. It covers the main form settings—angle, line spacing, variation, wave amplitude/wavelength, and noise—and shows how to create custom textures, including wavy, stepped, random, and faux wood grain effects. It also explains how to create tileable textures for larger projects.

Steps

1. Go to the Design tab → Create Vectors → Create Vector Textures to open the form.

2. Set the Angle:

   • Controls the angle of the generated lines.
   • Range: -90° to +90°.
   • 0° runs parallel to the X-axis; 90° runs parallel to the Y-axis.
   • Enter a value or use the slider.

3. Set Line Spacing:

   • Controls the distance between each generated line.
   • Example: 1 inch creates lines spaced 1 inch apart.

4. Adjust Variation:

   • Controls randomness in line spacing.
   • At minimum, spacing is uniform.
   • Increase to make spacing randomly vary up to the maximum line spacing value.

5. Set Wave Parameters:

   • Amplitude: height of the wave. Larger values create taller waves.
   • Wavelength: length before the wave shape repeats. Larger values create longer waves.

6. Adjust Noise:

   • Adds randomness to the texture.
   • Useful for chatter-like or organic effects.
   • Set to zero for smooth waves.

7. Assign to a Layer (optional):

   • Enter a layer name so the created vectors are placed directly on that layer.

8. Click Preview to inspect the texture in the viewport.

9. If satisfied, click OK to apply the vectors.

10. To modify an existing texture:

    • Select the vectors and reopen the tool.
    • If the texture has not been edited, the original settings are remembered.
    • If the vectors have been manually edited, the tool may no longer recognize the original settings.

Key Points / Warnings

• The tool creates actual vector lines that can be selected, edited, and machined like any other vectors.
• For tileable textures:
  • Set the angle to 0° or 90°.
  • Make sure the wavelength divides evenly into the tile width/height.
  • Example: a 24-inch tile with a 6-inch wavelength works because 24 ÷ 6 = 4.
• To test tiling manually:
  • Select the vectors.
  • Hold Ctrl and drag a copy to the edge of the next tile.
  • Check that the pattern blends smoothly across the seam.
• Use layers to keep different texture experiments organized.
• Examples shown in the video:
  • Simple smooth wave
  • 45°/90° angled textures
  • Stepped texture from combined angle + wave settings
  • Random natural texture using high variation and high amplitude
  • Faux wood grain with low angle, tight spacing, high variation, low amplitude, long wavelength, and medium noise
• Wood grain work well with a V-bit toolpath to create a natural routed effect.