The MDA can sketch images based on the SVG format.
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics and includes an extensive set of commands for creating images using basic shapes such as lines, rectangles and circles, which can be assigned properties such as solid or dashed lines, colours, filled shapes, and so on. For images to be sketched on the MDA, only a limited subset of these SVG properties can be used. Although the MDA software can read any type of SVG file and display a full preview of the file in the interface, only a limited set of elements and properties can actually be processed and sketched by the MDA. Currently, the MDA supports the following SVG elements:
- Line, Polyline and Polygon – all lines are sketched as solid lines. Style data such as thickness, endpoints, etc. eis ignored.
- Circle and Ellipse – only solid outline are supported; all style data is ignored.
- Rectangle – only solid outlines are supported, style data for rounded corners is supported, but all other style data is ignored.
- Path – only solid outlines are supported.
Other SVG elements and style data are not supported by the MDA’s SVG interpreter.
Please note that tools like Adobe Photoshop can export in SVG format. However, some programs embed a JPG or PNG pixel-based image inside an SVG file. In such cases, the core of the file remains a pixel image, which cannot be sketched by the MDA. If the MDA interface encounters a file containing embedded pixel elements, it will display the warning: “non-sketchable elements” below the image preview. Since a file may contain both sketchable and non-sketchable elements, it is up to you whether to proceed with sketching the image. In the case of an SVG file containing only pixel content, only the right-up marker will be sketched.
Instructions for drawing your own SVG images
Many tools that can create SVG format images. A popular and free option is Inkscape. However, make sure the selected tool creates “real” SVG images – that is , files containing vector elements rather than embedded pixel images.
- The MDA will always scale images to A4 format and rotates them image as necessary to use the maximum sketchable area. When creating a new drawing, start with an empty A4 template.
- You may use the full A4 area up to the edges of the page. However, the MDA has a margin of approximately 5 mm from the edge of the A4 sheet and will resize your drawing if any elements fall within this margin. It is therefore good practice not to draw within 5 mm of the edge.
- Although the MDA ignores line thicknesses during sketching, it is recommended to assign all elements a thickness of 3 pixels. Preview images in the interface are much smaller than A4 size, and 1-pixel lines may be difficult to see, whereas 3-pixel lines remain clearly visible in the preview.
Creating 1:1 Scale Images for Use with TactiPad Measurements
As mentioned above, the MDA resizes any image that is not in A4 format. Even A4 images will be resized if elements are drawn within the 5 mm margin. To create drawings that will not be resized — and that can be used accurately with the TactiPad measuring equipment (measurement indicators and ruler) — proceed as follows:
- Use an A4 template and ensure that the width and height are set to 210×297 mm or 297×210 mm, and that the viewbox is set to 0-0-297-210 or 0-0-210-297 respectively.
- Do not draw within the outher of 5 mm margin.
- The TactiPad measurement indicators have a spacing of 5 mm and start at the exact position 0,0 (top left of the page).Begin your drawing at 5, 10, 15 mm, etc. from the top and left edges so that it aligns precisely with the measurement indicators.
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