Getting started with Nest-Pro and Laser Cut
Prepare pattern geometry and the design position, then configure matching and optional laser settings before running the workflow.
1. Arrange the source document
Open the Illustrator document and make the intended pattern artboard active. Keep visible, unlocked pattern outlines inside the active artboard and compatible DESIGN artwork outside it. Manual object selection is not required.
2. Set matching tolerance
The matching tolerance defaults to 2 cm. The script filters candidates by dimensions, aspect ratio and area, then compares sampled shape fingerprints and perimeter.
3. Decide whether to use Laser Cut
The Enable Laser Cut checkbox is OFF by default. Leave it off for nesting/matching only, or turn it on to generate laser strokes after successful placement.
4. Configure the laser output if enabled
Inside Stroke defaults to 1 pt and Outside Stroke to 2 pt. Each has a color picker, defaulting to black (#000000) and white (#FFFFFF). The output layer defaults to LASER CUT.
5. Scan, match, rotate and align
The script scans source candidates, matches designs to unused pattern contours, keeps 0° or rotates by 180°, then moves the existing design so the chosen silhouette center aligns with the pattern center. It does not duplicate the full design.
6. Generate, inspect and save
When Laser Cut is enabled, the script clears the selected laser output layer and creates separate Inside/Outside stroke copies from successfully placed closed design silhouettes. Use a dedicated output layer, inspect the result and save the Illustrator document manually.
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