MappSmith — Frame band, name & name bar

• Can the name be cut out or raised instead of engraved?

  Yes. Under "Name is" choose engrave, score, cut or weld in. Cut makes the letters openings. Weld in makes the letters material joined to the frame and roads.

• How do I add a second line, like a date?

  Open the Frame band card. Under Name bar press "Add tag" if it is off. Press "+ Add line". Each line has its own text, font, size, operation and left/right and up/down position. The bar's Height and Position sliders set the bar itself.

• How do I change the band width or remove it?

  Open the Frame band card. Use the slider, type a width, or press No frame, 8 mm, 14 mm or 20 mm. The band can go up to 40 mm, or a third of the smaller side on small pieces. With no frame the map runs to the edge and every layer is still cut to the plate's shape.

• How do I change the name and its font?

  On the Frame band card, type in Place name and pick a Font. There are 28 fonts, from Bebas Neue and Oswald to Playfair Display and Cinzel. Text size is automatic unless you drag the slider. It never grows taller than the band.

• What does the Design button over the map do?

  It holds the "Wood grain on wood layers" switch for the 3D preview. The frame band, place name and font are edited on the Frame band card in the Layers panel.

• What is a name bar?

  A name bar is a nameplate cut from the piece itself, welded to the frame so it comes off the laser as one piece. Choose "Band across middle" or "Corner tab". It carries up to six lines of text. Map content stops at the bar.

• What is the frame band?

  The band is a strip of solid material around the edge of the piece. It holds cut pieces together and carries the place name. The map stops at its inner edge. Edit it on the Frame band card at the top of the Layers panel.

• Where do the name and font go if there is no frame band?

  With no band the name sits on the map, centered near the bottom and sized to fit. To place words anywhere else, add a Text label piece to a layer.

• Which layer carries the name?

  Use "Name sits on" on the Frame band card. By default it is the top layer. Choose "No name: leave the band blank" to remove it.

• Which side of the band does the name sit on?

  Choose Bottom, Top, Left or Right under "Which side of the band". On a circle, "Curve on circle" bends the name along the ring. The two sliders under "Name position on the band" move it along the band or across it. They stop at the edge of the material. "Centre it again" resets it.