Trace images in Fusion with Project Salvador

Importing images into Fusion for design work used to be a real hassle. You'd likely need another program, like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, to trace over your image. Then, you’d save it as an SVG file, only to bring it back into Fusion. This process added extra steps and often felt clunky.

What if there was a simpler way? Well, there is! Introducing Project Salvador, a powerful new plugin that streamlines this entire workflow right inside of Fusion. This means less time jumping between applications and more time designing.

This guide will show you how to install Project Salvador. We'll explore how it works, its key features, and how you can use it to speed up your design projects.

The Old Way: External Converters and SVG Workflows

For a long time, getting an image into Fusion as a usable sketch involved a workaround. Designers would open raster images in external vector editing software. Programs like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or even free options like Inkscape were common. You would use these programs to auto-trace the image to create vector paths. These paths then needed to be saved as an SVG file. Finally, you could import that SVG into Fusion. This multi-step process was time-consuming and required familiarity with different software packages.

Introducing Project Salvador: An Integrated AI Powerhouse

Project Salvador changes everything. It's an AI-powered plugin built directly into Fusion. This tool tackles the image import challenge head-on. It converts your images into editable sketch geometry without ever leaving Fusion. This integration dramatically simplifies the workflow. You can now generate designs from images much faster. It also has a built-in AI image generator to help you concept your design.

Finding Project Salvador in the Fusion App Store

First things first, you need to get Project Salvador. Navigate to the Fusion App Store. To do this, go to "Utilities" in your Fusion menu. Then, select "Add-ins." This action will open a web page in your browser.

Downloading and Installing the Plugin

On the Fusion App Store page, simply search for "Salvador." You'll find the free Project Salvador plugin listed. Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system. There are buttons for Mac OS and Windows. Once downloaded, run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Activating Project Salvador in Fusion

After installation, you need to enable Project Salvador within Fusion. Go back to your Fusion window. Access the "Add-ins" section again, this time from the Scripts & Add-ins menu, and you should see Project Salvador listed. Check the box next to it to activate it. You can also choose to have it run automatically on startup. Once enabled, you'll find the new Project Salvador and Generate Sketch tools within the "Solid" tab.

Unleashing AI: Generating Images and Sketches with Project Salvador

Text-to-Image Generation: Crafting Your Vision

Project Salvador has two main functions. The first module lets you generate images using AI. You can start with a text prompt. Just type what you want to create. For instance, you could try "eagle logo black and white." The AI then creates an image based on your description. It’s a neat way to get unique starting points for your designs.

You can also use an image prompt or base it on your current view. However, testing shows that text prompts often yield the best results. The AI works with third-party services to generate these images.

Enhancing Prompts for Sketch Creation

The "Enhance Prompt" feature can refine your image generation. You can choose between "Sketch Creation" or "Generic Image." Selecting "Sketch Creation" adds terms to the prompt. These terms help the AI create images with clear lines and crisp edges, perfect for sketching. Think phrases like "well-defined crisp edges, clean lines, bold geometric shapes."

If you choose "Generic Image," it focuses on a more general visual. For example, "monochrome black and white eagle logo design suitable for product engineering." Using these enhanced prompts can help guide the AI toward outputs that are easier to trace later on. Experimenting with these options can lead to better results.

Image Prompt and Current View Options

Beyond text, Project Salvador offers other input methods. You can upload an existing image to use as a prompt for the AI. This is useful if you have a specific visual in mind. Another option is to generate based on what's currently displayed in your Fusion workspace. The plugin can create something similar to your on-screen design.

Inserting Images as Canvases

Once you have an AI-generated image you like, it's time to bring it into your design. Project Salvador allows you to insert this image directly onto a plane as a canvas. You'll select your desired plane, and the image will appear. You can then adjust its scale if needed. After confirming, the image is placed in your workspace.

Calibrating Canvas Scale for Precision

Accurate sizing is crucial for any design. Right-click on the canvas you inserted. Select "Calibrate" from the menu. This lets you set precise dimensions. Click on two points on your image that represent a known distance. Then, input the actual measurement you want that distance to be. For example, you can set the total width of a logo to be 200 mm or 4 inches. This ensures your imported design is correctly scaled for your project.

The "Generate Sketch" Function: AI Tracing Magic

This is where Project Salvador truly shines. The "Generate Sketch" tool takes your canvas image and traces its outlines. It focuses on the darker areas to create actual vector sketch geometry. You select the canvas, and the plugin automatically generates the sketch. It’s surprisingly fast and effective. You can use this on AI-generated images or any other image you import as a canvas.

Pros and Cons of Project Salvador's Tracing

The biggest advantage of Project Salvador's tracing is its speed and integration. Everything happens within Fusion. There's no need for external software. However, there are limitations. Unlike dedicated vector programs, you can't fine-tune the tracing process. You can't adjust settings for curve tightness or how closely it follows image details. Despite this, the results are often very good for many common tasks.

Cleaning Up Generated Sketches

After the "Generate Sketch" tool runs, you might have extra lines or shapes you don't need. The beauty of this process is that you can edit the resulting sketch. Use standard Fusion sketching tools to clean up the geometry. You can simply select unwanted lines or closed areas and delete them. For example, if the fly-fishing logo sketch includes small dots or a border you don't want, you can easily remove them.

Connecting Disconnected Sketch Segments

Sometimes, the tracing process might leave small gaps or disconnected parts. You can use the sketch tools to close these. Simply draw lines to connect open segments. This is essential for creating closed profiles. Closed profiles are necessary for operations like extrusion. For instance, if there are free-floating areas in your design, you can connect them to the main body. This makes the entire shape a single, usable profile.

Leveraging Sketches for Design and Manufacturing

Once your sketch is clean and complete, you can use it for many purposes. You can extrude the sketch to create 3D bodies. This is perfect for making custom parts or components. For example, you could create a sheet metal plate with a unique cutout. The resulting sketch profiles are also excellent for manufacturing processes. You can use them to cut designs on a plasma cutter, laser cutter, or cnc. All of this is possible directly within Fusion.

Project Salvador significantly simplifies importing images into Fusion. Its AI features for image generation and automatic sketching save valuable design time. This plugin offers a much faster and more efficient way to work. While advanced vector editing still has its place, Project Salvador is an excellent tool for many everyday tasks.

We highly recommend giving Project Salvador a try. See how it can improve your workflow. If you need more help learning Fusion, visit cadedlc.com/support. Keep learning, and most importantly, have fun designing!