Here is a list of tips and tricks for taking photos and getting great traces. 

1. Quarters should be snug in corners
2. Take photos from 4 feet and centered on your space
3. Use a contrasting background
4. Hidden edges can't be traced - make sure they are visible
5. Avoid shadows
6. Don't worry about perfection - we help evenly space and align
7. Tall tools may need double checks
8. Use modeling clay for tippy tools

Quarters should be snug in corners

Quarters are used to help define the corners of the trace area. If quarters are not snug, the trace may end up warped or scaled incorrectly. 

 

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Take photo from 4 feet and centered on your space

Taking a photo from a minimum of 4 feet helps to reduce perspective effects on the photo. If photos are taken from too close or are not centered: 

• Items can appear warped
• Scaling for different items may not be the same

A good rule of thumb is that your feet should be visible in the picture and there should be a reasonable amount of floor visible around your space. If your space is on a table when taking your photo consider using a ladder. 

 

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Use a Contrasting background

Make sure that edges you'd like traced are clearly visible against the background. If your tools are blending in to the background, it may be helpful to put some paper behind them to add contrast. High quality photos and good lighting can also help solve this problem. 

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Hidden edges can't be traced

We draw what we see! If an edge you'd like traced is hidden by other features, we may miss it. Make sure edges you want traced are clearly visible in your photo. 

Tapered sockets are a great example of this. If the taper is upward, we may see only the small upper diameter of the socket, but the large diameter may have been what you wanted traced. 

  

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Avoid shadows

Shadows can distort or hide edges of an item, making it difficult to trace important features. Using a well lit environment can help. 

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Don't worry about perfection - we help evenly space and align

Your items don't have to be perfect in your photos. The most important thing is to show us how you want your tools organized and sorted. To help maintain foam strength over time, there should be a minimum 1/4" between each tool, and 1/4" between the tools and drawer edges. If you do that, we do the tedious work of aligning and evenly spacing to perfection! Also, you can always request changes when we send you a proof. 

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Tall tools may need double checks

Tall tools can be difficult to capture accurately due to perspective effects of the photo. When we provide your proofs, we may ask for you to check measurements to ensure an accurate trace. 

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Use clay or wax to hold Tippy Tools

Do your tools have trouble standing up the way you'd like them traced? Try using clay, wax, or a temporary adhesive to help them out. here are some good options: 

• Duct seal putty - available at most hardware stores
• Modeling clay - available at most craft stores
• Residue-free rug tape - available at most hardware stores

Remember that we draw what we see - if an edge you'd like traced is hidden by other features, we may miss it. 

 

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