Artwork & S3 FAQ
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S3 SOFTWARE
How much does it cost?
S3 is a one-time fee of current list price. There are no subscription or update fees.
Can I try before I buy?
Does it work with a Mac?
S3 will only work on Macs with Parallels or Boot Camp in a Windows environment.
Is it compatible with laser printers?
Theoretically, yes. It is untested. S3 is based on Engravelab Photo Laser Plus which is for laser engravers.
Are there any tutorials available?
Yes! We have a video tutorial library as well as a User Guide covering all major topics for the sandcarving industry.
Will there be ways to update?
Updates will be pushed out as needed. You will be able to update from the main menu free of charge.
Can I edit my images with S3?
S3 is designed to convert a print-ready image to a halftone, but please note that S3 is NOT a full-service image editing program.
How does it compare to HalfWiz?
S3 was designed to be intuitive and simple. You can create halftones in S3 with just a few clicks, similar to HalfWiz.
How do I install S3?
Installing the S3 software is easy! Check out this video tutorial on how to install S3 software onto your PC.
Can I install S3 on multiple computers?
S3 is a single use license that can be installed on up to two computers. Once it is installed, it can not be uninstalled and reinstalled on a different computer.
How does it compare to Corel and Photoshop?
S3 is the only software made specifically for the sandcarving industry, which means it is much easier to use than Corel or Photoshop.
Why are blank pages printing after artwork?
Your blank size (size of artboard) should not be larger than the paper size you are printing on. Your artwork must be within the blank boundary.
Where is the Download Link?
Once purchased, a download link and the product key code will be sent to your e-mail address. Our software download notification email may be marked as SPAM. To avoid this, please whitelist info@ikonicsimaging.com. Otherwise, be sure to check your SPAM folder, if you have not received your download link.
ARTWORK
Where can I buy blank substrates?
There are many great places to find blank substrates. Two suppliers that we highly recommend and have worked closely with through the years are JDS Indstries and Glassplax.
JDS Industries has a large selection of blanks and supplies, including IKONICS Imaging films. Glassplax has a large selection of glass and awards and their products, like IKONICS Imaging products, are made in the USA.
If you still can't find what you are looking to carve or have questions about carving a specific substrate, contact us and we are happy to recommend a supplier or help answer your questions.
Resolution Test Pattern - Negative
Resolution Test Pattern - Positive
Creating Halftones in Photoshop
Halftone Guidelines
Creating Electronic Halftone Positives
Computer Recommendations
Film vs. Paper Positives
Inverting Artwork
Artwork Tips
CARVING TECHNIQUES
What are sandcarving techniques?
There are several carving techniques that can be used when sandcarving. Some of those include, stage carving, frosting, doming, reverse etching, halftone carving, back blasting, and deep carving.
Read more about techniques as marketable choices.
Color Fill
Color Filling Guide
What Paint Should I Use?
How To Blast And Color Fill A Tumbler
Color Fill Techniques - Wisdom Wednesday Video
Halftones
Sancarving Halftones - Using Adobe Photoshop
Halftones - Video Playlist
Sandcarving Halftone - Wisdom Wednesday Video
Stage Carving
Master The Sandcarving 2-Step
How To Multi-Stage Carve On Clear Glass
Stage Carving - Wisdom Wednesday Video