FAQ

Design File FAQ's

  • Laser cutting is the process of using a highly focused beam of laser light to burn material in a controlled way to cut a shape or pattern out of a parent material.
  • Laser engraving is the process of using a focused beam of laser light to remove or burn material in order to create contrast.
  • Laser marking is the process of colour changing the parent material without removing any material in order to create a contrast mark.

Each laser machine is different and everyone’s workflow will look different, so therefore we can’t give you a step by step guide. However there are some fundamental similarities between all machines.

There are two main types of files you can find on Cartel Files. The first being a raster image that you will either mark or engrave, and the second type being a vector image that you can laser cut, mark or engrave. Depending on the file type, you may need to work with these files differently.

In order to work with a raster image you may need to open it in a software package similar to photoshop, in order to work with it. A raster image will typically have a filetype of .jpg, .png, .bmp, etc..

In order to work with a vector file you may need to open it in a software package similar to CorelDraw or Illustrator, in order to work with it. A vector design will typically have a filetype of .cdr, .ai, .svg, .pdf, etc..

If you still have questions about how to use the files provided, please first check the product page details section, or alternatively  contact the designer.

The answer to this question lies with the designer. They will typically design these files for a certain thickness of material and outline this information in the details section of the product page.

Designers are asked to be as detailed as they can be when uploading their designs to Cartel Files. These details will outline what type of machine you should use, what accessories or lens’ you need to complete the job, what file formats you will receive, etc… If you want t be sure it will work for your application, please feel free to contact the designer before purchasing the design.

Cartel Files FAQ's

Create an account by clicking on the account icon at the top right of the page. After filling out a short form, you will be officially a Cartel Files member. Alternatively you can also go to the My Accounts page and fill in your email, username and password.

To upload one or more of your design files, you must firstly be registered as a vendor. To signup as a vendor, please visit the Cartel Vendor signup page.

Once you’ve signed up as a vendor, upload your files by clicking on the “Add Product” option on your Vendor Dashboard.

You can now upload all your files and write a description about your design in the product page. Makes sure to carefully follow the Upload Tips page on what is required from you when uploading a new file to Cartel Files.

Once you’ve added your files, you will need to submit them for review. We do this manually to ensure that all files on our site are up to a certain standard and there are no viruses, harmful material or incomplete designs and descriptions for each product.

You can download your files from the downloads tab located in your account after you have completed the checkout process. 

Link to My Account page.

You will have access to the files forever. You can always go back to previous orders and download your files on the My Account page.

Cartel Vendors will have the option to withdraw their account balance via the Vendor Dashboard. There is a minimum withdraw threshold of $50 USD.

You have two options for withdrawing your account balance, the first being to your Paypal account and the second being direct bank transfer.

To be able to withdraw your funds, you will need to have setup one of the two withdraw options within your Vendor account, which can be done through the Vendor Dashboard.

You want to increase the visibility of your designs? Check out our tips page to boost the downloads and sales of your designs. 

Here are some useful tips to set your designs apart from the rest:

  1. Share your creations on social networks
  2. Notify your subscribers when you publish a new creation (by clicking on the Share button on your design pages).
  3. Use specialized groups, forums and blogs
  4. Make a video to show off your talent
  5. Upload a gif on your product page
  6. Upload photos of what the end product should look like
  7. Set the price realistically and fairly
  8. Be sure to describe your design files well
  9. Make sure your description is well translated
  10. Make yourself known within the Cartel network
  11. Make sure your creations are as exclusive as possible on Cartel Files.
  12. Get inspired by fashionable subjects to create your designs.
  13. Make sure your descriptions are well formatted
  14. Select the right category and add sub-categories
  15. Have a unique, creative or innovative  design to become eligible for selection of “Top Design” and be displayed on the home page
  16. Optimize your profile photo and biography for added credibility
  17. Connect your social media accounts to your Cartel Files profile
  18. Make sure your files are Laser-ready and easy to use.
  19. Carefully name your images to improve their ranking in search engines

The design files available on Cartel Files platform are subject to licenses and are not all free of copyright. These licenses define what you can and cannot do with a design file. You can check out the full documentation about licensing to have a better understanding on how they work.

By default, the Cartel – Private Use license is applied. This means that the design files under this license are reserved exclusively for private use:

You can use them at home for your personal use;
You may not modify or adapt the digital files and share them;
You may not sell the digital files;
You may not sell products that use these designs or any derived designs for economic or financial gain.
Only designs licensed for commercial use may be licensed for sale. For free designs, you can refer to the free licenses for commercial use. For paid designs, you can refer to the Cartel Files licenses for commercial use.

If you are not sure on what you are allowed to do, the best thing is to ask your questions directly to the designer(s). You can use the contact section when you are on a Cartel Vendor’s profile to communicate with them.