Add ability to print to scale

[shaymdev]

It would be great if there was the ability to print to scale. This would be great for those who are prototyping new physical layouts.

Use case: I'm designing a new minimal egronomic split keyboard, I'm not sure if the columnar stagger is comfortable for my hands. I'm also considering a splayed column layout and would like to test the amount of splay. I've created the layout using this awesome tool but would like to print it out to do some fake typing to see if it feels ok. (I'll also use the print out as a guide to trace and cut cardboard to actually layout switches to test further.)

[ferfebles]

Actually you can achieve this by downloading the SVG file, and resizing it until key size equals 19.05mm. Then you can print your design and start playing.

But sure, it will be easier getting a SVG with the correct size.. :-(

[iandoug]

Another way is via Swill's plate builder tool: http://builder.swillkb.com/
It didn't handle my rotated keys so well, so I had to edit a lot in a CAD program, but you get a CAD file that you can print to scale 1:1.

[ijprest]

I've got preliminary support internally... just haven't exposed it yet. SVG is definitely still a work-in-progress.

[iandoug]

@shaymdev : do you have a layout for me to test? I have a workaround you could look at.
See https://userscloud.com/3mrntw3boae1

[shaymdev]

This is the layout that I was trying to test.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/c913fdc97c64892f458f
I've already built the actual keyboard but in the future would like to consider a 'splayed' layout.

[iandoug]

On Tuesday 22 September 2015 08:38:36 shaymdev wrote:

This is the layout that I was trying to test.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/c913fdc97c64892f458f
I've already built the actual keyboard but in the future would like to
consider a 'splayed' layout.

See attached... if you can print it at 100% and advise if keys are 19mm (well
19.05mm actually)... Paper size is A3.

Hope github handles the PDF.

cheers, Ian

ian@zti.co.za http://www.zti.co.za
Zero 2 Infinity - The net.works
Phone +27-21-975-7273

[iandoug]

Okay, here's the PDF: http://www.filedropper.com/shaymdev-lifesize
Hope it's not too spammy, dunno how long it will be up.

[iandoug]

Okay got a png version for you ... if you can persuade it to print at 100%.

[drudru]

I'm in the same boat (desire to prototype). Is there a solution for this now?
I tried exporting to PNG, but it didn't look to scale.

[iandoug]

Can you share a URL? I have an "export life size" function on local version, but Ian Prest wasn't convinced it worked properly so it never went live.
In the mean time I've learned of a different way of getting things off the canvas, which I could try to see if it works better. The issue revolves around different monitors having different pixel densities, and then converting that into some standard that printers will honour ....

[drudru]

Hi - sure. Agreed about pixel density. This is why pdf is probably the best.
In fact, I would prefer PDF.

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/52d519f50c045212a1a5492e11cda8d3

My goal is to print this on paper, then start working on the thumb clusters.
Once that is good, I will try my hand at a 3d print.

It would be great if this was merged in.

[iandoug]

How about this?

[drudru]

Hi @iandoug - Thanks! that was a great help. I printed it and it was pretty close to what a keycap was sized to.

[iandoug]

Forgot to mention you should set software/printer/somewhere to print at 96 dpi.
Depends on what software/OS/etc you're using.
I've made numerous life-size mockups, printed from Gimp to A3 on Epson photo printer (only A3 printer I have access to). Then repositionable spray glue the printout and place keycaps... :-)