Joining/welding/unite text are all different words that mean the same thing.
Start by typing in your word and choose your favorite font. In the example, I typed “hello” with the font Lovely Valentine Script. The size does not matter since you can resize it later. Using your selection tool, right-click to highlight your text and then left-click on “create outline” This will allow your laser to cut the text. Note: once you create outline, you won't be able to edit your word, including changing the font or spell checking, so make sure to spell check first. ***Tip make a copy of the text and move it to the side of your project and just ignore it. This will be helpful if you ever need to go back to the file and know what font you used. I like to type the name of the font to make it even simpler. Still needing more information, go to my website under Tutorial. If your text is cursive or has over-lapping lines you will need to do another step. Highlight the text and go to pathfinders and you will join the text. Under Shape Modes choose Unite. That is it, you are ready to save your word as an SVG and upload it to your laser.
Now that you have your word, if you would like to make your word thicker, you can make an offset.
How to make an offset in Adobe Illustrator
Using your selection tool, Highlight the text and go to Object > Path > Offset Path or Effect > Path > Offset Path.
This will open the Offset Path setting window where you can change the offset size and join style. If your offset number is positive it will thicken up your design, however you can also choose a (-) negative number. You also can choose between Miter, Round or Bevel join styles. Turn on the Preview option to see how the offset looks as you modify it. Once I have word offset the way I like, then I will highlight everything and use the pathfinder tool unit again to join the offset to the word.
Tip: You can also add a (-) negative number on the offset path. This is great if you are scoring your words on a backer to line them up.
How to connect Text to a shape in Adobe Illustrator
Connecting text to a shape in adobe Illustrator is usually pretty straight forward.
Start with the shape and the text that you would like to combine. If you have not already done it using your selection tool, right-click to highlight your text and then left-click on “create outline” This will allow your laser to cut the text. Next highlight the text and go to pathfinders and you will join the text. Under Shape Modes choose Unite. Select the text and the shape and go to pathfinders and you will join the text. Under Shape Modes choose Unite.
If you would like more information on the Mira 9, visit the Aeon website.