The computer lab is managed by the Enoch Pratt Free Library and is open for use by anyone during Open Work's regular business hours.
¶ Community workshop culture
The shops here are a shared space, with a community of users at all different experience levels. Open Works strives to foster a welcoming environment where folks feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Community Technicians are also available to help and answer questions about any tools or processes you are unfamiliar with. It is always better to ask questions than use a tool in an unsafe way. Even experts sometimes need to be reminded of good habits!
¶ Shop Etiquette
- The Computer Lab is a shared space, so please be mindful of community members working around you and respect each other's space and belongings.
- Please use headphones or earbuds if listening to any video, audio, music, etc.
No food or drinks in the computer lab!
¶ Cleanup
Everyone is expected to clean up after themselves during and after using any shops, labs, or classrooms. Use the brooms and other cleaning supplies provided to clean your work station as you go. Turn off machines and return tools to their storage location after each use. Community Technicians will ask you to begin cleaning up 30 minutes prior to closing. Please be mindful that we share this space with everyone and its all of our responsibilities to keep things neat and orderly.
¶ Lab Hours
Before your visit, please ensure the shop is open for use. The shop is closed for general use when there are classes and special events booked in the space.
The shop's weekly class schedule and other scheduled events are posted on the shop door and communicated via email. Please plan accordingly.
For reference, the building hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
Community Technicians will ask you to begin clean up 30 minutes before the building is closed.
¶ Project Storage
Files on computers in the PC Lab are deleted after 15 minutes of idleness.
Files on the other computers and tools are deleted approximately once per week.
Deleted files cannot be recovered. Be sure to save your work to a USB drive or an online storage service.
¶ Safety
¶ Proper Attire and Protective Gear
No protective gear is required to use the Computer Lab.
¶ Fire Safety
¶ Extinguisher and First Aid Kit Location
Click to expand map of the computer labs
See Emergency Procedures page for more detailed emergency protocols.
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
Prepare an image for cutting using Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape
Using RDWorks for the Laser Cutters.
Using Vcarve for the CNC Routers.
Using Cura to slice models for 3D Printers.
¶ Software
Please understand that we cannot provide in depth instruction on every piece of software, nor can we provide detailed tutorials on constantly evolving tools. Please seek tutorials from the manufacturer, from on the internet in general, or from youtube. While some of the pages linked below have tutorials linked from them, no assurance of quality or applicability is made. This list may be incomplete or have retired software listed.
| icon | software name | software purpose | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
3D Builder | 3D Viewing and Modeling | |
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Adobe Creative Cloud | a set of applications and services that gives users access to a collection of software used for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and other tasks | |
 |
AutoDesk | 2D and 3D CAD drafting | |
 |
Blender | 3D modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and game creation | |
| Cura | slicer prepares 3D models for printing | ||
 |
GIMP | 2D raster graphics editor used for image manipulation and image editing, free-form drawing, transcoding between different image file formats, and more specialized tasks. | |
 |
Inkscape | 2D vector graphics editor | |
| MangoSign Player | cloud based digital signage platform | ||
| Microsoft Office Suite | word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation program, and others | ||
 |
OBS Sudio | screencasting and streaming app | |
 |
PrusaSlicer | slicer prepares 3D models for printing | |
 |
RDWorks | create, edit, and execute laser engraving and cutting jobs | |
 |
Rhinoceros 5 | create, edit, render, and analyze 3D models | bring your own login |
 |
Sketchup Pro | create and manipulate 3D models of buildings, landscapes, furniture, and other objects | |
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VCarve | create and cut parts on a CNC Router | |
¶ Reference Guides and General Assistance
Open Works strives to foster a welcoming environment where folks feel comfortable asking questions and learning.
Please do not hesitate to ask our Community Technicians if you need a refresher on how to operate a machine or tool. It is always better to ask questions than use a tool in an unsafe way. Even experts sometimes need to be reminded of good habits!
If any tool or machine needs attention, please alert a Community Technician as soon as possible.
In addition to this online wiki, manuals and other reference materials are on or near each machine in the shops. You can also look up each machine page in this wiki for more guides and reference information.