---
title: Dos & Don'ts of Workspace Setups
description: Use a solid, stable surface to work on Use a spoilboard Use double-sided tape, especially beneath areas on your workpiece that will be cut out entirely from the worksurface Use clamps Use sufficien
---
[Skip to content](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002790173-dos-don-ts-of-workspace-setups#main-content)
- [English](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002790173-dos-don-ts-of-workspace-setups)
- [Deutsch](https://support.shapertools.com/de/hc/de-de/articles/115002790173-empfohlene-vorgehensweisen-beim-einrichten-des-arbeitsbereichs)
- [Français](https://support.shapertools.com/fr/hc/fr-fr/articles/115002790173-procédures-recommandées-pour-la-mise-en-place-de-l-espace-de-travail)
English
Show submenu for translations
[Contact us](https://support.shapertools.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en)
![Shaper-KB-Logo.svg\]](https://support.shapertools.com/hubfs/Shaper-KB-Logo.svg)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- - [English](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002790173-dos-don-ts-of-workspace-setups)
- [Deutsch](https://support.shapertools.com/de/hc/de-de/articles/115002790173-empfohlene-vorgehensweisen-beim-einrichten-des-arbeitsbereichs)
- [Français](https://support.shapertools.com/fr/hc/fr-fr/articles/115002790173-procédures-recommandées-pour-la-mise-en-place-de-l-espace-de-travail)
English
Show submenu for translations
- [Contact us](https://support.shapertools.com/kb-tickets/new)
- [Go to shapertools.com](https://www.shapertools.com/)
[Go to shapertools.com](https://www.shapertools.com/)
Shaper Support
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Help Center](https://support.shapertools.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en)
3. [Workspace Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#workspace-setup)
# Dos & Don'ts of Workspace Setups
#### **Do:**
- Use a solid, stable surface to work on
- Use a spoilboard
- Use double-sided tape, especially beneath areas on your workpiece that will be cut out entirely from the worksurface
- Use clamps
- Use sufficient ShaperTape. Use strips that are at least 18" long, and placed no more than four inches apart from one another. Read more about how to create a good tape array [here](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002790213-Using-ShaperTape?hsLang=en).
- Travel over your entire design with Origin prior to cutting to ensure that sufficient tape is visible at all times. Keep in mind that if you cut through ShaperTape, it will no longer be readable to Origin
#### **Don't:**
- Use jigs that are not firmly clamped to a workbench or other stable surface
- Set up your workspace beneath lighting that is liable to change substantially (i.e. outdoors with passing shadows) or with low-quality LED lighting. You can see more information about problematic workspace lighting [here](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001245973-Workspace-Lighting?hsLang=en)
- Place ShaperTape on multiple surfaces that are not coplanar with one another. A fuller discussion of common taping mistakes can be found [here](https://community.shapertools.com/t/common-problems-in-taping/434)
- Begin cutting a design before you have a clear and deliberate cut plan
There are many tips and tricks on making good workspaces in the Origin Pro Tips Shaper Session:
- [Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Getting Started Guide](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#getting-started-guide)
- [Workspace Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#workspace-setup)
- [Scanning](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#scanning)
- [Design Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#design-mode)
- [Extensions](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#extensions)
- [Cut Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#cut-mode)
- [Cutting Principles and Techniques](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#cutting-principles-and-techniques)
- [Issues when Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#issues-when-cutting)
- [Error Messages](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#error-messages)
- [Tips and Tricks](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#tips-and-tricks)
- [Origin FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#origin-faqs)
- [Usage FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#usage-faqs)
- [Spindle FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#spindle-faqs)
- [Returns & Repairs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#returns-repairs)
- [BenchPilot](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Connecting to BenchPilot](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#connecting-to-benchpilot)
- [Before Starting a BenchPilot Cut](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#before-starting-a-benchpilot-cut)
- [While Cutting with BenchPilot](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#while-cutting-with-benchpilot)
- [BenchPilot Troubleshooting](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#benchpilot-troubleshooting)
- [Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Learn About](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#learn-about)
- [At A Glance](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#at-a-glance)
- [Aligning Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#aligning-plate)
- [Origin + Plate Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#origin-plate-setup)
- [Working with Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#working-with-plate)
- [Edge Mortising Adapter](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#edge-mortising-adapter)
- [Maintenance & Technical Data](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#maintenance-technical-data)
- [Workstation](https://support.shapertools.com/workstation?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Learn About](https://support.shapertools.com/workstation?hsLang=en#learn-about)
- [Studio](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Using Studio](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#using-studio)
- [Main Menu](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#main-menu)
- [Design Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#design-mode)
- [Plan Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#plan-mode)
- [Review Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#review-mode)
- [Templates](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#templates)
- [License and Account](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#license-and-account)
- [Trace](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Getting Started](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#getting-started)
- [Capturing Your Drawing](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#capturing-your-drawing)
- [Converting Your Drawing to Vectors](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#converting-your-drawing-to-vectors)
- [Saving Your Vectors](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#saving-your-vectors)
- [Care & Storage](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#care-storage)
- [Trace FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#trace-faqs)
- [AutoPass](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Activation](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#activation)
- [Before Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#before-cutting)
- [While Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#while-cutting)
- [FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [Connected Caliper](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Getting Started with your Connected Caliper](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#getting-started-with-your-connected-caliper)
- [Connecting the Caliper to your Device](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#connecting-the-caliper-to-your-device)
- [Using the Caliper](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#using-the-caliper)
- [Removing the Caliper from your Device](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#removing-the-caliper-from-your-device)
- [Care & Maintenance](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#care-maintenance)
- [Learn About](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#learn-about)
- [Accessories](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Origin Accessories](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#origin-accessories)
- [Basic Bits](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#basic-bits)
- [Specialty Router Bits](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#specialty-router-bits)
- [ShaperTape FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#shapertape-faqs)
- [Replacement Parts](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Gen2 Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#gen2-origin)
- [Shaper Workstation](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#shaper-workstation)
- [Shaper Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#shaper-plate)
- [ShaperHub](https://support.shapertools.com/shaperhub?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [ShaperHub](https://support.shapertools.com/shaperhub?hsLang=en#shaperhub)
- [Your Shaper Account](https://support.shapertools.com/your-shaper-account?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Account Support](https://support.shapertools.com/your-shaper-account?hsLang=en#account-support)
- [Designing for Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Overview](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#overview)
- [Adobe Illustrator](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#adobe-illustrator)
- [Affinity Designer](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#affinity-designer)
- [Coreldraw](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#coreldraw)
- [Fusion 360](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#fusion-360)
- [Inkscape](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#inkscape)
- [Palette CAD](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#palette-cad)
- [Rhino 3d](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#rhino-3d)
- [Shapr3d](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#shapr3d)
- [SketchUp](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#sketchup)
- [Pytha](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#pytha)
- [Vectr](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#vectr)
- [Vectorworks](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#vectorworks)
- [Designing Issues](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#designing-issues)
- [Troubleshooting and Maintenance](https://support.shapertools.com/troubleshooting-and-maintenance?hsLang=en)
[](https://shapertools.com?hsLang=en)
Shaper Help Center
Copyright © 2025, Shaper Tools