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Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

► Where can I get Help?
► What file formats can be used?
► What are the limitations of the Trial Versions
► What are the minimum requirements for my PC to run Vectric software?
How many computers can I install my Vectric software on?
► Do you have educational pricing for Vectric Software?
► Can I run the Trial Version in a non-English version?
► Why do I receive an error opening recent files?
► Why do I get "An unknown error occurred while accessing an unnamed file" when saving to a network location?
► Where is the Vectric Files folder?
► Where do I look to find the Tool Database on my PC?
► Where do I look to find the Post Processors folder on my PC?
► Where do I look to find the Gadgets folder on my PC?
► What is the latest software version available?
► What is the difference between Updates and Upgrades?
► What are Gadgets?
► What is the Vectric License Transfer Policy?
► I Need to Email Support
► How do I use tutorials in the Trial Edition?
► How do I Uninstall Vectric Software?
► How do I find which version of the software I am running?
► How do I find and install an update when a newer version of the software is available?
► How do I download my free Clipart?
► How do I add new material image files to the available list?
► How do I access installed Video Tutorials?
► How can I compare the features of each Program?
► Dropbox and File Sharing Folders
► Double Clicking loads older version
► Can Vectric software run the CarveWright machine?
► Can I open the files created in the Trial Version of the software into the full version?

2D Design - Vectors & Images

► Can I open Corel Draw files?
► How can I change the Job / Material Size?
► Will the Vectric programs allow mathematical equations to be calculated?
► Why group vectors?
► When moving a vector using the Move Selected Objects tool, what is the difference between Absolute and Relative modes?
► What do the different line colors mean?
► What is the difference between Ungroup back to original objects layer and Ungroup onto groups layer?
► What is an open or closed vector?
► What is a node and how do I use them?
► What fonts come with the program?
► What are the Special Calculation Characters?
► What are the Node Editing Short-cut Keys?
► What are the Keyboard Short cut Keys?
► What are some problems and solutions for importing DXF files?
► Special Characters - Draw Text
► How do you determine which side of an open vector is the right or left?
► How do I display all the Alignment icons on the Drawing Tab?
► How can I work with a drawing that has both metric and imperial measurements?
► How can I import the image if my PDF does not contain vector information?
► How can I close an open vector?
► How can I change the Start Point of a vector?
► How can I change text spacing (kerning)?
► How can I add more fonts?
► Do I need to use layers?
► Can Vectric software run plasma/water jet machine tools?
► Can I work with an image file (bmp, tiff, jpeg etc.)?
► Can I use a Snap Grid or Guide Lines to help me work with vectors?
► Are there any shortcuts for controlling the view in the 2D Design window?

3D Design - Components

► How can I import a 3D model into Aspire/VCarve from another software program?
► Why does the edge of my 3D Component look very rough?
► What is the Zero Plane?
► What are the right settings for Model Resolution?
Organizing Clipart
► How can I open V3M files?
► How can I access Clipart?

SketchUp

► What is SketchUp?
► Why is my imported model much too big or much too small?
► When I import my model, I get multiple copies of components.
► When I import a flat panel with a rounded edge as a vector import it does not record the rounded edge.
► What version of Aspire or VCarve should I use to open SketchUp files?
► What sort of designs should I be using SketchUp for with Aspire and VCarve?
► What should I save my Sketchup model to import Vectors to Aspire or VCarve?
► What does Auto Orientate do in the Vector Import dialogue for SketchUp?
► My model does not look as smooth as it did in my other 3D package.
► My 3D SketchUp model is not importing to flat panels correctly in Aspire or VCarve
► I have updated Sketchup and now cannot open my files in Aspire or VCarve
► Why I can see through my model when it is imported?
► How do I import SketchUp models?
► How can I import a 2-sided SketchUp model?
► How can I get the best results with the SketchUp Vector import?
► Can I import SketchUp models into Aspire/VCarve?

Toolpaths

► How can I open a file from Cut3D (V3D), Vector Art 3D Machinist (V3M) or PhotoVCarve (PVC) in Aspire, VCarve or Cut2D?
► How can I tell how deep my V-Carving is?
► Will my CNC do V-carving work?
► Why is the machined edge of my dish model rough or have a ridge around it?
► Why is no toolpath being calculated for the vectors I have selected?
► Why does my actual cut part not look like the Preview Image?
► When should I use a Start Depth?
► What is the difference between changing a tool's settings in the Tool Database and Editing a tool in the Toolpath setup?
► What is the "Solid" option?
► What do I need to reset after a tool change?
► What controls the depth where the tabs are in a toolpath?
Saving Images with a plain background?
► In the Profile Toolpath, what is Allowance Offset used for?
► In the Pocket Toolpath, what is Pocket Allowance used for?
► How do Start Depth and Cut Depth work together?
► How do I use the two Safe Z settings, Z1 and Z2?
► How do I transfer the toolpaths to the machine tool?
► How do I stop the toolpath cutting past the edge of my 3D model?
► How do I setup the start point of the toolpath?
► How do I set the Cut Depth when V-carving?
► How do I machine a single line font?
► How do I ensure my bit will not hit a clamp when traveling across the machine bed?
► How can I remember what Allowance Offset or Pocket Allowance will change in my toolpath?
► How can I make copies of a toolpath to cut multiple versions of the same part?
► How can I machine a project which is larger than my CNC work area?
► How can I improve the edge quality of my 3D model when machining it?
► How can I improve the cut quality when working with difficult materials and/or deep V-carvings?
► How can I get an estimate of how long the toolpath will take to actually cut?
► How can I find the correct post processor for my machine tool?
► How can I create a new custom tool?
► How can I control how many passes (depths of cut) my toolpath will take?
► How can I adjust the depth of my V-carving when it is too deep or too shallow?
► Does Vectric software support Tool Changers?
► Can I create a tool with an undercut?
► Can I control the speed of the Toolpath Preview?
► Can I add different types of preview materials?
► Are there any shortcuts for controlling the view in the 3D Preview window?