Exporting vector layers

You can export individual or multiple vector layers as data so that the vector artwork can be imported into a new model or another drawing package.

Note: If you export to .dgk or .dxf format, then layer and colour information is preserved. If you export to .eps, then you can choose whether or not to preserve layer and colour information.

To export an individual vector layer:

1. In the Project panel, select the vector layer you want to export. Its panel is displayed below the splitter bar.
2. On the panel, click the Export Vectors button. This displays the Save Vector Layer dialog.
3. Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
4. Enter a File name.
5. In the Save as type list, select which file type in you want to save the vectors. If you select:

   EPS — Select Use vector layer colours to preserve the colours that you have assigned to your vector layers. Deselect this option to ignore vector layer colours and export vectors as black and white.

   DXF — Select Export True Geometry to export circles as their true shape instead of as arcs or Bézier curves, then select an export option:

   • Normal Export — Select this option to use Autodesk Manufacturing Data Exchange Utility and the real Autodesk libraries to save the file.
   • Old Export — Select this option to use the export method that was used by ArtCAM until version 2015. Use this option if you have problems with the new export method on third party software and machines.
   • Compatibility Export — Select this option to modify the exported vectors in an attempt to work around common issues that third party software has with the Normal Export option.

   DGK — Select Export True Geometry to export circles as their true shape instead of as arcs or Bézier curves.

6. Click Save to close the dialog and export the vector layer.

To export multiple selected layers:

1. In the Project panel, select the layers you want to export.
2. In the panel below the splitter bar, click the Export Layers button. This displays the Save Vector Layers dialog.
3. Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
4. Enter a File name.
5. In the Save as type list, select which file type in you want to save the vectors. If you select:

   EPS — Select Use vector layer colours to preserve the colours that you have assigned to your vector layers. Deselect this option to ignore vector layer colours and export vectors as black and white.

   DXF — Select Export True Geometry to export circles as their true shape instead of as arcs or Bézier curves, then select an export option:

   • Normal Export — Select this option to use Autodesk Manufacturing Data Exchange Utility and the real Autodesk libraries to save the file.
   • Old Export — Select this option to use the export method that was used by ArtCAM until version 2015. Use this option if you have problems with the new export method on third party software and machines.
   • Compatibility Export — Select this option to modify the exported vectors in an attempt to work around common issues that third party software has with the Normal Export option.

   DGK — Select Export True Geometry to export circles as their true shape instead of as arcs or Bézier curves.

6. Click Save to close the dialog and export the selected vector layers.

See also

• Selecting vector layers