Import/Export

Import (F9)

Click Import to add patterns to an existing project. You can import .cmd, .dxf, .gbr, and .pdf. The patterns will follow your mouse once imported. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out. You can also hold the mouse wheel down to pan. Click where you want to place the patterns.

The preferences to import a file are the same as opening a file.

Element Conversion

Many CAD programs output points as two lines that form a cross instead of an actual point element. With any import type, PatternSmith can search for crosses and convert them to point elements. There a various tools to search for crosses by size, rotation, and tool type. Go to File – Preferences – Import to enable this feature.

Export (F8)

Click Export to export any selected patterns as an AutoCAD DXF (.dxf), PatternSmith PSXML (.psxml), or Eastman CMD (.cmd). If no patterns are selected, all patterns will be exported.

Export Nest (F7)

Click Export Nest to export nested tables to an AutoCAD DXF (.dxf), PatternSmith Project (.project), Gerber Cut File (.gbr), or Eastman CMD (.cmd).

A secondary window will appear for each file type. Set the options as required. For all file types, there are options for which nests to Export. Choices are Current Nest, All Nests on Current Material, or Selected Nests on Current Material. You can only export from one material at a time. The material name can be added to the end of the file name. You may choose to make all nests in one file, or a separate file for each nest. When
all the nests are in one file, you may choose to add a gap between each nest in the exported file.