Import Gerber PCE Files
Q: How do I import Gerber PCE files into StyleCAD?
A: StyleCAD allows the user to easily import PCE files into StyleCAD. Simply follow these directions to quickly and easily import the files.
1. Open an existing style file or create a new one. In order to import a file into StyleCAD, a file must be opened to place the imported files.
2. Point the mouse to File -> Import External File -> Import Gerber PCE File.
3. Browse your computer for the PCE file you would like to open. When you find it, simply click on the file then click on Open.
4. The Pattern Selection List appears. Select the patterns you'd like to import from the selected PCE file, then click on OK.
All of the files are selected by default, but you can choose individual files by clicking on each file you'd like to import while holding the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
5. StyleCAD then proceeds to import file patterns from the selected file.
6. When the patterns have been imported, the user is presented with a dialog box that asks if you'd like to rearrange the patterns. Click on yes if you'd like to, or no if not.
The imported patterns are not a part of a StyleCAD style file, and can be manipulated in the same way that a regular pattern can be. The user can now add points, internal lines, notches, drill holes, grading information, etc. When done, the user can save the patterns in the current style file.
Importing an Entire Gerber Block
The user also has the option of importing specific patterns from several different PCE files at once. This is useful for importing all patterns that begin with the letters "UGL", for example. Simply follow these directions to achieve this:
1. Open an existing style file or create a new one. In order to import a file into StyleCAD, a file must be opened to place the imported files.
2. Point the mouse to File -> Import External File -> Import Gerber PCE File.
3. Select the current folder. This is the folder that will contain all of the PCE files from which the patterns will be imported from. Browse to the proper folder, then press the Select button.
4. Enter the first few characters of the pattern names you'd like to import. In our example, we're looking for patterns that begin with the letters UGL. When we enter UGL, StyleCAD searches the selected folder for files that contain patterns that have the letters UGL in them.
5. The Pattern Selection List appears. Select the patterns you'd like to import from the searched PCE files, then click on OK.
All of the files are selected by default, but you can choose individual files by clicking on each file you'd like to import while holding the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
6. StyleCAD then proceeds to import file patterns from the searched files.
7. When the patterns have been imported, the user is presented with a dialog box that asks if you'd like to rearrange the patterns. Click on yes if you'd like to, or no if not.
The imported patterns are not a part of a StyleCAD style file, and can be manipulated in the same way that a regular pattern can be. The user can now add points, internal lines, notches, drill holes, grading information, etc. When done, the user can save the patterns in the current style file.