Question 1

Can StyleCAD import/export Gerber files?

Accepted Answer

StyleCAD is able to import pattern blocks (Gerber terminology) from Gerber *.pce, *.tmp, *.mod files. 
A complete style may be imported from MOD files. The size list and grading data are imported.

StyleCAD is also able to import/export Gerber Zip files containing TMP files.  TMP files may contain piece data or model data.

Question 2

Can StyleCAD import/export Lectra files?

Accepted Answer

Yes, StyleCAD can import fully graded pattern data from IBA files and VET files. 
Each IBA file contains a single pattern and VET file is analogous to a style file in StyleCAD. 
Importing a style from a VET file is the simplest method.

In addition to importing IBA and VET files, StyleCAD is able to import/export Lectra MDL file format also.

Question 3

Can StyleCAD import Yuka files?

Accepted Answer

Yes, StyleCAD can import fully graded/seamed pattern data from PAN and PAX files. 
The user should make sure each pattern piece is closed. 
If the outline detection is having difficulty, assigning a different color to the pattern outline can yield a very reliable result.

Question 4

I have system X. Can I import my files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

StyleCAD is capable of of reading several file types for import. 
These include DXF files, which can be generated by almost any CAD system, as well as system specific files such as Gerber and Lectra files. 
StyleCAD can also import patterns directly from cut files and plot files.

Question 5

What types of DXF files does StyleCAD support?

Accepted Answer

DXF pattern files generated by system X might not be the same as a DXF pattern file generated by system Y. 
StyleCAD can import many different DXF pattern file types, including AAMA DXF, Gerber DXF, Polynest DXF, PAD DXF, 
Lectra DXF, Asahi DXF, Optitex DXF, Tukatech DXF, Yuka DXF, Corel Draw DXF, AutoCAD DXF, and Assyst DXF format

Question 6

How do I import StyleCAD DXF/RUL files into Gerber Accumark system?

Accepted Answer

StyleCAD DXF/RUL file import procedure to Gerber
1. For the following discussion, Gerber Accumark 8.2.X or above version is assumed.  From the Gerber toolbar, start the Pattern Conversion Wizard.  DXF Converter was used in previous versions but it is known to be not as reliable.  If the Gerber company that you are working with or a Gerber support person can advice of a better/easier method, we would be happy to change the below information.
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2. Pattern Conversion Wizard. Importing DXF/RUL file is a 2 step process.  First DXF file is imported and then the RUL file is imported.  Select "Import Style" button to import the DXF file.  "Storage Area" should point to the Gerber folder where you want the imported pieces to be stored.  "Destination/Source Location" should point to the folder where the StyleCAD DXF file is located.  Finally select the "Source File" to point to the StyleCAD DXF file.
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3. Config menu allows some option settings.  The following show a typical import parameters.
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4. The follwoing shows the typical layer assignment and it agrees with StyleCAD layer assignment.
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5. Click the Process button to start the DXF importing after selecting the source file.
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6. If successfully imported, a message appears in the lower status line.   In order to import the grading data from the RUL file, place the StyleCAD RUL file in the same folder as the DXF file.
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 Select the "Import Rules" button and select the RUL file as the "Source File."  Press the "Process" button. 
7. Each pattern in the DXF file is imported as a separate digitized file in the destination folder.  In the AccuMark Explorer program, each pattern's digitized file must be 'Vertified' in order for the PDS program to open them.
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8. Select the temporary piece digitized files and using the right mouse menu select "Verify" command.
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9. A popup status window shows up and shows if the verification process was successful.

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10. After the verification process, each pattern's piece data is created.   At this point, select the piece names (type is "Piece") and using the right mouse menu select "Pattern Design" command.
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11. The Pattern Design program displays the imported patterns.
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Question 7

Can I import StyleCAD markers sent to me from another company without a matching style file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 
StyleCAD makes this an easy process so you can focus on working on the project, not spending precious time learning the underlying technologies.

Question 8

How do I import Gerber Plot files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

Importing Gerber Plot Files
 
 Please follow the steps below. They are broken up into two sections: "Gerber Export" and "StyleCAD Import." 
Part 1: Gerber Export

1. Create a folder using Windows Explorer where you want the HPGL files to be saved. For example, create a folder on the C: drive called PLOTFILES

2. Start AccuMark Utilities/Configuration/Dos File Configuration

Plot File Type = HPGL

Plot Destination Path: Path must be set so that the HPGL files are sent to the correct folder (for example:  C:\PLOTFILES\)

3. Outputting AccuMark HPGL files:

AccuMark Explorer/Choose the piece or pieces you want to convert.  They should be highlighted in blue.  Right-click over the blue area and select Send to Plotter.

The Plot Destination should be set to DOS.

Fill out the Annotation Table and Piece Plot Parameter Table.

Sizes to Plot: Type in the correct size. Then press OK.

Note: A major issue with importing plot files from Gerber is that their plot files often contain non-standard objects such as text and corner diamonds. To properly import these files into StyleCAD, it is important to disable these non-standard objects before creating the plot file.

Below are examples of items that should be disabled:

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Part 2: StyleCAD Import 
 
1.  In PDS, select the working folder by going to File -> Set Current Folder. 
 
2.  Create a new style file by going to File -> New Style.  Enter the style name and other optional information. 
 
3.  Select the plot file you'd like to import by going to File -> Import External File -> Import Plot File.  
 
4.  The Plot file selection menu appears.  You can select multiples files from here.  
 
5.  Select the import options (see image below).

Select Gerber Plot Format.  If the Imported Graded option is selected, the plot file is assumed to contain the nested plot of a graded pattern.
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Question 9

How do I import AutoCAD DXF files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

mporting AutoCAD DXF Files into StyleCAD
 
StyleCAD has the ability to import AutoCAD DXF files directly, as long as the DXF file contains the standard Polyline, Line and Bezier curve commands. Other complicated Splines are not yet supported by StyleCAD. 
 
Both PDS/Grading and Marking can import DXF files from AutoCAD. The instructions below apply to all modules, and includes added reference for importing DXF markers into the Marking module.  
 
Here is the typical procedure for importing AutoCAD DXF files into StyleCAD. 
1. Create a new Style File - If using StyleCAD 5.0, first open an existing style file or create a new one with File -> New Style. If using StyleCAD 6.0, a style file does not need to be open before importing any files.

2. Import into StyleCAD - Go to File -> Import DXF File.

3. Select your desired DXF file - You can import the file from any folder on your computer or on a network.

4. Select the Import Format - In this case, we're selecting the AutoCAD format.

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5. StyleCAD processes the file - StyleCAD processes the DXF file and shows a report when the process is completed. 
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6. Save the imported file in a style - When using Marking to import a DXF file, StyleCAD asks you if you'd like to save the DXF file to a style file. If your imported DXF file is a marker, StyleCAD ads the newly imported marker to the style file that was just created.

Question 10

How do I import Autometrix DXF files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

Importing Autometrix DXF to StyleCAD

This section discusses how to export a DXF file from the Autometrix system in order to import pattern data to StyleCAD. This discussion is relevant to the following version. We have not tested on any other version. 
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Export using "DXF for Gerber (*.dxf)" as shown below
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Run StyleCAD Grading/PDS program. Select Import DXF command under the file->Import menu. When the DXF format selection window is displayed, select the "Autometrix" format. Click the OK button.

Question 11

When I import DXF files from AutoCAD, the objects' polylines are sometimes not joined. How do I join them?"

Accepted Answer

Join Polylines in AutoCAD

Sometimes when you import an AutoCAD DXF file into StyleCAD, an object's polylines are not joined. This means that each line on that object is its own line, and is not joined to the rest of the object. This happens when an object is created in AutoCAD using lines rather than polylines. This can easily be fixed by following the directions below: 
1. On the Modify menu, click Object -> Polyline.

2. Select the polyline to modify.

3. If the selected object is a line or an arc, AutoCAD prompts:

Object selected is not a polyline. Do you want it to turn into one? : Enter y or n, or press ENTER.

If you enter y, the object is converted into a single-segment 2D polyline that you can edit. You can use this operation to join lines and arcs into a polyline.

When the PEDITACCEPT system variable is set to 1, this prompt is suppressed, and the selected object is automatically converted to a polyline.

4. Edit the polyline by entering one or more of the following options:

Enter j (Join) to join contiguous lines, arcs, or polylines. 
 
Join Polylines in StyleCAD

StyleCAD now allows the user to do this within StyleCAD itself without having to go back into AutoCAD and running this procedure. This is useful when files have already been imported into StyleCAD, and the user does not want to re-import the files. In fact, StyleCAD's new method of joining polylines is more intuitive than AutoCAD's own method.

Step 1: Importing AutoCAD DXF
1. Create a new style by selecting File -> New Style, then type in the new style name (use the DXF file name for simplicity), and finally click "OK”.

2. Select File –> Import External File -> Import DXF File to initiate the import process.

3. Select the required DXF file and click the "Open" button.

4. Select the correct DXF format and click the "OK" button.

5. Select the correct layer (usually the OUT layer, but may be different) and click "OK".

6. When the window asking "Process Internal Line detection?" appears, click "Yes”.

7. When the detection has completed, the "Rearrange Patterns?" window appears. Answer NO (in case the lines were not joined in AutoCAD).

8. Turn on the Fill option in the View Filter. If the shape is not colored (filled) , this means the lines are not joined.

9. Move the disconnected lines as a complete object by holding down the space bar and dragging with the left mouse button. This will move the lines into the best working position.

10. Zoom in and out as required.

11. Continue to Step 2: Joining the Polylines below.
 
Step 2: Joining the Polylines
1. First create a selction box around the shape whose lines you would like to convert into connected polylines.

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The selected points turn red. 
 
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2. Then right-click on one of the points to bring up the pop-up menu, and select "Join Polylines". 
 
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3. The polylines are joined, and consequently the shape becomes a temp pattern.  
 
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4. Convert the temp pattern into a normal pattern by right clicking anywhere inside the temp pattern and selecting "Convert to Pattern". The pattern now becomes filled just like any other pattern. 
Note: If a pattern has internal elements associated with it, such as drill holes, etc, and you wish to group those internal elements with the pattern, first make sure all polylines are formed so the shape is a pattern (make sure you have converted it from a temp pattern). Then simply drag a selection box around the entire pattern, and all of the points (including those belonging to the internal elements) will turn red. Then simply right-click on any internal element's point and select Group/Ungroup -> Group Polyline. All of the internal elements will now be grouped with the pattern.

Question 12

Importing StyleCAD DXF files into AutoCAD, pattern names with space cause error."

Accepted Answer

Remove space from all piece name in StyleCAD and this should eliminate the error.

Question 13

How do I import CorelDRAW DXF files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

Importing AutoCAD DXF Files into StyleCAD

StyleCAD has the ability to import CorelDRAW DXF files directly, as long as the DXF file contains the standard Polyline, Line and Bezier curve commands.  Other complicated Splines are not yet supported by StyleCAD.

Here is the typical procedure for importing a CorelDRAW DXF file into StyleCAD. 
1. CorelDraw's DXF File Export - Export DXF file from CorelDraw.

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2. StyleCAD DXF File Import - Import the exported DXF file in StyleCAD. 
 
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3. Ungroup Grouped Lines - Select all grouped line and perform UNGROUP command. 
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4. Join Polylines - Perform Join Polyline on separate sections to create the pattern outline. 
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5. Convert to Pattern - Perform CONVERT TO PATTERN to convert the joined pattern outline to a valid pattern. Select All internal lines and do GROUP. 
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6. Save As Original > Point Reduction - Save a copy of the current pattern as original pattern then optionally perform Point Reduction to reduce the number of points. 
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Question 14

Can I import StyleCAD markers sent to me from another company without a matching style file?

Accepted Answer

Import Markers Without a Style File
 
Yes. Please follow these steps to do so. In this example, we'll be importing a marker file called 1_x.mrk by creating a dummy style file called 1.sty.
1. In PDS, create a new style and name it "1".
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2. Accept the default sizes and click OK.
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3. In Marking, select Open Marker from the File menu.
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4. Select 1.sty from the folder you saved the file in.
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5. Select Import Marker from the File menu.
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6. Select the marker file you want to import (in this case, 1_x.mrk).
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7. Click OK to overwrite the previous marker.
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8. Select Open Marker from the File menu.
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9. Select the marker named "x" from the marker list. This is the marker we imported called "1_x.mrk".
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10. The marker is now visible on the screen.

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Question 15

How do I Import Lectra files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

Import Lectra Files
 
StyleCAD allows the user to import both VET and IBA files into StyleCAD. Although you can't import MDL files directly, the following is the method used to export MDL files from Lectra, and then import the files into StyleCAD. Please note that StyleCAD needs both the IBA and VET files in order to successfully import Lectra files. This is because the VET files alone don't contain the shape info. 
 
In Lectra, The Export Garment control in the File menu makes it possible to generate from current model and its variants, the .VET and .IBA files that are compatible with other Lectra Systemes applications (LS MOdel III, marker making, databases, etc.).  
 
The variants correspond to the garments identified as .VET and the pieces contained in the variants correspond to the BIs identified as .IBA.  The exportation is carried out in the library defined by the Save Library .VET/.IBA control in the File menu. 
 
To choose the garment exportation save library: 
1. Activate the Lib. Save. .VET/.IBA control in the File menu.  The Lectra file selector is displayed.

2. Select the access path of the library and validate.

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To export a garment: 
1. If necessary activate the Lib. Save. .VET/.IBA control in the File menu.

2. Activate the Export Garment control in the File menu.  
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3. Select the export options. The files are then generated as .VET et .IBA in the current library. 
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It is also possible to launch an input order for the plot by selecting the control Export - Plot in the Parameters menu. 
  
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In Lectra, the Model Validation control makes it possible to save at the same time the current model into model files (.mdl or .MDL) into garment files (.VET) and into BI files (.IBA) keeping a coherence between the files.  This control is intended for the exchanges with the database which is warned of this validation. 
 
The exportation is made in the library defined by the controls Model Validation Library and Garment Validation Library in the File menu. 
 
To choose the model and garment validation library: 
1. Activate the Model Validation Library control in the File menu.  The Lectra file selector is displayed.

2. Select the access path of the library, then validate.

3. Activate the Garment Validation Library control in the File menu.  The Lectra file selector is displayed.

4. Select the access path of the library, then validate.
 
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To import the Lectra file into StyleCAD: 
 
1. First, start a new style file. If the user attempts to import external files (such as VET, IBA, DXF, etc.) without first creating a new style file, advanced style file functions (such as saving, and the graphics toolbar) will be unavailable. 
 
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2. Go to File -> Import External File -> Import Lectra VET File (or IBA file). 
 
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3. When importing pattern pieces from a third party file (Lectra, Gerber, etc.), it is sometimes necessary to change each pattern piece's marker group. StyleCAD allows the user to change the marker groups for each piece at the time of import. 
 
Please refer to the  Marker Group Mapping KB section for information about completing this step. 
  
Please Note: When a VET file is imported, all the pieces defined in the VET file are imported as well. Pattern attributes such as single/pair, quantity and marker group are also imported.  The Lectra file's size list is also imported, and then assigned to the StyleCAD style file.

Question 16

How do I change a pattern piece's marker group when importing into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

Changing Marker Groups Upon Import
 
When importing pattern pieces from a DXF or third party file (Lectra, Gerber), it is sometimes necessary to change each pattern piece's marker group. Since importing and changing marker groups on several hundred or thousand pieces at a time can be cumbersome, StyleCAD allows the user to change the marker groups for each piece at the time of import. 
 
By following these simple steps, the user can quickly and efficiently change pattern marker groups while importing them at the same time.
 
In our example, we'll be importing Lectra IBA and VET files. 
 
1. First, start a new style file. If the user attempts to import external files (such as VET, IBA, DXF, etc.) without first creating a new style file, advanced style file functions (such as saving, and the graphics toolbar) will be unavailable. 
 
Note: If using StyleCAD 6.0, the user may skip step 1 as a style file does not need to be open when importing files. 
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2. Select the Import Lectra VET Files option from the Import External File submenu in the File menu. 
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3. Select the file you wish to import into StyleCAD. Again, in this example we're importing VET files, so we select the appropriate file to import. 
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4. The files import into StyleCAD, and the user can track the real-time progress in the File Import Status window. 
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Once the files import into StyleCAD, the DXF Marker Group Alias Conversion window automatically appears. This window allows the user to change the marker group for each imported pattern piece. 
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The original marker group alias appears in the first column named DXF Marker Group Alias. The second column named Convert to StyleCAD Marker Group Alias allows the user to change the marker group's alias inside of StyleCAD (this can be considered the 'rename' column). This is demonstrated in Arrow 1 in the image below. 
 
Note: The third column is typically empty when the user does not create a new style file before importing files. If the user opens an existing style file, the third column will contain the marker groups already in existence. 
 
Once the new name has been chosen, the user can then assign the new name to one of StyleCAD's own marker group alias name (Self, Contrast, etc.). This is accomplished by clicking on the down-arrow button in the third column (demonstrated in Arrow 2 in the image below), which will cause the new marker group alias you just created to be associated with the StyleCAD marker group alias. This is demonstrated in Arrow 3 in the image below. 
 
5. Please be aware that columns 2 and 3 are not related to each other directly. This means that you can assign any marker group from column 2 into any StyleCAD marker group alias in column 3. 
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In our example above, we renamed 1 into Self, then assigned Self as Self within StyleCAD. We then took 2 and renamed it Fusing 1 and assinged Fusing 1 as Fusing 1 within StyleCAD. The third step we did was rename 3 as Lining 1 and assigned Lining 1 as Lining 1within StyleCAD. Finally, we took 4 and renamed it Contrast and assigned Contrast 1 as Contrast 1 within StyleCAD. 
 
As you can see, you can rename the incoming marker group aliases into anything you'd like, and then assign that new name to any StyleCAD marker group alias you'd like. We renamed the incoming groups as familiar StyleCAD names, just for the sake of avoiding confusion. 
 
Please note that for this process to work correctly, all incoming aliases must be mapped to a StyleCAD marker group alias. 
  
6. Once all selections have been made, press OK to save the selections and clear the window. The imported patterns will now have their original marker group aliases associated with StyleCAD's own marker group aliases. 
  
Note: This process is designed to expediate the marker group change process upon importing the external files. The user may also individually change each pattern's marker group by right-clicking on a pattern, and selecting the Properties menu item. From here, the user may change the marker group for each pattern.

Question 17

I get Delta Grade errors when I try converting a Polynest file into GPF for importing into StyleCAD

Accepted Answer

Delta Grade Errors when converting Polynest files to GPF
 
Since StyleCAD is able to import Gerber GPF files, many former Polynest users enjoy using importing GPF files directly output from Polynest. Polynest has a limitation in that if the user tries converting a pattern from native Polynest format into Gerber GPF, they may sometimes receive a "Delta Grade" error. This error occurs when the grading on the pattern is more than 5cm (2in). 
 
To solve this error, simply reduce or remove the grading on the pattern within Polynest, and then export the file to Gerber GPF. Then import the GPF file into StyleCAD, and re-apply the grading from within StyleCAD

Question 18

How do I import Gerber TMP (piece data) files into Gerber Accumark system

Accepted Answer

1. Store TMP file to a zip file
 Select  all tmp files and add to a zip file to archive them.  -----zip file.
The latest StyleCAD V7 Export Gerber TMP function exports all TMP files and then
automatically creates a ZIP file from them.  Therefore, this step 1 may not be necessary.
2.  Importing the Zip file to Accumark
Open Accumark Explor.   
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File / new / Storage/TEST
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Open  TEST by double clicking the new folder
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File / Import zip. ( Choose  Zip file you need)
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Question 19

How do I Export Gerber Model with piece data in Zip file format (to be imported to StyleCAD)?

Accepted Answer

1. Select a Model
 Using the Gerber Explorer, first select the model (style) you want to export.  Then select File->Export Zip command.   
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2.  Select the Export Folder
Select the export folder and then type the file name of the zip file.
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3.  Select the Export Option
When the Export Summary window comes up, make sure to check the Include Components button.  This includes all piece data in the exported zip file.  Without the option, the export zip file will contain only the model file data.  StyleCAD would not be able to import pattern data in that case.
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4.  Completed.
Process Completed message shows up.
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Question 20

How do I Import illustrator files into StyleCAD?

Accepted Answer

Import illustrator Files

StyleCAD allows the user to import illustrator files using DXF format.

Export procuedure in illustrator.
File->Export->Save As type (AutoCAD Interchange File (*.DXF)->DXF/DWG Option (refer to below image)

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Import procedure in StyleCAD.
File->Import DXF file->Use the AutoCAD Format with scale factor or 1. You may have to adjust the scale depending on what the unit setting was in the illustrator.

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Question 21

Exporting AAMA DXF/RUL files from Gerber Accumark

Accepted Answer

Exporting AAMA DXF/RUL from Gerber version 8

In Gerber, we experience errors often when AAMA DXF/RUL files are exported. Because of these errors the Rul file if often not produced and only DXF file is produced. This DXF file will contain the base size shape only. So we recommend the GERBER user to use StyleCAD's Import GEBER TMP file or Import Style from GERBER Data folder options. 
1. Choose AAMA (Rul file is created automatically).

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2. Select the storage folder containt the model to export. 
 
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3. Select the notch type. 
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4. Select the Model. 
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5. Select the destination folder. 
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6. The DXF file name follows the Source file name and may be renamed. 
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Question 22

Can StyleCAD import/export Optitex files?

Accepted Answer

Yes, StyleCAD is able to import DSN and PDS files and export DSN file format.

FAQ