VinylCut 5 — file types, import/export, common pitfalls

Software-only. AM training + VinylCut product capability notes. No OEM brand names.

Native project vs imports

Save project / layout in VinylCut so you can reopen and edit over time (WYSIWYG mat state, layers, styles).
Prefer keeping an editable VinylCut project for shop jobs; exports are for hand-off to other apps or archives.

Exact native extension on disk should be confirmed on Monitor-PC File → Save (ask Eric if a shop naming convention is required — see questions-for-eric).

Import formats (supported family)

VinylCut documents import of common graphics including at least:

Format	Notes (AM training)
SVG / SVGZ	Preferred vector interchange. Import via toolbar Import. Scale is math-based (resolution-independent).
PDF	Often already vector; multi-page PDFs open a page picker — import one page at a time.
EPS	Listed in product capability set.
DXF	Listed — useful CAD outlines; verify path scale after import.
FCM, GSD	Listed among supported imports — niche cutter/design interchange; use when a client supplies them.
Raster (PNG/JPG etc.)	Import then Trace to get cut paths (see design-tools.md).

Always check the Import dialog’s file-type dropdown on 5.028 for the live list.

SVG DPI pitfall

SVG has no single universal “DPI”; wrong preference → wrong physical size on the mat.

Edit → Preferences → General → SVG DPI
Presets called out in AM training include Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDRAW, CorelDRAW 300 DPI, and a general default.
Match the exporting app’s convention when you know it; otherwise measure a known feature after import and scale.

Training: Import SVG · Export SVG · Import PDF.

SVG export tips (AM)

Option to export selection only vs whole page.
Compatibility checkbox for certain third-party craft apps when they mis-read VinylCut SVGs (use only when the receiving app needs it).
Registration marks can be included on export if style/marks are set for print+cut.
Match SVG DPI on export to the receiving app’s expectation.

Custom mat templates

Custom mat templates in the library workflow are SVG-only per AM mat-template training — other formats will not appear as templates.

Plotter languages (output side)

VinylCut speaks HPGL and DMPL so it can drive AM cutters and many other plotter-language machines. You normally send through the cut dialog rather than hand-writing plot files. Some AM cutters also accept USB-flash PLT/HPGL offline — that is machine-side, not a VinylCut substitute.

Common pitfalls (software)

Hidden same-colour stroke — looks fine on screen, cuts or prints an unwanted outline. Set stroke none; style Cut not Draw (remove strokes).
Open paths / broken nodes — weeding fails or vinyl tears; close paths; clean after trace.
Wrong mat size / units — design fits screen but not media; set project dimensions at New Project.
SVG scale surprise — fix SVG DPI prefs; measure after import.
Multi-page PDF — imported the wrong page; use the page picker.
Grouped PDF imports — hard to select letters; ungroup/edit carefully before cut.
Cut by colour confusion — single job vs separate jobs; wrong choice wastes vinyl colour changes.
Sending before Test Connection — when hardware exists, always Test first.
Playing in model Settings — baud/calibration/reg-mark size without manual guidance; use Set to default if lost.
Demo / seat limits — activated seat on Monitor-PC is done; still deactivate before moving seats (activate/deactivate mini-series).
Mixing RIP workflow here — printing/RIP belongs outside this folder (InkRIP tree separate).
Version assumptions — 5.028 on Monitor-PC; some registration-mark order materials assume 5.030 installer from cncu.

Software-only file drills

Import a known-size SVG → verify dimensions → adjust SVG DPI if off → save project.
Import a 2-page PDF → bring in page 1 and page 2 as separate exercises.
Export selection-only SVG → re-import into a new project → compare.
Trace a simple raster → remove junk nodes → weld → save.

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).