# 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](https://softwaretraining.co.za/vinylcut-import-svg-file-format) · [Export SVG](https://softwaretraining.co.za/vinylcut-exporting-svg-file-format) · [Import PDF](https://softwaretraining.co.za/vinylcut-importing-pdf-file-format).

### 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)

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

## Software-only file drills

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

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).