How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layers?

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barskey
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How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layers?

Post by barskey »

I have many VCarve files (.crv), each one is a part. Using a template I have created the same layers in each file, and assigned vectors to specific layers. Then I group the vectors and save the file.

I want to comine the files into one so I can nest them. So I created a new file, used the template to put the layers in the new file, and then save it without any vectors in it. I thought I should be able to open each part, copy the group, then open the new file and paste them in. But when I do, the entire group gets pasted to the currently active layer. When I ungroup them in this new file (selecting the option to ungroup onto their original layers), all the vectors get ungrouped onto the currently selected layer.

Is there something I am doing wrong with my workflow? Or is there another (better) way to combine multiple .crv files into one for nesting?

If there isn't functionality to do this already, I would consider creating a gadget to do so. Is there any info on creating gadgets?

I am using VCarve Pro v6.504. Thanks in advance.

Steve

tmerrill
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Re: How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layers?

Post by tmerrill »

Hi Steve,

If you select your vectors and export them as a .dxf file using File>Export>Selected vectors as DXF when you import them into another project they will retain the layer information.

The copy/paste function will not preserve layer information.

Tim

tmerrill
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Re: How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layers?

Post by tmerrill »

If you try this approach Steve, be sure to label the layer names in all caps.

The export process will convert layer names to all caps and when you import it will create a new layer if it cannot find the existing layer named in all caps.

In other words, if you create a layer called 'Holes' and them import a .dxf file with holes it will create a new layer called 'HOLES'. However if you initially name the layer HOLES, then the import will place the vectors on this layer.

Tim

barskey
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Re: How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layers?

Post by barskey »

OK, I will try this approach. Thanks for the information.

Is there an API, or other information I could review to decide if it would be possible to create a gadget to help automate this process?

Chelmite
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Re: How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layer

Post by Chelmite »

If you edit the DXF file in a text editor, you can fix the text case.

Look for LAYER lines in the DXF file:

Code: Select all

  0
LAYER
  2
DEF-TITLE
Change the case for the layer name:

Code: Select all

  0
LAYER
  2
Def-Title
Save the DXF file and Import Vectors. The imported layers will retain the case.

Unfortunately, the Text Objects are converted to vectors, which means you can't edit them as text objects. You have to re-create them. :cry:

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Adrian
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Re: How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layer

Post by Adrian »

The original question is over 5 years old now. The handling of copied vectors is different in the current versions and layers are preserved. It is also possible to drag and drop directly from explorer windows as well now.

Bobtail Farm
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Re: How can I copy and paste crv files while retaining layer

Post by Bobtail Farm »

thanks for the drag and drop tip.

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