In Easel, SVG (2D/vector graphics), DXF (2D), STL (3D), font, and G-code (.nc) files can be directly imported. Easel supports only certain SVG files that can be imported. Here's how to import files into Easel, along with some common issues you might encounter and suggestions for resolving them.
The Import menu
Click the Import icon (1) on the left toolbar, then choose the type of file you want to import.
SVG
Click Import > SVG (2) and choose your file.
| Import Information: Although SVG is a vector format, it actually allows embedding images that are not vectors. Easel cannot process these images, and they'll have to be removed. |
DXF
Click Import > DXF (5). In the Import DXF window:
- Click Choose DXF, or drop a DXF file into the box (1).
- Choose a Cut Path for the design (2).
- Click Import (3).
Easel can accept DXF files smaller than 5 MB. While Easel automatically processes DXF files into a usable format, issues may arise if the paths in your original file aren't properly joined. If your file imports as a series of disjointed paths instead of a single object, this is likely the cause. To fix this, select all the individual line segments in your CAD program and use a 'Join' or 'Weld' command to create a single, continuous object before importing.
| Helpful Tip: To join or weld the DXF file, complete the process in the original software the DXF file was created in before trying to upload it into Easel again. |
Image Trace/Raster Images (.png and .jpg)
Easel includes an image trace option, which allows users to upload picture files and convert them into vector shapes. Image Trace uses an improved algorithm that supports color images as well as black and white.
- Click the Image Trace camera icon (1) on the left toolbar.
- Click Choose image, or drop an image into the box (2).
- Choose a Style (3): Black & White or Color.
- Adjust the Layers, Color Layer Difference and Filter sliders (4), and open Advanced (5) for more settings. Hover over each ? for a description. The preview on the right updates as you go.
- Click Import (6).
Looking for the previous version of Image Trace? Click find it here at the top of the window.
| Helpful Tip: Simple, high-contrast images give the cleanest results. For color images, choose the Color style and adjust the number of layers. |
| Important Information: When importing an SVG traced from an image, try to simplify the file as much as possible before importing it into Easel. Traced images often contain unnecessary paths that can overwhelm the software, such as white-filled background paths and tiny noise paths that aren't needed. It's much easier to clean up and simplify the SVG in your vector editor before importing it into Easel. |
STL (3D) files (Easel Pro)
Click Import > 3D STL (4). Easel supports importing any 3D STL file. If your file is larger than 100 MB, it will be automatically optimized to the 100 MB limit during import. This feature works best with relief-type/3D carvings.
| Extra Information: The automatic optimization reduces the complexity of a surface model by removing geometrical details that don't significantly affect the overall shape. This process helps reduce the file size and improve project load times while not impacting the carved result. If the automatic optimization doesn't suit your needs, you can use a tool like MeshLab. It's free and allows more control over how a mesh is changed. |
Once the file is uploaded, Easel will open into the 3D carving screen.
For comprehensive details on 3D in Easel Pro, check out our 3D Easel FAQ and 3D Carving Instructions.
G-Code files
Click Import > G-code (3). If you want to import G-Code files, they must first be processed through a post-processor to align with the Easel G-code Spec. Linked below are the guides for installing the post-processor to both Fusion 360 and Vectric V-Carve:
Once the G-Code is imported, Easel will open a dedicated G-Code Carving menu. Since G-Code represents a pre-made tool path, options such as material, bits, and cut settings won't appear. These choices are made when the tool path is generated, prior to being imported into Easel.
Fonts (Easel Pro)
- Click the Text tool (1) on the left toolbar, then click Add fonts (2).
- In the Font Library, click Upload Font (3).
- Click the upload area, or drop your font file into it (4).
| Important Information: Easel will accept TTF, OTF and WOFF font file types. |
For more information on uploading fonts into Easel Pro check out this article: Easel Pro Feature: Custom Fonts.