In Easel, SVG (2D/vector graphics), DXF (2D), STL (3D), font, and Gcode (.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.
SVG
DXF
Image Trace/Raster Images
STL (3D) Files
G-Code
Fonts
How to import a file into Easel (SVG):
To import a file into Easel, start by opening a blank project. On the right side of the screen, locate the toolbar. Click on the import icon in the toolbar, which will open a drop-down menu. From this menu, select the file type you are trying to import.
Once you have selected your file type, Easel will give you a menu for selecting the file from your computer.
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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. |
Converted DXF files:
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.
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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/SVG files.
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Helpful Tip: This feature works best with simple, high-contrast black-and-white images. While colored images can be imported, there may be some inconsistencies in the results. Color Image: |
For a more detailed tutorial on Image Trace follow the guide here: Walkthrough Tutorial: Image Trace
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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 supports importing any 3D STL file. If your file is larger than 100MB, it will be automatically optimized to the 100MB limit during import. This feature works best with relief-type/3D carvings.
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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. |
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:
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 Vetric V-Carve:
Installing Fusion 360 Post Processor
Add Easel's post-processor to your Vectric software
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:
Uploading fonts in Easel is slightly different from other file uploads. Start by opening a blank project. On the right side of the screen, locate the toolbar and click on the Text icon.”
After selecting the Text icon, a drop-down menu will appear. At the top of the menu, you’ll see ‘Add Fonts.’ Click on that.”
This will open a window. At the top right of that window, you’ll see ‘Upload Font.’ Selecting that will take you to a window where you can upload fonts.
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Important Information: Easel will accept TTF, OTF and WOFF font file types. |