Importing Geometry

Import Overview

PureCut CNC can import 2D geometry from SVG and DXF files, 3D mesh geometry from STL and OBJ files, and selected folders from another .camj project file. 2D imports become native sketch features — they can be transformed, assigned operations, and edited like any hand-drawn feature. 3D meshes become Model features that drive the 3D Surface rough, finish, and cleanup operations. .camj imports bring in folders of features (plus the tools, named dimensions, and operations that reference them) from a saved project.

To import, click Import Geometry in the toolbar (or use the keyboard shortcut for your platform). The Import dialog opens and lets you select a file.

SVG Import

SVG files are imported as sketch features. Paths, rectangles, circles, ellipses, and polygons in the SVG are converted to the corresponding feature types. Bezier curves are preserved as composite features.

SVG coordinates are normalized to the project's unit system. The import dialog shows a preview of the imported shapes before you confirm.

DXF Import

DXF files (AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format) are imported similarly to SVG. Lines, arcs, circles, polylines, and splines are converted to sketch features.

DXF import coverage is ongoing — complex DXF files with many entity types may not import completely. If a shape is missing after import, check whether the source DXF uses entity types that are not yet supported.

STL and OBJ Import (3D Models)

STL and OBJ files import as Model features. The model retains its full triangle mesh for 3D operations and is projected to a top-down outline that appears alongside hand-drawn features in the sketch view. The full mesh is rendered in the 3D view.

Multi-Body Files

A single STL or OBJ that contains multiple disjoint bodies is automatically split into one feature per body, grouped under a folder named after the source file. This keeps the sketch-view outlines accurate and lets you address each body independently — apply different operations, hide one body, or move them apart for placement on stock.

Files with more than 64 disjoint bodies fall back to single-feature behaviour (with a warning) to avoid pathological projection times on stipple-like inputs.

Large Meshes

Large meshes are uploaded to the GPU in chunks, which keeps Chrome on macOS and other memory-constrained browsers from dropping the geometry buffer. There is no per-file triangle limit; very dense scans just take a moment longer to display.

Imported Model Display

In sketch view, each imported model is drawn as a light blue-gray outline (the projected silhouette) over a grayscale shading of the mesh from above. The sketch-view legend includes a swatch for Model features so they can be distinguished from regions, add features, and subtract pockets at a glance.

Importing from a .camj Project

You can pull selected folders out of any existing .camj project file into the current one. Pick a .camj in the Import dialog and the layers panel becomes a folder picker — check the folders you want to bring in and click Import. Everything in those folders is merged into the active project: features, the tools and named dimensions they reference, and any operations whose target lies entirely inside the imported set.

IDs are remapped on import so nothing collides with the current project. If a name is already in use (for example, two folders called "Logo"), the new item is added with a numeric suffix. Units are converted automatically — millimetre imports into an inch project, or vice versa, end up at the correct physical size.

Importing Stock

When the source project's stock is derived from a feature (rather than a fixed bounding box), an Also import stock checkbox appears in the dialog. Enabling it replaces the current project's stock with a feature-derived stock built from the source's stock feature, and copies the source's machine origin verbatim. Use this to bring an entire job — material, fixturing reference, and toolpaths — across in one step.

After Import

Imported features appear in the feature tree. They are initially placed at the origin of the import coordinate system. You will typically need to:

1. Select the imported features and move them to the correct position on the stock.
2. Set Z Top and Z Bottom for each feature in the properties panel.
3. Set the Operation (Add or Subtract) for each feature.
4. Assign CAM operations as needed.

Imported features can be edited in sketch edit mode just like hand-drawn features.

Backdrop Images

A backdrop image is a reference image displayed behind the sketch canvas. It is useful for tracing over a photograph, technical drawing, or scan of a physical part.

To load a backdrop image, select the Backdrop node in the feature tree and click Load Image in the properties panel. PNG and JPEG images are supported.

Backdrop Properties

Backdrop Transform Tools

Select the Backdrop node, then use the backdrop transform buttons in the toolbar (or the action buttons in the properties panel) to move, resize, or rotate the image interactively on the canvas.

The backdrop image is not included in the 3D model, toolpaths, or G-code export. It is a visual reference only.