Can VCarve open Aspire files? Can Aspire open VCarve files? (.crv vs .crv3d)

The compatibility matrix

VCarve Pro saves .crv files and Aspire saves .crv3d files.

• Aspire opens VCarve files (.crv): YES. Fully, nothing lost. Upgrading VCarve → Aspire keeps your whole file library usable.
• VCarve opens Aspire files (.crv3d): NO. A .crv3d file is only compatible with Aspire, regardless of content. Even a .crv3d containing only 2D vectors won't open in VCarve.
• Same-app, newer-version files don't open in older versions (see the file version compatibility entry).

Sharing from Aspire to a VCarve user

1. Export the vectors as DXF or EPS. VCarve imports them cleanly.
2. Export 3D components as STL. The VCarve user can import it (as their one third-party model).
3. Share toolpath templates for the settings.

Pro tips

• Selling design files? Save and ship a .crv (made in VCarve) if you want the biggest customer base, because Aspire customers can open it too. A .crv3d locks out every VCarve user.
• If you own both apps, do 2D-only jobs in VCarve format for the same shareability reason. (Upgrading a VCarve Pro license to Aspire trades the VCarve Pro license in, so this applies only if you bought both separately.)