How do I import DXF, SVG, EPS, and AI files into VCarve Pro & Aspire correctly, and how do I fix common import problems?

Overview

The software imports vectors from DXF, DWG, EPS, AI, PDF, SVG and SKP (SketchUp) files. Each format has different strengths, limitations and failure modes. Choosing the right format and knowing how to fix import problems saves hours of cleanup. This is one of the most-asked questions on the software maker's user forum.

Imported vectors are always read in at the size and scale they were created in their original design software, and once open they can be scaled and edited like any other vector. Open File > Import > Import Vectors / Bitmaps... (or Ctrl+I), or drag the file onto the 2D view.

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Supported Import Formats

Bitmap imports (BMP, JPG, TIF, GIF, PNG, and WebP in 12.5) come in as images for sketching over or tracing, not as vectors.

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Format Recommendation by Source Software

The golden rule from experienced users: EPS and AI give the cleanest imports. Avoid DXF for anything with curves unless you have no other choice.

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DXF-Specific Problems and Fixes

Problem: Circles and curves become jagged polylines with lots of nodes

Why: the source program wrote curves as many short straight segments (or as entities, such as ellipses, that arrive with extra nodes).

Fix:

1. Import the DXF.
2. Select all vectors.
3. Run Fit Curves to Vectors (Edit > Curve Fit Vectors, or the Drawing tab icon) to turn segments back into smooth arcs and Bezier curves.
4. Check the result in Node Editing. Curves should now have far fewer nodes.

Or re-export from the source as AI or EPS.

Problem: File imports at the wrong size (25.4 times too big or too small)

Why: DXF files can be in inches or millimeters. If your job is in inches but the DXF was written in millimeters (or the other way round), everything is off by 25.4.

Fix: select all after import and scale to the correct dimensions with Set Size, or re-export with the right units.

Problem: Vectors come in as many disconnected short line segments

Why: the source CAD software broke curves into segments, and DXF does not join segments by itself, so each line is a separate entity.

Fix: select all, open Join Open Vectors (Edit > Join Vectors, or press J) and set a small tolerance to reconnect broken endpoints. Start small and increase only as needed. Then run Fit Curves.

Problem: Vectors import correctly but some lines are missing

Why: some DXF export options drop certain entity types (splines, blocks and so on).

Fix: in the source CAD software, "explode" all objects before DXF export. This converts complex entities to basic lines and arcs.

Problem: DXF import fails entirely

Fix: re-export from the source as AutoCAD R12 or R14 format, the most compatible DXF versions.

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SVG-Specific Problems and Fixes

Problem: "Errors occurred while importing parts of the SVG file; some vectors may be missing"

Why: the SVG contains features the importer does not support, such as embedded bitmaps, filters or effects, text elements, or features from newer specifications.

Fix options (try in order):

1. Open the SVG in Inkscape, choose File > Save As > Plain SVG (not Inkscape SVG), and reimport.
2. In Inkscape: Edit > Select All, then Path > Object to Path, and save as Plain SVG.
3. Open in Inkscape, export as EPS, and import the EPS instead.
4. Open in Corel Draw and re-save as SVG or EPS.

Problem: SVG imports at the wrong scale

Why: some programs write SVG at a different resolution, so the artwork can arrive smaller or larger than drawn. Imported vectors are read at the size the originating program gave them.

Fix: measure a known dimension right after import and correct it with Set Size. Or fix it at the source (in Inkscape, check the Document Properties display units and scale before export), or use EPS or AI instead.

Problem: SVG from online sources imports blank or with no vectors

Why: many online sources create SVGs with raster images embedded inside an SVG wrapper. They are not real vector files.

Fix: the file needs to be re-vectorized. Use Inkscape's Trace Bitmap or convert it to an actual vector format first.

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EPS / AI Problems

Problem: EPS file imports with wrong colors or missing fills

The importer works with the vector outlines of EPS and AI files, so expect the paths, not the fill colors.

Problem: Text imports as outlines instead of editable text

Imported text comes in as vector curves, not editable text. This is normal. Work with the imported outlines directly.

Problem: Corel Draw DXF exports have broken curves

A common fix, from Corel Draw:

1. Select all objects.
2. Arrange > Convert to Curves.
3. Export > EPS.

EPS from Corel gives cleaner results than DXF for almost every use.

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Post-Import Cleanup Workflow (Every Imported File)

Run this every time you import a vector file before toolpathing:

1. Select all (Ctrl+A).
2. Join Open Vectors (Edit > Join Vectors, J) with a small tolerance, to reconnect nearly-touching endpoints.
3. Fit Curves to Vectors to convert polyline facets to smooth curves.
4. Edit > Selection > Select All Open Vectors to check for and fix any remaining open vectors.
5. Vector Validator (Drawing tab) to check for overlaps, intersections and zero-length spans.
6. Edit > Selection > Select All Duplicate Vectors, then delete them or move them to another layer. Duplicates are exact copies stacked on top of each other and can cause problems with toolpaths.
7. Zoom in at corners and joins to verify clean connections.
8. Check dimensions against a known measurement and fix with Set Size.
9. Organize layers: imported data may all land on one layer, so use Layer Management to sort it.

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Exporting Vectors

• File > Export writes selected vectors (or all visible vectors if none are selected) as EPS, DXF, AI, SVG or PDF. DXF export keeps the layer information.
• DXF export may approximate curves as line or arc segments.
• To share a whole job with another user of the same program, save the job in its own format (.crv3d in Aspire, .crv in VCarve Pro).
• For laser cutters, SVG or DXF is typically required.

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