How do I import pre-toolpathed 3D files from Cut3D, PhotoVCarve, or Machinist into VCarve Pro & Aspire?

What these files are

Cut3D, PhotoVCarve, and the Machinist program save pre-calculated 3D toolpath files: .pvc from PhotoVCarve, .v3d from Cut3D, and .v3m from Machinist. These carry finished cutting instructions, not editable geometry. Import them via File > Import > PhotoVCarve, Machinist or Cut3D Toolpaths. They cannot be rescaled after import, so size the design correctly in the source program before you export.

What you see after import

A grayscale thumbnail of the design appears in the 2D view, placed at the X0 Y0 origin that was set in the source program. The toolpath(s) show in the 3D window and are added to the Toolpath List like any native toolpath.

Positioning the toolpath

• Double-click the grayscale image to select it (it turns light blue), then drag it anywhere on the material.
• Use the Move or Alignment tools for exact placement, and the standard 2D tools to mirror or rotate it.
• The imported toolpaths automatically follow the thumbnail's XY position, so placing the picture places the cuts.
• Use Duplicate Toolpath to cut the same design multiple times. Each copy gets its own thumbnail to position independently.

Editing what little can be edited

Open the edit form with the Edit toolpath icon or by double-clicking the toolpath name. You can adjust Start Depth (to sink the carving below the surface, for example inside a pocketed area), plus feeds and speeds. A Machinist file containing several toolpaths needs the Start Depth set on each imported toolpath.

Pro tips

• Treat the thumbnail as the handle: position, mirror, and array the picture, and the G-code follows.
• Pocket a recess first, then set the imported toolpath's Start Depth to the pocket depth so the engraving sits on the pocket floor.
• If the size is wrong, go back to Cut3D or PhotoVCarve, rescale there, and re-export. There is no fix on the VCarve Pro or Aspire side.