How do I save my own vectors and 3D pieces as a clipart library I can reuse?

The idea

The Clipart tab is not just for the bundled art. It can browse YOUR folders. Anything you use twice (logos, borders, star fields, flourishes, proven 3D components) belongs in a personal library so it is drag-and-drop in every future job.

Setting it up

1. Make a folder structure that matches how you think: MyClipart/Logos, /Borders, /Flags, /3D-pieces…
2. In the Clipart tab, use the Library Browser and click Add Folder to add that folder. It appears alongside the stock libraries, with thumbnails. The library shows the clipart in that folder and the folders inside it. You can also right-click a folder in the Local Files browser and choose Add folder to library. Removing a folder from the library does not delete anything from your computer
3. Saving vector art into it: save the job as a .crv file with File > Save As into the folder (the Clipart tab lists .crv and .v3m files). Vector export formats such as EPS, DXF, AI, SVG and PDF are for other programs and are not clipart-tab files
4. Saving 3D components (Aspire): select the model and choose Model > Export as 3D Clipart. This exports a .3DClip file, which keeps the component structure. The manual lists .3DClip as an Aspire-only format, so VCarve Pro owners should expect to work with V3M clipart and other importable 3D formats instead
5. Drag from the Clipart tab into an open job, or double-click a thumbnail to place it at the center of the job. Scale and position as usual

What belongs in the library

Your logo (every size and variant), proven decorative borders, sign shapes, registration or fixture vector sets, star and flag geometry, and any 3D piece that took real time to model or clean up. Cleanup work, once done, should never be done twice.

Free and purchased clipart

Clipart included with your software, and clipart you have bought, comes through your customer portal account. In the Clipart tab, the Refresh (cloud) button logs in to your portal account to reach the online library, and triggers a sign-in if you are not signed in. Clipart that is not yet on your computer shows as online content, and you click an item to download it. If bought or included art seems to be missing, click Refresh and make sure you are signed in before you download it again. An internet connection is required.

Pro tips

• Back this folder up along with the tool database. Together they are your accumulated shop work
• The Clipart tab's Local Files browser lets you look through several folders of .v3m and .crv files in one place without adding them to the library
• Scale clipart after importing it
• Official documentation: Clipart Tab
• Official documentation: Model menu
• Mark Lindsay: Absolute Beginner series, Part 46
• Software maker's user forum: personal clipart library thread