What are the best practices for organizing a complex Aspire project with many components, layers, and toolpaths?

Large Aspire projects (complex signs, multi-element reliefs, production jobs) can become very hard to manage without deliberate organization. These practices keep a big job under control.

Layer Organization (2D)

Layers organize vectors, bitmaps and component grayscale previews, and let you show, hide or lock them. Use them systematically:

• Prefix layer names consistently (for example "TP - V-Carve", "TP - Pocket") so toolpath-relevant layers stand out
• Toggle layer visibility frequently to isolate what you are working on
• Lock layers you are not actively editing to prevent accidental selection

Component Tree Organization (3D)

• Name every component as soon as you create it (default names like "Component 1" cause confusion on large projects)
• Use a logical Level structure:
• Level 1: background or base relief
• Level 2: main design elements
• Level 3: fine detail and texture
• Level 4: text and overlays
• Use Mirror Mode for symmetrical designs: design one half and mirror automatically
• Use Level Clipping to constrain elements to a specific boundary
• Switch the active level from the document toolbar dropdown without opening the Component Tree

Toolpath Organization

• Name toolpaths descriptively: "1 - Pocket 1/4" or "3 - V-Carve Sign Text"
• Number toolpaths in your intended cut order (1 is the first operation)
• Group related toolpaths with consistent naming prefixes
• Use the Sheet feature in multi-sheet jobs to keep sheet-specific toolpaths organized

Saving Practices

• Save incrementally with Save As and version numbers (Sign_v01.crv3d, Sign_v02.crv3d), or use File > Increment and Save, which numbers each iteration for you and never overwrites an existing file
• Before major operations (baking, emboss, major moves), save a version
• Keep a "Safe Copy" Level in the Component Tree with backup components, hidden and with its visibility switched off

Performance Tips

• High-resolution or complex components slow down the 3D view, so hide components you are not working on
• After you finalize sections of a design, bake the completed elements to simplify the model and improve performance
• Keep the number of visible components to what you actually need. If the 3D view slows down, hide or bake more of them
• When working on fine detail, zoom in on the 3D view. Precision improves with zoom level when sculpting