What does "The selected vectors may contain overlaps or intersections" mean, and can I ignore it?

What the message means

Before calculating, the software checks the vectors you selected. This warning says some of them cross each other, cross themselves or sit on top of one another, so the program cannot be sure which areas are inside and which are outside. It is a caution, not always a stop. Whether you can ignore it depends on where the crossing is and what the toolpath does with it.

Usual causes, most likely first:

1. Open vectors selected for a toolpath that needs closed shapes. V-carving only carves closed vectors.
2. Imported artwork (DXF and similar) with stacked duplicates or extra geometry from layers you did not expect.
3. Script or overlapping lettering that was never welded.
4. Tiny loops or kinks at corners, too small to see without zooming.

How to fix it

1. Run the Vector Validator on the selection. It marks where the intersections and overlaps are, so you are not hunting by eye.
2. Remove duplicates: Edit > Select All Duplicate Vectors, then press Delete.
3. Close what should be closed with Join Open Vectors.
4. For shapes that are meant to overlap (script letters, merged outlines), weld them into one outline.
5. For a single stray crossing, use the interactive trim tool to cut away the overlap, or node edit the kink out.
6. Recalculate.

If the lines are meant to stay open, for example single-line detail, the fix is a different toolpath: use a Profile toolpath on the line instead of V-Carve.

Can I ignore it?

Sometimes. Forum users note that some intersections do not affect a V-carve result. The safe test is the preview: reset it, preview the toolpath and look closely at the flagged spots. If the carve looks right there, the warning is harmless for that job. If letters are missing, hollowed or doubled, fix the vectors.

How to confirm it is fixed

The toolpath calculates with no warning and the Vector Validator reports no problems on that selection.

Pro tips

• Edit and Options lists a "Toolpath Vector Intersections Check" under its confirmation choices, which is where this prompt's behavior is kept.
• Clean imports once, right after importing, on their own layer. It is faster than chasing warnings per toolpath.
• Related entries: duplicate and stacked vectors, script fonts carving wrong at overlaps, and the Vector Validator.