Importing Files into Neon Studio¶
Neon Studio is a powerful control software built upon the Inkscape engine. While it includes full design capabilities, you may prefer to create your projects in other professional software like CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, or AutoCAD.
You can easily import these external designs into Neon Studio to generate the precise coordinates for your Neon laser.
How to Import Files¶
Follow these steps to bring your external designs into the workspace:
- Open the Import Menu: Go to File > Import... (or press
Ctrl + I). - Select your File: Choose your design file from your computer. Neon Studio works best with vector formats like DXF and SVG.
Essential Import Settings¶
Depending on the file format, you must select specific options to ensure your design arrives with the correct dimensions and editability.
A) Importing DXF Files (AutoCAD/Corel)¶
When the "DXF Input" dialog box appears, pay close attention to the scale: * Manual Scale: Ensure this option is checked. * Unit of Measure: Verify that the units match your original design (e.g., Millimeters). * Why? If "Manual Scale" is not selected, your design may appear much larger or smaller than intended in the workspace.
B) Importing SVG Files (Illustrator/Inkscape)¶
When the "SVG Input" box appears, select the following: * Option: "Include SVG image as an editable object in the current file." * Why? This is the only option that allows you to edit paths, change layers, or assign different power/speed settings to specific parts of the design once inside Neon Studio.
Success!¶
Once imported, your design will appear in the workspace. You can now resize it, move it, or proceed directly to setting your laser parameters.
Pro Tip: Clean Your Vectors
Before exporting from your original software, ensure there are no overlapping lines or "double paths." This prevents the Neon from passing over the same spot twice, ensuring a cleaner cut and saving time.
Dimensions not matching up? If your file imports with the wrong size despite these settings, it might be an issue with the "DPI" (Dots Per Inch) export settings of your original software. Contact Neon Laser Support for a quick configuration check.