ArtCAM Software Overview

Introduction
ArtCAM is a single solution for designing and making in the woodworking industry. Its
simple interface and easy-to-use tools allow hobbyists and independent designers to
produce high-quality decorative woodwork.
Starting ArtCAM
When you start ArtCAM, the start screen is displayed. For example:
Area
Description
Use the Menu bar to access menu options. Most menu options are active only when
you are working within a model.
Click Recent Models to create and open models and projects and to list the last four
files you have been working with. Click:
New Model to create a model. ArtCAM switches to display the model screen.
New Project to create a project. ArtCAM switches to display the project screen.
Open to open an existing model or project.
a file in the list to open it.
The availability of projects is license dependent.
Click Options to specify the settings and defaults for ArtCAM.
Click Help to access the Reference Help, What’s New, and Getting Started guide, as
well as online resources, such as the Autodesk Knowledge Network and the Autodesk
ArtCAM Forum.
Click an icon to check the Internet for more information about ArtCAM.
See also
About the Menu bar
File > New > Model
The model screen
File > New > Project
The project screen
File > Recent Files
Edit > Options
Help menu
The ArtCAM layout
This section describes the layout of the ArtCAM screen when working on a model or a
project.
The model screen
When you are working on a model, the model screen is displayed. For example:
Area
Description
The Menu bar is located at the top of the main window. Click an entry to display a list
of options. Many menu options have keyboard shortcuts.
The availability of some menu options is license dependent.
Toolbars provide shortcuts to the most frequently used menu options. Click a button
to access the function directly.
The availability of some toolbars is license dependent.
The workspace area contains the 2D and 3D views, which are tabbed by default. Both
views display vectors and bitmap artwork; only the 3D view displays reliefs, calculated
toolpaths, and toolpath simulations.
The 2D View and 3D View toolbars enable you to manipulate the 2D and 3D views,
and to control what is displayed. Which toolbar is displayed depends on which view is
active.
The Palette displays the colours that make up any bitmap artwork.
The Project panel contains the Project Tree and the tools associated with the
Vectors, Bitmaps, Front Relief, Back Relief, Clipart, Sheets, and Toolpaths
items.
The status bar displays the cursor’s coordinates; the width and height of the bounding
box when vectors or previews of toolpaths are selected; a command’s description
when you position the cursor over a button or menu option; and a progress bar when
calculating reliefs and toolpaths.
See also
Menus
The Project panel
The project screen
When you are working on a project, the project screen is displayed. For example:
Area
Description
of options. Many menu options have keyboard shortcuts.
The workspace area contains the 3D view, which displays assemblies and replica
meshes. When you open a model as part of a project, you can switch between
displaying the project’s assemblies and meshes, the model’s relief layers, the
calculated toolpaths, and the toolpath simulations.
The 3D View toolbar enables you to manipulate the 3D view, and to control what is
displayed.
The Project panel contains the Project Tree and the tools associated with the Models
and Assembly items.
See also
Menus
The Project panel
About the workspace area
When working on a model, the workspace area contains the 2D and 3D views, which
are tabbed by default. Select the:
2D View tab to display the 2D view.

3D View tab to display the 3D view.
If you want, you can display the 2D and 3D views as separate windows and reorganize
the windows by overlapping them or arranging them as a series of horizontal or vertical
tiles.
See also
Window > Cascade

Window > Tile Vertically
Window > Tile Horizontally
Window > Tabbed Views
Using the 2D view
When you select the 2D View tab, the 2D view is displayed. For example:
Area
Description
The 2D View tab, which displays the name of the view and the currently active
bitmap layer.
The 2D View toolbar.
The model area.

The background.
The colour Palette.
When working in an open model, the 2D view displays:

the artwork on the currently active bitmap layer.
the artwork on all visible vector layers.
sheets.
a preview of all calculated 2D toolpaths.
a preview of the currently active relief layer.
a greyscale of the composite relief.
You can create multiple 2D views, and for each 2D view you create, you can change its
name.
See also
View > New 2D View
View > Rename Current View
View > Delete Current View
Using the 3D view
When you select the 3D View tab, the 3D view is displayed. For example:
Area
Description
The 3D View tab.
The 3D View toolbar.
The composite relief.

The background.
The colour Palette.
When working with an independent model, the 3D view displays:

the composite relief resulting from all visible relief layers.
calculated toolpaths.
the material block.
toolpath simulations.
the artwork on the currently active bitmap layer.
the artwork on all visible vector layers.
triangle meshes.
When working in a project, the 3D view can also display:
the root Assembly.
assemblies.
replica meshes.
gems.
All of the visible items in the Project Tree are shown in the 3D view when a project is
first opened.
See also
Working with projects
Docking areas
The ArtCAM screen includes four docking areas:
By default, the Menu bar and any displayed toolbars are docked in the upper- and left-
docking areas.
See also
Floating a docked toolbar
Docking a floating toolbar
Floating a docked panel
Docking a floating panel
About the Menu bar
of options.
Some options contain sub-menus, indicated by a small arrow to the right of the text.
Click the arrow to display these options. For example, clicking the File menu, followed
by the New option, displays an additional set of options.
You can also activate the menus by pressing the Alt key. You can then select options by
pressing the Up Arrow , Down Arrow , Left Arrow , and Right Arrow keys, or
by pressing the underlined letter for that menu. For example, pressing the F key
displays the File menu.
Many menu options have keyboard shortcuts, which enable you to access the function
directly. These are displayed on the right of the menu options.
The most frequently used menu options are also available from toolbars and from
the Project panel. The availability of some toolbars is license dependent.
See also
Menus
About toolbars
Toolbars provide shortcuts to the most frequently used menu options. Click a button to
access the function directly.
The availability of some toolbars is license dependent

Some toolbars contain toolsets, which group together related functionality. Toolsets are
identified by in a button’s lower-right corner. Position the cursor over the button, and
then click and hold the mouse button to display the additional buttons, for example:
If a toolbar cannot display its entire collection of buttons, click or to display the
hidden buttons, for example:

Floating a docked toolbar
All of the toolbars displayed by default are docked, but they can be floated. When
floating, a toolbar has a header displaying its name and an icon to hide it.
To float a docked toolbar, use one of the following methods:
Click the toolbar’s grip, or , drag it to the workspace area, then release the
mouse button; or
Double-click the toolbar’s grip.
If the toolbar has not been floated before, it is displayed in the top-left corner of
the interface.
If the toolbar has been floated before, it is displayed in its last floating position.
Docking a floating toolbar
You can dock toolbars in four docking areas. Depending on where a toolbar is docked, it
is vertical or horizontal. When docked, the toolbar’s name is hidden. All of the toolbars
displayed by default are docked.
When docked, a toolbar has a grip on its left or top edge, depending on whether
it is horizontal or vertical respectively.
To dock a floating toolbar, click the toolbar’s header and drag, then release the mouse
button when the toolbar is over the empty docking area.
To return a floating toolbar to its last docked position, double-click the toolbar’s header.
See also
Docking areas
Hiding and displaying toolbars
You can control which of the toolbars are displayed or hidden. You can hide a toolbar,
whether it is currently docked or floating.
To hide a toolbar, use one of the following methods:
Right-click a docking area, then deselect the toolbar’s name in the context menu;
Click on the toolbar’s header.
A toolbar’s header is displayed only when the toolbar is floating.
To display a hidden toolbar, right-click a docking area, then click to select the toolbar’s
name in the context menu.
If the toolbar has not been displayed before, it is shown in its default layout position.
If the toolbar has been displayed before, it is shown in its last position; docked or
floating.
See also
Docking areas
Gem Tools toolbar
The following options are available from the Gem Tools toolbar:
Button
Function
Click the Create Gem Vector button to create a gem vector.
Click the Convert Vectors to Gem Vectors button to create a vector representing
the size and shape of a custom gem.
Click the Gem Vector Properties button to edit the dimensions and colour of the
gem associated with a gem vector.
Click the Create Gems button to create gems from gem vectors.
Click the Pave Wizard button to create the vector artwork needed to add the gems
and build the beads in the Pavé setting design.
The Gem Tools toolbar is hidden by default. To display the toolbar, right-click a
docking area and select Gem Tools from the context menu.
The availability of this toolbar is license dependent.

Creating gem vectors
Use the Create Gem Vector tool to create a gem vector with or without the vector
artwork already drawn as part of your model. A gem vector is needed to add gems to
your project.
When creating a gem vector without using another vector, it is created in the origin of
the model area according to specified gem properties.
When creating a gem vector using a vector, the gem vector adopts the size, shape and
position of the vector as its properties.
To create a new gem vector:
1. On the Gem Tools toolbar, click the Create Gem Vector button. The
Create Gem Vector panel is displayed.
2. Click the gem shape you want to associate with the gem vector. This displays the
colour options for the gem associated with the gem vector.
3. Select the colour you want to apply to the gem. This displays the name and size
boxes.
4. In the Name box, enter a name for the gem setting.
5. If you selected a Box Radiant, Heart, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess or
Round gem, click the Standard list, followed by the standard that you want to
use. If you select:
Custom, enter the gem’s dimensions in the Length, Width and Depth
boxes. The Size list is unavailable.
Carat, click the Size list followed by the size you want to use. The Length,
Width and Depth boxes display the dimensions of the selected size.
If you selected a Brilliant, Emerald, Hexagon, Triangle or Trillion gem, enter
its dimensions in the Length, Width and Depth boxes.
6. Click Accept to close the panel and create the gem vector. The gem vector is
drawn on the Gem Vectors vector layer. You are now able to create a gem from
this vector.
The availability of this feature is license dependent.

Converting vectors to gem vectors
Use the Convert Vectors to Gem Vectors tool to convert vectors representing the size
and shape of custom gems to gem vectors.
To convert a vector to a gem vector:
1. Create the vector representing the size and shape of the custom gem. The vector
must be closed.
2. Select the closed vector representing the custom gem.
3. On the Gem Tools toolbar, click the Convert Vectors to Gem Vectors
button. The Vectors to Gem Vectors panel is displayed.
4. Click the gem shape you want to associate with the gem vector. This displays the
colour options for the gem associated with the gem vector.
5. Select the colour you want to apply to the gem. This displays the name and size
boxes.
6. In the Name box, enter a name for the gem.
7. If you selected a Box Radiant, Heart, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess or
Round gem, click the Standard list, followed by the standard you want to use to
set the gem’s size. If you select:
Custom, specify the dimensions of the gem in the Length, Width and
Depth boxes. The Size list is unavailable.
Carat, click the Size list followed by the size option you want to use. The
Length, Width and Depth boxes are updated with the dimensions of the
size option.
Get Gem sizes from vectors, all settings on the page are unavailable.
If you have selected a Brilliant, Emerald, Hexagon, Triangle or Trillion gem,
click the Standard list, followed by the standard you want to use to set the gem’s
size. If you select:
Custom, specify the dimensions of the gem in the Length, Width and
Depth boxes.
Get Gem sizes from vectors, all settings on the panel are unavailable.
8. Click Accept to display the next page of the panel.

9. If you want to keep the original vector when the gem vector is created, deselect
Remove original vectors.
10. Click Accept to close the panel and convert the selected vector into a gem
vector. The gem vector is shown in red when deselected.

Editing properties of gem vectors
Use the Gem Vector Properties tool to edit the dimensions and the colour of the gem
associated with a gem vector.
You cannot simultaneously edit the dimensions and colour of the gem associated
with a gem vector.
If you edit the properties of a gem vector when its associated gem has already been
created, you must recreate the gem after you have finished editing.
To change the shape of a gem vector, edit it as you would any other vector.
To edit a gem vector’s properties:
1. Select the gem vector.
2. To change the gem’s dimensions:
a. On the Gem Tools toolbar, click the Gem Vector Properties button.
The Gem Vector Properties panel is displayed.
b. Click the Standard list, followed by the option you want to use. If you
select:
Carat, click the Size list followed by the carat size. Its dimensions are
displayed in the Length, Width, and Depth boxes.
Custom, specify the gem’s dimensions in the Length, Width, and Depth
boxes.
Get Gem sizes from vectors, the dimensions of the gem equal those of
the selected gem vector. All of the settings on the panel are unavailable.
c. Click Accept to close the panel and apply your changes.
3. To change the gem’s colour:
a. Click . The Gem Vector Properties panel is displayed.

b. Click Back to display the gem colour options.
c. Select the colour you want to apply to the gem. The gem size properties
are displayed.
d. Click Accept close the panel and apply the colour to the gem.
Creating gems
Use the Create Gems tool to create a batch of gems, provided that you have already
created gem vectors for each of them. When creating gems in this way, a new
assembly is also created.
To create a one or more gems using gem vectors:
1. In the Project panel, select the root Assembly or the assembly in the
Project Tree with which you want to associate the new assembly and gems.
2. Select the gem vectors for which you want to create gems.
3. On the Gem Tools toolbar, click the Create Gems button. The Create
Gems panel is displayed.
4. To create gems for each gem vector in your model, deselect Create only
selected gem vectors.
5. In the Gem Set Name box, enter the name for the new assembly created along
with the gems.
6. In the Start Height box, specify the Z height at which you want to create the
gems.
7. If you do not want to wrap the gems around the composite relief, deselect
Position Around Ring.
8. To orientate the gems in relation to the underlying composite relief, select Lay
On Composite Relief.
9. Click to create a preview of the gems in the 3D view.
10. To edit the gems, adjust the settings on the Create Gems panel, and then click
.
11. Click to close the panel and create a new assembly in the Project Tree
along with a gem for each selected gem vector. Each gem in the Project Tree
uses the name of its gem vector.

Creating Pavé gem settings
Use the Pavé Wizard to create Pavé gem settings. A Pavé gem setting is made up of
beads and gems in a grid format. ArtCAM creates the vector artwork needed to add the
gems and build the beads in the Pavé setting design.
You can control the layout, the number of gems and beads and their respective
dimensions, and the overall area of the Pavé setting.
To create a Pavé gem setting:
1. On the Gem Tools toolbar, click the Pave Wizard button. The Pave
Wizard panel is displayed.
2. In the Pave Type area, select:
Linear to create a linear block pattern of gems.
Honeycomb to create a honeycomb matrix pattern of gems.
3. In the Spacing area, set the dimensions of the gems and beads:
a. In the Stone Diameter box, enter the diameter of each gem.
b. Set the size of the beads using one of the following methods: Select Bead
Diameter, and then enter their diameter in the adjacent box; or Select
Gap Between Stones, and then enter the distance that you want to set
between each gem in the adjacent box.
4. In the Pave Area area, specify the overall size of your Pavé setting.
To create gems using a closed vector:
a. Select the vector that you want to use.
b. Select Selected Vector.
c. Click Create. The vector artwork representing the Pavé setting is created
on the selected vector layer.
d. Click Trim to delete the vector artwork outside of the selected vector.
To specify an exact number of gems:
a. Select Number of rows.
b. Specify the number of rows and columns of gems in the boxes.
c. Click Create. The vector artwork representing the Pavé setting is created
on the selected vector layer.
5. To delete the Pavé setting, click Delete.
6. In the Select Vectors area, you can control which of the vectors that make up
the Pavé setting artwork are selected. To select:
the circular vectors representing each gem, click Stones.
the circular vectors representing each bead, click Beads.
the vectors in the Pavé setting, click All.
At this stage, you might want to transform the shape of the vectors representing
the gems to match that of a custom gem.
You might also want to apply a specific shape to the vectors representing the
beads and then combine them with a specific relief layer.
7. In the Gem Colour area, you can control the colour of the gems in the Pavé
setting. To set the colour, click the list, followed by the colour that you want to
use. Amethyst is applied by default.
8. Click Accept to create the Pavé gem setting.
The circular vectors representing each gem are red. You are now able to create
gems from these vectors.
See also
Transforming vectors
Panels
This section describes how to manipulate the display of panels.
Floating a docked panel
You can choose whether a panel is either docked or floating.
To float a docked panel, use one of the following methods:
Click the panel’s header and drag to the workspace area, then release the mouse
button;
Right-click the panel’s header, then select Floating in the context menu; or
Double-click the panel’s header.
Docking a floating panel
If a panel is floating, you can:
move it to a new floating position; or
return it to a previously docked position.
To dock a floating panel:
1. Click the panel’s header and drag.
You can use the drop-targets displayed on all four sides of the interface:
In addition, if the panel is floating over:

the workspace area, you can use the Docking Assistant displayed in the
centre:
a docked pinned panel, you can use the Docking Assistant displayed over
the panel:
2. Release the mouse button when the cursor is over the drop-target you want to
use.
To return a floating panel to its last docked position, use one of the following methods:
Right-click the panel’s header, then select Docking in the context menu; or
Double-click the panel’s header.
Auto-hiding docked panels
You can control whether or not docked panels are displayed or hidden.
To collapse a docked panel, use one of the following methods:
Click on the panel’s header.
Right-click the panel’s header, then select Auto Hide in the context menu.
The panel collapses against its adjacent docking area, and a tab is displayed.
To pin a sliding panel:
1. In the docking area, move the cursor over the tab displaying the name of the
panel you want to pin.
The panel slides out, and is visible for as long as the cursor is over the tab or its
associated panel.
If you move the cursor outside of the panel or its associated tab, the panel
collapses against its adjacent docking area.
2. Use one of the following methods to pin the panel:

Click on the panel’s header; or
Right-click the panel’s header, then select Auto Hide in the context menu.
The panel is docked. If your chosen tab belongs to a group of tabs, the other
tabs within the group are also pinned and displayed within the panel as separate
tabs. The page associated with your chosen tab is shown in the panel, and its
name is displayed on its header.
Hiding and displaying panels
You can control which of the panels are displayed or hidden. You can hide a panel,
whether it is pinned or auto-hidden.
To hide a panel, use one of the following methods:
Click on the panel’s header.
If the panel is auto-hidden, move the cursor over the tab displaying the
panel’s name.
Right-click the panel’s header, then select Hide in the context menu.
Right-click a docking area, then deselect the panel’s name in the context menu.
If a panel is auto-hidden, it is not selected in the context menu. Only

floating or docked panels can be hidden or displayed in this way.
Select Window > Toolbars and Docking Windows, then the selected panel’s
name in the submenu.
To display a hidden panel:
Right-click a docking area, then select the panel’s name in the context menu; or
Select Window > Toolbars and Docking Windows, then the deselected panel’s
name in the submenu.
If the panel has not been displayed before, it is shown in its default layout position.
If the panel has been displayed before, it is shown in its last position; docked or
floating.
See also
Auto-hiding docked panels
Window > Toolbars and Docking Windows
Embedding panels
Each panel, whether docked or floating, is a container that allows other panels to share
the same space. This enables you to use the available workspace efficiently.
To embed one panel within another:
1. Click the panel’s header, and drag the panel over to the destination panel. The
destination panel’s Docking Assistant is displayed:
2. Release the mouse button when the cursor is over:
to embed the panel below those already displayed; to embed the panel
above those already displayed; to embed the panel to the left of those
already displayed; to embed the panel to the right of those already displayed;
to embed the panel as a tab.
If the destination panel is already tabbed, the panel you are relocating is
added as a new tab. If not, two new tabs are created. The tab associated
with the relocated panel is selected.
When the cursor is over a drop target in the Docking Assistant, its
corresponding space is shaded blue. This provides a preview of the new layout.
Resizing panels
You can resize a floating, docked or embedded panel.
When a panel is too short and narrow to display all of its content, a scrollbar is
displayed along its right and bottom edge. You can use the scrollbar to control what of
the panel’s content is visible.
Floating panels
To resize a floating panel, move the cursor over the edge or corner of a panel. When
the cursor changes to:
, click and drag left or right to adjust its width;
, click and drag up or down to adjust its height;
or , click and drag the corner inwards or outwards diagonally to adjust its
height and width simultaneously.
Docked panels
To resize a docked panel, move the cursor over the edge of a panel, adjacent to the 2D
or 3D view. When the cursor changes to:
, click and drag left or right to adjust its width;
, click and drag up or down to adjust its height.
Embedded panels
To resize an embedded panel:
1. Move the cursor over the solid splitter bar between two adjacent embedded
panels.
The splitter bar is horizontal or vertical, depending on how the panels are
arranged. For example, a horizontal splitter bar looks as follows:
The Project panel has its own splitter bar which is always displayed,
separating the Project Tree from the tools associated with the currently
selected item:
2. When the cursor changes to:

, click and drag up or down to adjust the height of the panels above and
below the splitter bar;
, click and drag left or right to adjust the width of the panels on the left
and right of the splitter bar.
When moved, the splitter bar is no longer solid. For example, a horizontal splitter
bar looks as follows:
3. Release the mouse button to set the splitter bar’s position. The panels on either
side of the splitter bar are resized.
The Project panel’s splitter bar includes tools you can use to adjust its layout. Click:
to align the splitter bar with the panel’s bottom edge;
to align the splitter bar with the panel’s top edge; or
to return the splitter bar to its previous position.
Menus
This section describes the menus and options available from the Menu bar.
See also
About the Menu bar
File menu
Use the options on the File menu to open, close, save, and print models and projects.
File > New
Use the options on this submenu for creating models and projects.
File > New > Model
Use this menu option to create a model. When creating a model in ArtCAM, the model’s
dimensions typically represent the sheet or block of material you want to use when
manufacturing your finished design.
The New Model button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu option
and the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+N. The availability of this button is license
dependent.
To create a model:
1. Select File > New > Model or click to display the Size For new Model
dialog.
If you are creating a model as part of a project, right-click Models in the

Project Tree then select New > Model from the context menu.
2. In the Dimensions area, specify the width and height of the model you want to
create.
3. In the Units area, select mm or inches.
4. In the Resolution area, drag the slider to set the model resolution. A resolution
of approximately 1500 x 1500 points is suitable for most jobs.
5. Specify the model’s origin by clicking one of the numbered positions shown
below:
The icon is displayed on the box diagram in your selected position.
After a model is created, you can use Model > Adjust Resolution to
change the resolution.
6. Click OK to create the model.

If you are creating a model that is part of a project, an open model icon
is shown below the Models item in the Project Tree. The model is
named (Untitled).
If you are creating an independent model, the open model icon is the
root of the Project Tree. The model is named (Untitled).
See also
Model > Adjust Resolution
The Project panel
The model screen
File > New > Model (Specify Pixel Size)
Use this menu option to create a model using an exact number of pixels.
To create a model:
1. Select File > New > Model (Specify Pixel Size). The Size For New Model In
Pixels dialog is displayed.
If you are creating a model as part of a project, in the Project Tree, right-
click the Models folder, and then select New > Model (Specify Pixel
Size) from the context menu.
If you are using the Size For New Model In Pixels dialog for the first time,
the value displayed in the Width and Height boxes is 500 by default.
Thereafter, ArtCAM recalls the last pixel values you have used.
2. To set the size of the model according to the exact number of pixels in the image
on the Windows clipboard, select Open Clipboard. The number of pixels in the
clipboard image is shown in the Width and Height boxes.
If the Windows clipboard does not contain a compatible image, the Open
Clipboard option is unavailable. You can create a model from any .bmp,
.dib, .rle, .jpg, .jpeg, .jpe, .jfif, .gif, .emf, .wmf, .tif .tiff, .png or .ico
file currently on the Windows clipboard.
3. To set the size of the model without using an image from the clipboard:
a. Ensure that Open Clipboard is deselected.
b. In the Width box, specify the width of the model in pixels.
c. In the Height box, specify the height of the model in pixels.
4. Click OK to create the model according to the defined number of pixels.
If you are creating a model as part of a project, an open model is shown

beneath the Models folder in the Project Tree. Each new model is named
(Untitled) by default.
If you are creating a model independently, the open model is the root of the
Project Tree. The model is named (Untitled) by default.
File > New > Model from Image
Use this menu option to create a model in ArtCAM using .bmp, .dib, .rle, .jpg, .jpeg,
.jpe, .jfif, .gif, .emf, .wmf, .tif, .tiff, .png, or .ico image files.
To create a model using an image file:
1. Select File > New > Model from Image to display the Load Image dialog.
If you are creating a model as part of a project, in the Project Tree, right-
click the Models folder, then select New > From Image File from the
context menu.
2. Navigate to the image you want to import.

3. Select the image and click Open. The Set Model Size dialog is displayed.
The dimensions of the image file are shown in the Height and Width boxes. The
Scanned d.p.i. option is selected in the Method area.
4. If you know the resolution at which the original image was scanned, enter this in
the d.p.i. box. If not, use the value which is currently shown.
5. Select the Units you are working in.
6. In the Origin area, specify the X and Y-axis zero origin in the model.
7. If you want to adjust the size of the image, and therefore the size of the resulting
ArtCAM model:
a. Select Image size in the Method area.
b. Specify a new Height or Width. The aspect ratio between the height and
width is maintained.
8. To set the maximum Z height of the relief layer created from the image as part of
the model, enter the value in the Height in Z box.
The default value shown in the Height In Z box remains 1.0 irrespective of
the units in which you are working. Ensure the Z height is correct.
If you use an image with a high Z height, the resulting relief layer in the
model is likely to be poor. You should only use images with a low Z height,
such as textures.
9. Click OK to close the dialog and create the model.

If you are creating a model as part of a project, an open model is shown
beneath the Models folder in the Project Tree. Each new model is
named (Untitled).
If you are creating a model independently, the open model is the root of
the Project Tree. The model is named (Untitled).
The image from which the model was created is hosted on the default bitmap
layer named Bitmap Layer, and is shown in the 2D view.
If you have used a colour image file, it is stored as a greyscale image on

the default bitmap layer.
The content on the default relief layer resulting from the image is shown in the
3D view.
File > New > Rotary Model
Use this menu option to create a blank rotary model.
When you have created a rotary model, the Front Relief and Back Relief icons in the
Project Tree change from to .
To create a rotary model:
1. Select File > New > Rotary Model. The Size for New Rotary Model dialog is
displayed.
2. In the Cylinder Dimensions area:
a. Enter the Diameter of the cylinder.
b. Enter the Length of the cylinder.
3. Select whether you want to wrap the model around the X axis or Y axis.
4. Select the units you want to work in.
5. In the Resolution area, use the slider to set the resolution for the model.
6. Click OK to create a new rotary model.
The 3D view is empty until you create a relief.

File > New > Project
Use this menu option to create a project. Projects enable you to manage multiple
models and assemblies from the Project Tree.
The New Project button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu
option.
ArtCAM opens with the Project panel docked and pinned. The Project panel contains
the Project Tree, which consists of three default items:
The Project item.
This is represented by the icon, and is the root of the Project Tree. It is named
(Untitled) by default.
You can give the project a name when it is saved for the first time.
The Models folder item.

This is represented by the icon and hosts any number of models.
The root Assembly item.

This is represented by the icon, and hosts any number of assemblies and their
associated meshes and gems.
You cannot delete any of these items from the Project Tree, or rename them.
See also
File > New > Model
Assembly
The project screen
File > Open
Use this menu option to open a model or project.
The Open File button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu option
and the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+O. The availability of this button is license
dependent.
To open a model or a project:
1. Select File > Open or click to display the Open dialog.

2. Navigate to the file you want to open as a model.
3. Select the file. The Relief Info area of the dialog displays the file’s dimensions in
actual measurements and pixels. The Model Preview area displays a thumbnail
image of the file’s contents.
If you select an .art file, the thumbnail image shown in the Model Preview area
contains the contents of the active 2D view when the model was saved.
4. Click Open.
If you select an .art or .rlf file, the Open dialog closes and the model is
opened.
If you select a .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .jpe, .jfif, .tif, or .tiff file, the Open
dialog closes, and the Set Model Size dialog is displayed.
If you select a .dxf, .dwg, .pic, .dgk, or .pdf file, the Open dialog closes
and the Size for New Model dialog is displayed.
If you select a .3dp or .3da file, a project is opened instead of a model.

File > Close Model
Use this menu option to close the model on which you are working.
If you have any unsaved changes, you are prompted to save them before closing. Click:
Yes to save the changes and return to the start screen. The name of the saved
model is listed on the Recent Models page of the start screen and on the File
menu.
No to close the model without saving the changes.
Cancel to continue working.
If you are saving the model for the first time, the Save Model As dialog is displayed
1. Navigate to the location in which you want to save the model.
2. Enter a File name.
3. Click Save.
If you are working with a previously saved model, any changes made are saved
immediately; overwriting the previous file.
If a model has not changed since it was opened, the model closes and ArtCAM displays
the start screen.
If you are working with a model as part of a project, right-click the open model icon
in the Project Tree, then select Close from the context menu. If you have not made
any changes to the model since it was opened, it closes immediately, and the model
icon in the Project Tree changes to , indicating that it is now closed.
If you attempt to close the model before saving any changes that you have made since
it was opened, a message dialog is displayed asking if you want to update the project
with your changes.
See also
Starting ArtCAM
File > Save
File > Recent Files
File > Close Project
Use this menu option to close the project on which you are working.
If you have any unsaved changes, you are prompted to save the project before closing.
Click:
Yes to save the changes and return to the start screen. The name of the saved
project is listed on the Recent Models page of the start screen and on the File
menu.
If you close a project while a model remains open, the model is closed too.
No to close the project without saving the changes.

See also
Starting ArtCAM
File > Save
File > Recent Files
File > Save
Depending on whether you are working on a model or a project, use this menu option
to save the model as an ArtCAM Model (.art) file or the project as an ArtCAM Project
(.3dp) file.
This option overwrites any previously saved version of the model or project. To save the
model or project with a different filename or in a different folder, select File > Save As.
The Save button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu option and
the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+S.
Working on a model as part of a project

When working on a model as part of a project, you can update the project with changes
you made to the model without saving the project.
To update a project with changes you made to a model:
1. In the Project Tree, right-click the Model Information item to display its
context-menu.
2. Select Update Project.
3. If you want to save the project, select File > Save or click .
Using auto-recover
Auto-recover is a function that stores the current ArtCAM session periodically, helping to
reduce the risk or impact of data loss in the event of a crash or freeze. Auto-recover
storage can be completed at specified intervals and during periods of mouse or
keyboard inactivity.
The auto-recover function stores a temporary file and does not overwrite your current
ArtCAM Project (.3dp) or ArtCAM Model (.art) file. It is not an alternative to regular
saving, and auto-recover files are deleted when the current ArtCAM session is closed.
You cannot work when an auto-recover is in process. The amount of time

required to complete each auto-recover depends on the size of the ArtCAM project
or model that is currently open.
To use the auto-recover option when you are working:

1. Select Edit > Options to display the Options panel.
2. Click the Auto-Recover Settings header to display its associated settings.
3. Select Enable auto-recover. This option is selected by default.
When using ArtCAM, you can confirm that the auto-recover function is
working by clicking the Processes tab in Windows Task Manager. The
Image Name for the auto-recover function is ArtMonitor.exe.
4. Set the time schedule that you want to use:

In the minutes box, enter the frequency with which auto-recover
information is saved. The default interval is 30 minutes.
In the seconds box, enter the period of mouse or keyboard inactivity
before auto-recover information is stored. The default time is 30 seconds.
5. Click Apply to store the auto-recover settings.

6. Click Close to close the Options panel.
When the auto-recover function is enabled and there is a crash or freeze in ArtCAM, one
of two error messages are displayed:
If ArtCAM cannot recover the changes you made in your most recent session, a
message is displayed confirming your work has been lost. Click OK to close the
message.
You will usually only be unable to recover your work where your most
recent session has not been open long enough for an initial auto-recover to
be completed.
If ArtCAM can recover the changes you made in your most recent session, an
error message is displayed warning that ArtCAM must be closed, and asking if
you want to recover your work:
If you want to recover the changes from your most recent session:
a. Click Recover to close the message and display the Save Recovered File
As dialog.
The recovered changes are restored as either an ArtCAM Model (.art) or
ArtCAM Project (.3dp); depending on what you were working on in your
most recent session.
b. Navigate to the folder on your computer in which you want to save the file
containing the recovered changes.
c. Enter a File Name.
If you were previously working on a project, the default name is

Recovered Project.3dp. If you were working on a model, the default
name is Recovered Model.art.
d. Click Save to close the dialog and save the file.

To check which of the changes in your previous session have been
recovered, open the ArtCAM Project (.3dp) or ArtCAM Model (.art) file.
If you do not require the changes from your most recent session, click Discard
to close the message.
File > Save As
Depending on whether you are working within a model or a project, use this menu
option to save a previously saved model or project with a different filename or in a
different folder.
To save a model or project:
1. Select File > Save As. If you are saving:

a model, the Save Model As dialog is displayed.
a project, the Save Project As dialog is displayed.
2. Select the folder in which you want to save the file.

3. Enter a File name.
4. Click Save to save the file and close the dialog.
Use File > Save or click the Save button on the File toolbar to save a file to
its existing folder and filename.
File > Print
Use this menu option to print the model as it is shown in the active view. If you are
printing the 2D view, the Print Setup dialog is displayed; if you are printing the 3D
view, the Print dialog is displayed. The dialogs enable you to choose the printer and
other options.
The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+P.

File > Print Preview
Use this menu option to preview the contents of the active view before printing it. Use
the toolbar at the top of the window to display all the pages in the window, to zoom in
and out, and to print its contents.
File > Print Setup
Use this menu option to display the Print Setup dialog and control the settings for the
printer with which you are going to print the active view.
To adjust the printer settings:
1. Select File > Print Setup to display the Print Setup dialog.
2. Select the Name of the printer.
3. To change any of the default settings of the printer, such as the paper size and
orientation, click Properties.
4. In the Paper area:
a. Select the size of the paper you’re printing on in the Size drop-down list.
b. Select the tray or paper feed option you want to use when printing from
the Source list.
5. Select the orientation that you want to use when printing:

Portrait — Select this option if you want to print the model vertically.
Typically, portrait orientation is used for models that are taller than they
are wide.
Landscape — Select this option if you want to print the model
horizontally. Typically, landscape orientation is used for models that are
wider than they are tall.
6. In the Options area, select the print option you want to use:
Print model to scale — Select this option if you want to print the model
according to its physical dimensions.
Before printing, ensure the model can fit onto the paper to which it is
currently being printed.
Stretch to fit page — Select this option if you want to print the model
according to the dimensions of the paper onto which it is to be printed.
Print current screen view — Select this option if you want to print the
model as it is currently shown in the 2D view.
Output model border — If selected, ArtCAM prints a border around the
edge of the model sheet so you can see where the sheet is.
If you are printing the 3D view, the print options are unavailable. In this
instance, ArtCAM prints to fit the 3D view in its current orientation.
7. Click OK to print the active view and close the Print Setup dialog.
File > Recent Files
The recent file list at the bottom of the File menu lists the last four files opened in
ArtCAM. Select an option to re-open the file.
File > Exit
Use this menu option to exit ArtCAM.
If you have any unsaved changes, you are prompted to save them before closing. Click:
Yes to save the changes and then exit.
No to exit without saving the changes.
Edit menu
Use the options on the Edit menu to edit the model, select vectors, and manage your
display preferences.
Edit > Undo
Use this menu option to undo your previous actions, starting with the most recent.
The Undo button on the File is a shortcut for this menu option and the
keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Z.
To reinstate a previous action you have undone, select Edit > Redo.
The number of times you can undo or redo an actions depends on the size of the
scratch file associated with ArtCAM, as well as the magnitude of your editing. For
example, a sequence of small changes to a selected relief layer or bitmap layer will
store more undo actions than larger modifications.
You can set the size of the scratch file in the Options panel.
See also
Edit > Redo
Edit > Options
Edit > Redo
Use this menu option to reinstate actions you have undone using Edit > Undo.
The Redo button on the File is a shortcut for this menu option and the
keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Y. The availability of this button is license dependent.
The number of times you can undo or redo an action depends on the size of the scratch
file associated with ArtCAM, as well as the magnitude of your editing. For example, a
sequence of small changes to a selected relief layer or bitmap layer will store more
undo actions than larger modifications.
You can set the size of the scratch file in the Options panel.
See also
Edit > Undo

Edit > Options
Edit > Cut
Use the options on this submenu to remove selected objects or reliefs and copy them to
the clipboard.
Edit > Cut > Cut
Use this menu option to remove selected objects from the model area and copy them to
the clipboard. This option is available only if you have one or more objects selected.
The Cut button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu option and
the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+X.
Edit > Cut > Cut Relief
Use this menu option to remove any relief on the active layer that is within the selected
vector and place it on the clipboard. If you paste the cut relief back into the model, it is
pasted as relief clipart.
The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+X.

Edit > Copy
Use the options on this submenu to copy selected objects, reliefs, or regions of vectors
to the clipboard.
Edit > Copy > Copy
Use this menu option to copy selected objects to the clipboard. This option is available
only if you have one or more selected objects in the 2D or 3D views.
The Copy button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu option and
the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+C.
Edit > Copy > Copy Relief
Use this menu option to copy any relief on the active layer that is within the selected
vector and place it on the clipboard. If you paste the copied relief back into the model,
it is pasted as relief clipart.
The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+C.

Edit > Copy > Copy Bitmap
Use this menu option to copy bitmap artwork within a specified region defined by
vectors.
To copy and paste areas of bitmap artwork:
1. Select the bitmap layer containing the artwork that you want to copy.
2. Select the vectors that define the area of bitmap artwork you want to copy. The
bounding box that surrounds the selected vectors represents the area of the
bitmap artwork that you want to copy.
Ensure the vector layer containing the vector artwork that you want to use
is visible.
3. Select Edit > Copy > Copy Bitmap to copy the bitmap artwork within the
bounding box that surrounds the selected vectors to the ArtCAM clipboard.
4. Select the bitmap layer onto which you want to paste the copied bitmap artwork.
5. Select Edit > Paste > Paste to attach the copied the bitmap artwork to a
selection rectangle in the top left corner of the model area in the 2D view.
The selection rectangle is the same size as the bounding box that surrounds the
selected vectors.
6. Use the mouse to position the selection rectangle in the bitmap layer on which
you want to paste the copied bitmap artwork.
You cannot see the bitmap artwork attached to the selection rectangle.
7. When the selection rectangle is in the correct position, click to paste the copied
bitmap artwork onto the selected bitmap layer.
Edit > Paste
Use the options on this submenu to paste the contents of the clipboard into the model
area or onto separate layers.
Edit > Paste > Paste
Use this menu option to paste the contents of the clipboard into the model area.
The Paste button on the File toolbar is a shortcut for this menu option and
the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+V.
Edit > Paste > Paste Preserving Layers
Use this menu option to paste copied vectors onto separate layers, preserving any
colour attributes assigned to them.
Edit > Delete
Use this menu option to delete any objects selected in the 2D or 3D views from a model
or project.
Edit > Select
Select this menu option to enable selection mode.
The Select button on the Design and Design Tools toolbars is a shortcut
for this menu option.
Edit > Transform
Use this menu option to edit the size, shape, and position of selected vectors and relief
clipart.
The Transform button on the Design and Design Tools toolbars is a

shortcut for this menu option.
Transforming vectors
You can transform a vector directly in the 2D or 3D views using the cursor or using the
Tool Settings: Transform panel.
To transform vectors using the cursor
When you enable transform mode, you can transforms vector directly in the 2D or 3D
views using the cursor.
To transform a vector using the cursor:
1. Select the vector.
2. Select Edit > Transform or click the Transform button. The selected vector
is surrounded by a transform box, which includes resizing handles, a transform
origin, a rotation handle, and shearing control-points, for example:
Resizing handles Transform origin Rotation handle Shearing control-

points
3. To move the vector, position the cursor over one of the spans or within the
transform box. When the cursor changes to , click and drag the vector into
position.
Hold down Ctrl when you move the vector to keep a copy of it in its original
position.
4. To adjust the size and shape of the vector, position the cursor over any of the
resizing handles. When the cursor changes to , click and drag the resizing
handle.
Hold down Shift when you scale to preserve the ratio between the vector’s
width and height.
Hold down Alt when you scale to scale the selected vector relative to the
transform origin.
5. To change the position of the transform origin, click in the Origin position
area to unlock the transform origin, then position the cursor over the transform
origin handle. When the cursor changes to , click and drag it to a new position.
6. To adjust the angle of the vector, position the cursor over the rotation handle or
outside of the transform box. When the cursor changes to , click and drag to
rotate the vector around the transform origin.
7. To shear the vector vertically, move the cursor over the control point outside of
the left edge of the transform box. When the cursor changes to , click and drag
the control point.
8. To shear the vector horizontally, move the cursor over the control point outside
of the bottom edge of the transform box. When the cursor changes to , click
and drag the control point.
If you want to transform the selected vector using specific values, use the Tool
Settings: Transform panel.
Using the Tool Settings: Transform panel
You can use the Tool Settings: Transform panel to transform a selected vector in a
number of ways.
The panel contains the following settings:
Scale and Size — This enables you to specify the height and width of the
selected vector.
Origin position — This enables you to specify the position of the transform
origin.
Move — This enables you to move a selected vector along the X and Y-axis.
Rotate — This enables you to spin a selected vector around the transform origin.
Shear — This enables you to shear a selected vector.
Setting the transform origin
Using the Origin position area of the Tool Settings: Transform panel, you can
transform a selected vector relative to a specified origin.
To set the transform origin by which you want to reposition, resize or rotate a selected
vector:
1. Select the vector you want to transform.
2. Click the Transform button.

3. In the Origin Position section, the co-ordinates in the X and Y boxes show the
current position of the transform origin. Set the new origin about which you want
to transform the selected vector in one of the following ways:
Select one of the nine options on the rectangle diagram to set the origin to
one of nine pre-set positions. The coordinates of the selected position are
displayed in the X and Y boxes.
In the X and Y boxes, enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the position you
want to set as the origin, then click Apply to set the transform origin.
You can now transform the selected vectors about this origin.
Scaling vectors
Use the Scale and size area of the Tool Settings: Transform panel to change the size
of a vector using specific values.
To change the size of a vector using specific values:
1. Select the vector you want to resize.

3. Ensure the transform origin by which you want to move the selected vector is in
the correct position.
4. To preserve the ratio between the Width and Height of the selected vector,
ensure Maintain aspect ratio is selected. This option is selected by default.
5. Select how you want to scale the vectors.
mm — The vector is scaled according to its actual measurements.
Percent % — The vector is scaled as a percentage relative to its original
size.
6. Enter the Width and Height of the selected vector.
If resizing a horizontal, or vertical, linear vector-polyline, enter the Length.
7. Click Apply to resize the selected vector, or click Cancel to cancel the resizing.
Hold down Ctrl when you scale a vector if you want to keep a copy of it in
its original size.
Hold down Shift when you scale a vector to preserve the ratio between the
width and height.
Hold down Alt when you scale a vector to scale it about the centre of its
transform box.
Moving vectors
Using the Move area of the Tool Settings: Transform panel, you can enter precise
coordinates to reposition a vector.
To move a vector to a specific position:

4. In the X box, enter the coordinate to which you want to move the selected vector
along the X-axis:
A positive value moves the selected vector to the right.
A negative value moves the selected vector to the left.
Hold down Ctrl when you move the vector to keep a copy of it in its original
position.
5. In the Y box, enter the coordinate to which you want to move the selected vector
along the Y-axis:
A positive value moves the selected vector upwards.
A negative value moves the selected vector downwards.
6. Click Apply to reposition the selected vector, or Cancel to cancel the move.
7. Click Repeat to move the vector again be the same distance.
Rotating vectors
Use the Rotate area of the Tool Settings: Transform panel to enter precise
coordinates to rotate a vector.
To rotate a vector using a specific angle:

4. In the Rotate area, select whether you want to rotate the vectors clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
5. In the degrees box, enter the angle by which you want to rotate the selected
vector.
Hold down Ctrl when you rotate the vector to keep a copy of it in its
original position.
6. Click Apply to rotate the selected vector by the specified angle, or Cancel to
cancel the rotation.
7. Click Repeat to rotate the selected vector by the same angle again.
Shearing vectors
Shearing can be pictured by thinking of an image superimposed onto a flexible rubber
sheet. If you hold the sides of the sheet and move them up and down in opposite
directions, the image undergoes a spatial stretching known as shearing:
Before shearing
After shearing in the X-axis
Using the Shear area of the Tool Settings: Transform panel, you can enter precise
angles to shear a vector.
To shear a vector using specific angles:

4. In the Shear area:
Enter the angle by which you want to shear the selected vector horizontally
in the W box.
Enter the angle by which you want to shear the selected vector vertically in
the H box.
5. Click Apply to shear the selected vector, or Cancel to cancel the shear.
6. Click Repeat to shear the vector again by the same angles.
Transforming relief clipart
The Tool Settings: Transform panel provides tools that enable you to edit the size,
shape, position, and combine mode of the relief clipart. This panel is displayed
automatically when you import or create new relief clipart.
Use the Tool Settings: Transform options to:
scale the relief clipart.

reposition the transform origin.
move the relief clipart.
rotate the relief clipart.
shear the relief clipart.
choose a combine mode.
See also
Importing a file from the relief clipart library

Scaling the relief clipart
You can scale the relief clipart in the Z direction or set its height and width.
Resizing relief clipart using the cursor
To resize relief clipart using the cursor:
1. Select the relief clipart you want to edit.
3. In the Scale and Size area, click Maintain aspect ratio to specify whether
the values are linked.
Values which are linked update automatically when another linked value is
changed. This limits the distortion of the relief clipart when you resize it.
4. In the 3D view, position the cursor over one of the red handles on the transform
box.
5. Click and drag the handle to increase or decrease the size of the relief clipart.
Hold down Ctrl when you click and drag to leave behind a copy of the relief
clipart in its original size. The cursor changes to .
Hold down Alt when you click and drag to resize the relief clipart relative to the
Transform Origin rather than the opposite corner handle. The Transform
Origin‘s position is not updated.
Hold down Shift when you click and drag to temporarily unlink the dimensions in
the Scale and Size area.
Resizing relief clipart using exact values To resize the relief clipart
using exact values:
1. In the Scale and Size area, click Maintain aspect ratio to specify whether
the values are linked.
Values which are linked update automatically when another linked value is
changed. This limits the distortion of the relief clipart when you resize it.
2. Select whether you want the values to be mm or %.

3. Enter the amount by which you want to resize the selected objects in the Width,
Height, or Z Range boxes. All areas of the Tool Settings: Transform panel are
unavailable except the Scale and Size area.
4. Click Apply. All linked dimensions are updated, and all areas of the panel are
available.
Hold down Ctrl when you click Apply to leave behind a copy of the
selected objects in their original size.
Interactively editing the Z height of relief clipart
When you are using the Transform tool and your selection includes relief clipart, a
control arrow pointing in the Z direction is displayed. Click and drag this arrow to
resize all selected relief clipart in the Z direction. This tool enables you to interactively
blend heights with another relief or relief clipart.
Repositioning the transform origin of relief clipart
You can reposition the Transform Origin of the relief clipart. The Transform Origin is
shown as a blue disc in the 3D view, and a blue square in the 2D view.
Specifying the transform origin using the cursor

To specify the transform origin of relief clipart using the cursor:

3. Using the cursor, either:
click and drag the blue handle to a new position, then release the mouse
button to set the position; or
select a point in the grid in the Origin Position area.

The blue and green handles move to the corresponding position on the
transform box.
Specifying the transform origin using exact values

To specify the transform origin of selected preview relief using exact values:

3. In the Origin Position area, enter new coordinates for the origin in the X and Y
boxes.
4. Click Apply or press the Enter key to move the origin.
When the origin is on or within the transform box, the relief clipart moves with it.
Locking the transform origin
You can lock the Transform Origin to prevent it from moving when you click and drag
in the 3D view; this does not stop you from repositioning it using the Tool Settings:
Transform panel.
To lock the Transform Origin:
1. Click in the Origin Position area.
The Transform Origin changes to dark blue in the 3D view and cannot be
selected.
Click in the Origin Position area to unlock the Transform Origin.

Moving the relief clipart
You can move relief clipart around the workspace by using the cursor, by using the
arrow keys, or by entering values in the Tool Settings: Transform panel.
Moving relief clipart using the cursor

To move relief clipart using the cursor:

3. Move the cursor inside the transform box. The cursor changes to .
4. Click and drag the relief clipart into position.
In the Move area of the Tool Settings: Transform panel, the X and Y values
are updated.
clipart in its original position. The cursor changes to .
Hold down Alt when you click and drag to restrict movement of the relief
clipart to the X and Y axes.
Hold down Shift when you click and drag to temporarily disable snapping.
When the Transform Origin is within the transform box, it moves with the
relief clipart, and the X and Y values in the Origin Position area are
updated. When the Transform Origin is outside the transform box, it does
not move.
5. Release the mouse button to position the relief clipart.
Moving relief clipart using arrow keys

To move selected relief clipart using the arrow keys:

3. Use the arrow keys to move the relief clipart in X and Y.
Hold down Alt when you press an arrow key to multiply the nudge distance
by a factor of ten.
Moving relief clipart using exact values

To move selected relief clipart using exact values:

3. In the X and Y boxes, enter the distance by which you want to move the relief
clipart.
4. Click Apply to move the relief clipart. The Repeat button replaces the Apply and
Cancel buttons.
If the Transform Origin is within the transform bounding box of the selected
objects, the Origin Position values are updated.
Hold down Ctrl when you click Apply to leave behind a copy of the
selected objects in their original position.
5. Click Repeat to move the relief clipart again by the specified X and Y
distances.
Hold down Ctrl when you click Repeat, to leave behind a copy of the relief
clipart in its original position.
Rotating the relief clipart
You can rotate the relief clipart around the transform origin. The transform origin is
marked by a blue handle, and can be repositioned anywhere in the model.
Rotating relief clipart using the cursor

To rotate the relief clipart using the cursor:
1. Select the relief clipart.

3. Position the cursor over the green handle, or outside the transform box. The
cursor changes to .
4. Drag the green handle to rotate the relief clipart.
Hold down the Ctrl key when you drag to leave behind a copy of the relief
clipart in its original orientation. The cursor changes to .
Hold down the Alt key when you drag to rotate the selected objects in 15
degree increments.
Rotating relief clipart using exact values To rotate the selected relief
clipart using exact values:

3. In the Rotate area, select whether you want to rotate the relief clipart in a
clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
4. Enter the angle by which you want to rotate the relief clipart relative to its
current position in the degrees box.
5. Click Apply. The relief clipart is rotated and a Repeat button replaces the Apply
and Cancel buttons.
6. Click Repeat to rotate the relief clipart again by the angle in the degrees box.
Hold down the Ctrl key when you click Apply or Repeat to leave behind a
copy of the relief clipart in its original orientation.
Shearing the relief clipart
You can shear the relief clipart horizontally and vertically. Shearing can be visualised by
thinking of an image superimposed onto a flexible rubber sheet. If you hold the sides of
the sheet and move them up and down in opposite directions, the image undergoes a
spatial stretching known as shearing.
Shearing relief clipart using the cursor To shear relief clipart using
the cursor

3. Position the cursor over a shearing handle adjacent to the transform box. The
cursor changes to or , depending on the handle you choose.
4. Click and drag the handle to adjust the angle of the relief clipart. The values
shown in the Shear area are updated.
clipart in its original shape. The cursor changes to .
Shearing relief clipart using exact values To shear relief clipart using
exact values:

3. In the Shear area, enter the angles by which you want to shear the relief clipart.
To shear:
horizontally, enter an angle in the W box.
vertically, enter an angle in the H box.
4. Click Apply to shear the relief clipart. The Repeat button replaces the Apply and
Cancel buttons.
Hold down Ctrl when you click Apply to leave behind a copy of the relief
clipart in its original shape.
5. Click Repeat to shear the relief clipart again by the angles in the W and H boxes.
Hold down Ctrl when you click Repeat to leave behind a copy of the relief
clipart in its original shape.
Combining relief clipart with a relief layer
You can combine relief clipart with the active relief layer in one of five ways: Add,
Subtract, Merge High, Merge Low, or Replace. You can also set the position in which
the relief clipart is combined with a selected relief layer.
In the Tool Settings: Transform panel, click the Relief Clipart Paste Options
button to display the paste options for the relief clipart:
Paste Combine Mode
Add — Select this option to add the relief clipart to the active relief layer.
Subtract — Select this option to subtract the relief clipart from the active
relief layer.
Merge High — Select this option to merge the relief clipart with the active
relief layer, so that only the highest points show.
Merge Low — Select this option to merge the relief clipart with the active
relief layer so that only the lowest points show.
Replace — Select this option to replace the relief on the active relief layer
with the relief clipart.
Paste outline vector — Select this option to paste a copy of the relief
clipart’s boundary onto the vector layer.
Add Flush — Select whether or not to add a constant height to the relief clipart
when it is pasted onto a relief layer. Select:
Relief Zero Plane to paste the relief clipart at the model Z zero position.
Maximum Height to paste the relief clipart at the highest point in the
composite relief.
Height — Specify the constant height to be applied beneath the base of the relief
clipart.
Wrap Projection — Choose whether the relief clipart is projected onto a flat
surface, or wrapped around a cylindrical or spherical shape. Select:
Linear to project the relief clipart onto the surface of the relief layer.
Radial to wrap the relief clipart around a spherical shape curved in both
the X and Y-axes.
Wrap X to wrap the relief clipart around a cylindrical shape curved around
the X-axis.
Wrap Y to wrap the relief clipart around a cylindrical shape curved around
the Y-axis.
If you select Radial, Wrap X, or Wrap Y, the Transform Origin option is
selected.
Relief Clipart — Choose whether to paste the relief clipart onto the active relief
layer, or onto a new relief layer.
Paste — Click to paste the relief clipart onto the current active layer.
Paste to New Layer — Click to paste the relief clipart to a new layer.
The new layer is inserted at the top of the Front Relief layer stack and
given the same name as the relief clipart with the suffix Relief Clipart.
More options — Click to return to the previous page of the Tool Settings:
Transform panel.
The availability of some options is license dependent.

Edit > Mirror
Use this menu option to mirror vectors or relief clipart about a bounding box or an open
vector.
The Mirror Objects button on the Design and Vector Editing toolbars is a
shortcut for this menu option.
To mirror a selection of objects:

1. Select the vectors or relief clipart you want to mirror.
2. Select Edit > Mirror or click . The Mirror panel is displayed.

3. To create mirrored copies and keep the original position of the selected objects,
select Copy the original objects (Ctrl).
4. If you selected Copy the original objects (Ctrl), select Join mirrored vectors
to join the mirrored copies with the original vector and create one vector.
Joining mirrored vectors works only if the original object and mirrored
object have coincident nodes.
5. Select the type of mirror you want to perform on the selected objects. Click:
to mirror the selected objects about the top edge of their bounding box.
to mirror the selected objects about an imaginary vertical line bisecting their
bounding box.
to mirror the selected objects about the bottom edge of their bounding box.
to mirror selected objects about an imaginary vertical line bisecting the

model area.
to mirror the selected objects about the the left edge of their bounding box.
to mirror the selected objects about an imaginary horizontal line bisecting

their bounding box.
to mirror the selected objects about the right edge of their bounding box.
to mirror the selected objects about an imaginary horizontal line bisecting

the model area.
to mirror the selected objects about an open, ungrouped vector.
Edit > Envelope Distortion
Use this menu option to change the shape of selected vectors or relief clipart within a
model. The Tool Settings: Envelope Distortion panel is displayed.
The Envelope Distortion button on the Design and Design Tools toolbars
is a shortcut for this menu option and the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+E.
When working in Envelope Distortion mode, ArtCAM converts the selected object’s
bounding box into Bézier spans. Moving the nodes and control points that make up the
distortion envelope enables you to manipulate the original shape of the object. You can
also move, resize, rotate, or shear the distortion envelope using the Transform tool
because it uses the same envelope.
The options available on the Tool Settings: Envelope Distortion panel change
depending on the whether you have:
no objects selected;
only vectors selected;
relief clipart selected, or relief clipart and vectors selected.
To distort reliefs which are already pasted onto a model, you can use the Cookie
Cutter to lift them from the model.
See also
Relief > Edit > Cookie Cutter

Distorting objects No objects selected
With no objects selected, the Tool Settings: Envelope Distortion panel contains the
Create a Vector Envelope and Select objects to distort areas. Click Distort to
display either the Copies area or the Z Scaling and Copies areas.
To distort an object:
1. Select the type of distortion envelope you want to use:
Automatic (Bounding Box) — ArtCAM uses the bounding box that
surrounds the selected objects to create the distortion envelope.
Wrap along single curve — Select an open vector along which ArtCAM
will create the distortion envelope.
Wrap between two curves — Select two open vectors between which to
create the distortion envelope.
2. If you selected Wrap along single curve:

a. Select the vector along which you want to wrap the distortion.
b. Click Set Curve. Arrows on the selected vector indicate the direction along
the vector the distortion will be created. If you want to reverse the
direction, click Reverse Curve .
c. Choose an Offset Direction. Select: Left to position the envelope to the
left of the selected vector’s start node, looking down the vector.
Right to position the envelope to the right of the selected vector’s start
node, looking down the vector.
Centred to position the centre of the envelope along the selected vector.
d. Select an option to determine the width of the envelope:
Automatic width — When selected, the envelope is the width of the
objects being distorted.
Specify envelope width — When selected, enter a width for the envelope
in the Envelope width box.
3. If you selected Wrap between two curves:

a. Select an open vector to use as the top curve.
b. Click Set Top Curve. Arrows on the selected vector indicate the direction
along the vector the distortion will be created. If you want to reverse the
direction, click Reverse Curve .
c. Select an open vector to use as the bottom curve.
d. Click Set Bottom Curve. Arrows on the selected vector indicate the
direction along the vector the distortion will be created. If you want to
reverse the direction, click Reverse Curve .
For best results, use the reverse curve buttons to align the arrows pointing
along the curves so they point in the same direction. This enables you to
avoid twists in the distorted objects.
4. Ensure the objects you want to distort are selected and click Distort.
If your selection contains only vectors, the Copies area is displayed. If your
selection contains only preview relief, or a mixture of vectors and preview relief,
the Z Scaling and Copies areas are displayed.
Distorting objects Vectors selected
With only vectors selected, the Tool Settings: Envelope Distortion panel contains the
Copies and Node Editing areas. Click Change Envelope to display the Create a
Vector Envelope area.
1. In the Copies area, select an option to determine how many copies of the
selected objects you want to fit within the distortion envelope.
One (stretch to fit) — ArtCAM stretches the selected objects to fit the
distortion envelope
Many (best fit) — ArtCAM calculates the optimum number of copies of the
selected objects that will be created in the distortion envelope.
Specify number — Enter the number of copies of the selected objects that
you want to fit in the distortion envelope.
2. In the Node Editing area, the following node editing options are available:
Maintain Smooth Curves — Select to automatically smooth the selected
and adjacent nodes as they are moved.
Display Virtual Mid-points — Select to insert mid-points on the spans of
the distortion envelope.
3. Click Finish to create the distortion and close the panel.

4. Click Change Envelope to display the Create a Vector Envelope area.
5. Click Cancel to close the panel and discard all the distortion changes.
Distorting objects Relief clipart and vectors selected
With relief clipart selected or relief clipart and vectors selected, the Tool Settings:
Envelope Distortion panel contains the Z Scaling, Copies, and Node Editing areas.
Click Change Envelope to display the Create a Vector Envelope area.
1. Select an option to control how the Z height of any relief clipart in the selection is
scaled.
Constant height — This option maintains the existing Z height of the area
of the selected relief clipart.
Average scale — This option applies an overall scaling factor to the
selected relief clipart based on the change in its shape.
Linear scale — This option calculates the Z height of each point in the
selected relief clipart based on the local distortion at that point. For
example, if the area of the relief clipart has increased at a particular point,
then the height of that point also increases.
Stretch and squeeze — This option calculates the Z height of each point
in the selected relief clipart based on the local distortion at that point. For
example, if the area of the relief clipart has decreased (squeezed) then its
Z height will be raised. If the area of the relief clipart has increased
(stretched), then its Z height is lowered.
2. To apply an additional scaling factor to the selected relief clipart, enter the
percentage by which you want to scale its Z height in the Scaling Factor box.
3. In the Copies area, select an option to determine how many copies of the
selected objects you want to fit within the distortion envelope.
One (stretch to fit) — ArtCAM stretches the selected objects to fit the
distortion envelope
Many (best fit) — ArtCAM calculates the optimum number of copies of the
selected objects that will be created in the distortion envelope.
Specify number — Enter the number of copies of the selected objects that
you want to fit in the distortion envelope.
4. In the Node Editing area, the following node editing options are available:
Maintain Smooth Curves — Select to automatically smooth the selected
and adjacent nodes as they are moved.
Display Virtual Mid-points — Select to insert mid-points on the spans of
the distortion envelope.
5. Click Finish to create the distortion and close the panel.

6. Click Change Envelope to display the Create a Vector Envelope area.
7. Click Cancel to close the panel and discard all the distortion changes.
Distorted relief clipart remains floating after you click Finish so it can be further
manipulated before you paste it into your model.
Edit > Putty Distortion
Use this menu option to subtly alter parts of your model or completely change the
entire piece by displacing, whirling, pinching, puckering, ridging, or rucking selected
relief clipart or vectors. The Tool Settings: Putty Tool panel is displayed.
The Putty button on the Design and Design Tools is a shortcut for this
menu option.
The Putty tool can be beneficial for people who make plasters because you can scan in
plasters and manipulate them with minimal loss of detail. It can also be useful for
people who need to make minor adjustments to reliefs, such as mints and engravers,
who might, for example, need to reduce the size of a particular feature without altering
the surrounding areas.
The Tool Settings: Putty Tool panel contains the following settings:
Action — Select the type of brush you want to use. Select:
Displace to move the material around the modelling area.
Anticlockwise Whirl to twist the model counter-clockwise about the centre

of the tool.
Clockwise Whirl to twist the model clockwise about the centre of the tool.
Pinch to decrease the size of the model within the area of the tool radius.
Pucker to increase the area of the model from the centre of the tool radius
to the edge of the tool radius.
Ridge to create a sharp line along the line you sculpt.
Ruck to create a plateau the width of the brush at the height of the
surrounding clipart.
Tool — Use the Tool area to define the parameters of the putty tool.
Shape — Select a brush shape from the list. To use a circular brush, select
Round. To use a brush that is the shape of the relief on the active relief
layer, select Relief Layer.
Radius — Drag the slider to define the radius of the tool. This setting
determines the area of the object that is affected by each mouse
movement. The size is shown in pixels and units.
Strength — Drag the slider to define the pressure of the tool. This setting
determines the strength of the effect of the tool on the object. The greater
the strength, the greater the effect of the tool on the object.
When using the Displace brush, setting a strength of 100% enables

the cursor to most closely track the changes to the selection.
Smoothness — Drag the slider to define the sharpness of the tool. This
setting determines the smoothness of the blend between the material
under the tool and the surrounding object. The higher the smoothness, the
softer the blend.
Behaviour
Scatter Distance — Select to apply the tool’s effect to the selected object
at random intervals. In the Scatter Distance box, specify the maximum
distance from the sculpting cursor at which the tool’s effect can be applied.
Lazy Brush Distance — Select to have the sculpting brush follow behind
the cursor as you move it around the view. Enter a positive value in the
Lazy Brush Distance box to specify the distance at which the brush
follows the cursor. No sculpting occurs when the distance between the
cursor and the centre of the brush is less than the value entered in this
box.
When you use a sculpting tool with Lazy Brush Distance selected,
the tool outline is displayed in the 3D view regardless of the options
selected in the Display Settings area.
Sculpting session — Use the Sculpting Session area to create a restore point
or undo all sculpting since the last restore point.
Revert — Click Revert to restore an object to its original state, or to the
last restore point, if one was created.
Snapshot — Click Snapshot to create a restore point in your current
sculpting session.
You can use the Undo and Redo buttons on the File toolbar to undo and
redo step by step. This is useful for undoing minor mistakes.
Display settings — Click the control bar to show the Display Settings options.
Grid — Select this option to toggle on grid lines in the model area. The
grid lines distort with the object as you use the Putty tool, enabling you to
see how much an object has been modified from the original.
Boundary — Select this option to toggle on the display of the boundary
which is drawn around the sculpting area. You cannot sculpt past the
boundary even if it is not visible.
If you try to move an object past this boundary, the object is

squashed up against it.
Edit > Block and Rotate Copy
Use this menu option to create copies of relief clipart or vectors in a grid pattern or
around a central point.
The Block and Rotate Copy button on the Fill Tools toolbar is a shortcut
for this menu option.
Creating copies of objects in a grid pattern
You can make a single copy of an object, or multiple copies in a grid pattern, using the
Block and Rotate Copy panel.
To create copies of relief clipart or vectors in a grid pattern:
1. Select Edit > Block and Rotate Copy or click the Block and Rotate Copy
button. The Block and Rotate Copy panel is displayed.
2. Select the objects you want to copy. You can select vectors, relief clipart, or both.
3. Select Block Copy.
4. To specify an offset distance between the rows and columns of the grid:
a. Select the Distances are offsets option.
b. In the X Offset box, enter the distance between rows on the X-axis.
c. In the Y Offset box, enter the distance between columns on the Y-axis.
5. To specify a gap distance between the rows and columns of the grid:
a. Select the Distances are gaps option.
b. In the X Gap box, specify the interval between rows along the X-axis.
c. In the Y Gap box, specify the interval between columns along the Y-axis.
d. Choose the direction in which the copies are added. Select: to paste in
the +X direction.
to paste in the -X direction.
You can toggle between the Copy From Left To Right and Copy
From Right To Left direction by clicking whichever button is
currently displayed.
to paste in the +Y direction.
to paste in the -Y direction.
You can toggle between the Copy From Bottom To Top and Copy
From Top To Bottom direction by clicking whichever button is
currently displayed.
6. In the Number of Columns box, enter the total number of columns along the Y-
axis.
7. In the Number of Rows box, enter the total number of rows along the X-axis.
8. Click Apply to create the copies:
Vectors are pasted into the active vector layer.
Relief clipart copies remain floating and are not pasted into the model.
For example, copying a piece of relief clipart in four rows and columns with a 25
mm +X and +Y offset looks as follows:
Before
After
Distances are offsets
The Distances are offsets option specifies the distance from the bottom left corner of
the previous object at which a new copy is created. The distance between each copy is
equal to the height or width of the object plus the specified gap.
You can set the offset distance between each copy using a positive or negative value.
To create a block of copies to the right and above the selected object, type positive
values in the offset boxes, for example, 90. To create a block of copies to the left and
below of the selected object, type negative values in the offset boxes, for example, -90.
Distances are gaps
The Distances are gaps option specifies the distance and direction at which each copy
of an object is created from the edge of the previous copy in the block. The distance
between the copies is equal to the specified gap.
Creating copies of objects in an arc or circle
To create copies of relief clipart or vectors in an arc or circle:
1. Select Edit > Block and Rotate Copy or click the Block and Rotate Copy
button. The Block and Rotate Copy panel is displayed.
2. Select the objects you want to copy. You can select vectors, relief clipart, or both.
3. Select Rotate Copy.
4. Set the rotation origin. Either:
click Select to use the cursor to select the rotation origin; or
enter the X- and Y-axis coordinates in the Rotation Centre X and
Rotation Centre Y boxes.
5. Choose a copy method. Select:

Incremental to specify the angle between each copy.
Total to specify the total angle of rotation across which the copies are
distributed.
6. In the Number of Objects box, specify the number of copies.

7. Click Apply to create the copies.
Vectors are pasted into the active vector layer.
Outlines of relief clipart remain floating and are not pasted into the model.
For example, copying a piece of relief clipart nine times at 40 degree intervals
looks as follows:
Before
After
Edit > Texture Flow
Use this menu option to paste consecutive copies of relief clipart on a path within a
boundary. The Texture Flow panel is displayed.
The Texture Flow button on the Fill Tools toolbar is a shortcut for this
menu option.
This tool includes a number of settings which enable you to control the repetition and
irregularity to produce a more naturalistic appearance.
The Texture Flow panel contains the following settings:
Select objects
Set Object — Select the vector or relief clipart you want to copy, then click
Set Object. When a valid object is selected, the text Selected is displayed
beside the button.
Set Flow Vector — Select a vector to specify the path on which you want
to past the copies of the object, then click Set Flow Vector. The text
Selected is displayed beside the button and direction arrows are displayed
on the vector.
Presets — Select one of the options from the drop-down list to use the default
settings of one of the texture settings from the Texture Settings relief clipart
library. Click Apply to update the settings on the panel, or Reset to restore the
default settings.
Flow style — Choose how copies are pasted in relation to the flow vector path.
Flow Along — Select to paste copies along the vector path.
Mirror Along — Select to paste mirrored copies either side of the vector
path.
Sweep Around — Select to paste copies around the vector path
Along flow vector — This area enables you to add randomness to the flow
pattern.
Object spacing — Enter values in the boxes to control the maximum and
minimum random distance between copies, expressed a percentage of the
object’s width. Enter the minimum distance in the left box, and the
maximum distance in the right box.
When these values are equal, copies are spaced equally; when these
values differ, copies are spaced randomly.
Vary Scale — By default, copies are equally sized. Select this option to
display additional options that enable you to change the size of consecutive
copies progressively along the vector path.
% Start Point — Enter the start size, expressed as a percentage of the
object’s original size.
Set Position 1, 2, and 3 — Click a Set Position button, then click the flow
vector where you want to apply the position. The text Valid is displayed
beside the button, and the position on the vector is numbered. Enter the
size of the copies at that position, expressed as a percentage of the
% End Point — Enter the final size, expressed as a percentage of the
Away from flow vector — This area enables you to control the distances by
which copies are offset from the flow vector, and also control their size and
rotation.
Object spacing — Enter values in these boxes, expressed as a percentage
of the object’s height, to randomly offset copies normal to the flow vector
path. Enter the minimum distance in the left box, and the maximum
distance in the right box.
When these values are equal, copies are spaced equally; when these
values differ, copies are spaced randomly.
Vary Scale and Angle — By default, copies are equally sized and
orientated. Select this option to randomly vary the size and orientation of
the copies along with the offset.
Scale — Enter the sizing factor for consecutive copies.
Limit — Enter the maximum size for a copy.
Angle — Enter the rotation between copies.
Randomise object — Use these options to apply random scaling and rotations to
objects.
Scale — Enter the minimum and maximum size of copies, expressed as a
percentage.
Angle variance — Enter the maximum rotation between copies.
Paste options
Relief clipart pasting — Choose whether to keep the copies as relief
clipart, or paste them directly onto the active relief layer.
Paste — Select to paste the copies directly onto the active relief layer.
Do not paste — Select to keep the copies as relief clipart.
Only paste inside — Select to paste the copies that lay inside the
boundary onto the active relief layer. Copies that intersect the boundary
are kept as relief clipart.
Clipping Style — Choose how copies intersecting the boundary are

treated.
Trim — Select to crop any areas that lie outside of the boundary. This
option is available only if you select Paste from the Relief clipart pasting
drop-down list.
Delete — Select to remove any copy that intersects the boundary. This
option is available only if you select Paste or Do not paste from the Relief
clipart pasting list.
Keep — Select to preserve all copies regardless of their position.
Select boundary and calculate — Click Calculate to generate your texture.

Creating a texture flow
When creating a texture flow, you need:
the vector artwork or relief clipart that you want to copy,
an open vector to define the path of the texture,
a closed vector to define the boundary of the texture.
To create a texture flow:
1. Select Edit > Texture Flow or click the Texture Flow button. The Texture
Flow panel is displayed.
2. Select the object you want to copy, then click Set Object.
3. Select the open vector you want to use to define the path and click Set Flow
Vector. Direction arrows indicate the direction of the texture flow.
For example, the red vector shown below is selected as the flow vector:
4. Define the parameters for your texture. Either select one of the preset texture
flow patterns from the Presets area and click Apply, or enter the settings for
your texture flow pattern in the panel.
5. Select the closed vector that defines the boundary of your pattern.
For example, the selected vector boundary in the 3D View is shown as follows:
6. Click Calculate to generate the texture.
For example, the calculated texture could look as shown:
When zoomed, the detail in the texture looks as shown:

ArtCAM Software Overview

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

ArtCAM Software Overview

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction

The availability of projects is license dependent.

Click Options to specify the settings and defaults for ArtCAM.

The availability of some menu options is license dependent.

The availability of projects is license dependent.

2D View tab to display the 2D view.

Window > Cascade

The 2D View toolbar.

The model area.

The colour Palette.

When working in an open model, the 2D view displays:

The 3D View tab.

The 3D View toolbar.

The composite relief.

The colour Palette.

When working with an independent model, the 3D view displays:

The availability of some menu options is license dependent.

The availability of some toolbars is license dependent

hidden buttons, for example:

A toolbar’s header is displayed only when the toolbar is floating.

Click the Create Gem Vector button to create a gem vector.

The availability of this toolbar is license dependent.

The availability of this feature is license dependent.

8. Click Accept to display the next page of the panel.

The availability of this feature is license dependent.

c. Click Accept to close the panel and apply your changes.

3. To change the gem’s colour:

a. Click . The Gem Vector Properties panel is displayed.

The availability of this feature is license dependent.

The availability of this feature is license dependent.

In addition, if the panel is floating over:

2. Use one of the following methods to pin the panel:

If a panel is auto-hidden, it is not selected in the context menu. Only

destination panel’s Docking Assistant is displayed:

2. Release the mouse button when the cursor is over:

2. When the cursor changes to:

The availability of some menu options is license dependent.

If you are creating a model as part of a project, right-click Models in the

The icon is displayed on the box diagram in your selected position.

6. Click OK to create the model.

4. Click OK to create the model according to the defined number of pixels.

If you are creating a model as part of a project, an open model is shown

2. Navigate to the image you want to import.

9. Click OK to close the dialog and create the model.

If you have used a colour image file, it is stored as a greyscale image on

The 3D view is empty until you create a relief.

The Models folder item.

The root Assembly item.

The availability of this feature is license dependent.

1. Select File > Open or click to display the Open dialog.

The availability of projects is license dependent.

No to close the project without saving the changes.

The availability of projects is license dependent.

Working on a model as part of a project

You cannot work when an auto-recover is in process. The amount of time

To use the auto-recover option when you are working:

4. Set the time schedule that you want to use:

5. Click Apply to store the auto-recover settings.

If you were previously working on a project, the default name is

d. Click Save to close the dialog and save the file.

1. Select File > Save As. If you are saving:

2. Select the folder in which you want to save the file.