Exporting to SVG files

[Jim Smith]

A client is interested in obtaining one of these:  https://shapertools.com and asked if we can provide native files. I note that the company seems to be using SVG files, (that I don't think VW can export to, but they mention using DXF files with Pen types as the way to communicate the cutting info. Does anyone have any experience finding a path to exporting to SVG? Is there any talk/plans that VW will be able to export to SVG in the future?

[Marissa Farrell]

Hi Jim!

Export to SVG is actually one of my current personal research topics. Currently we don't support a direct workflow for exporting to SVG, however it's possible to export to PDF and open the PDF in a vector editing software to get some SVG elements out of it. (Save the PDF as SVG)

To do this, you cannot rasterize the PDF on export from Vectorworks.

Also, this is not foolproof. Sometimes it works well, other times it will fail, but it's the best workaround I'm aware of.

 

I'm working on a Marionette script that can export to SVG, but it's in a primitive stage right now where it exports things upside down, and I cannot cut holes out of objects. If I ever get that working better, I'd be more than happy to share.

 

Marissa

[Jim Smith]

Thanks Marissa, that's great to know.

I think when the client gets the router, (I REALLY want to see this in action!) I'll stick to exporting the few tests as DXF files with pen colours. 

[Brian(J)]

Jim,

I own and use the Shaper Origin. It is a very interesting tool.

The file convention path VW to Shaper Origin for me is 

1. Make sure the VW file will be accepted: Closed shapes only, convert groups of lines to polygons (Compose)

2. Export DXF.

3. Load Autodask Fusion360 (free), import DXF file into F360, extrude.

4. Use Shaper Origin export tool in F360 to create the SVG file.

5. Upload the SVG file to the cloud (Shaper Hub) into my project folder.

 

The file appears immediately in the machine and can be placed and cut.

 

This may seem long and painful but it is quite fast actually.

 

 

[Claes Lundstrom]

On 4/3/2018 at 7:45 PM, Jim Smith said:

A client is interested in obtaining one of these:  https://shapertools.com and asked if we can provide native files. I note that the company seems to be using SVG files, (that I don't think VW can export to, but they mention using DXF files with Pen types as the way to communicate the cutting info. Does anyone have any experience finding a path to exporting to SVG? Is there any talk/plans that VW will be able to export to SVG in the future?

SVG export would be very useful.

 

I use it for exporting print and cut scale models using a Silver Bullet cutter.  The files include both high res images and vector curves for cutting.

 

My method for generating SVG files is to export as PDF,  open it in Affinity Designer, and then export as SVG which is opened in the cutter driver. Affinity Designer is highly recommended as an Adobe Illustrator alternative. Very competitive pricing and very capable. 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 12, 2019 by Claes Lundstrom

[Jim Smith]

Thanks for the update & tips on using this tool @Brian(J)  @Claes Lundstrom ! 

[blimey]

@Marissa Farrell Hello, sorry to bother. I read this thread with interest and I was wondering if you managed to do a marionnette script to export svg? Thanks

[Marissa Farrell]

@blimey

Sorry, I haven't gotten much further on my progress. I'll try to get back into it sometime soon!

[blimey]

Thanks for your answer !

[Brian(J)]

My need for SVG export just get's more important every day. Please Please Please some priority?

Thank you.

[Paolo]

Hello, I am happy to show you my next coming plugin (menu command) to export SVG out of Vectorworks.

Here's a short presentation with a video:

 

 

[Paolo]

A beta version of my Export to SVG menu command is now available for a limited time...

 

[Paolo]

 

[Brian(J)]

I am using this plugin to export VW to SVG into the Shaper Origin tool and of all the options with different software such a Fusion 360, Inkscape, Adobe, etc this is by far the easiest and fastest way.

Love it.

[Kim Muhmenthaler]

Hi there
I have now bought the plugin. Unfortunately I don't know where to insert. Can you please copy your folder structure for me. at the point where you inserted it.
Thank you very much@Brian(J) 

[Paolo]

@Kim Muhmenthaler 

Installation instruction are here:

https://fitplot.it/vwplugins/exportSVG.html#installation

[Kim Muhmenthaler]

thanks I found that too but it doesn't work. can someone send me the folder structure in windows? thanks

[Paolo]

The Vectorworks user folder should be in:

 

\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Nemetschek\Vectorworks\20xx

 

By default, both Mac and Windows hide the application data folder. If you use the default user folder, you might want to adjust your system settings to make hidden folders visible. Alternatively, create a new user folder in a more accessible location.

 

once the user folder is visible, you should be able to see the user’s Plug-Ins folder where to copy the .vsm.

[Paolo]

@Kim Muhmenthaler please let me know if you have installed the menu command.

I am here to help you.

For Windows installation is better to ask @Brian(J)

[Brian(J)]

Is it Windows? I am not any kind of Windows expert but 

Start menu/

All Programs/

Vectorworks/ open folder, right click on Vectorworks, select Open File Location. Scroll up to the folder Plugins. Create a new folder with any convenientt name example Export SVG. Place the plugin in that folder. Restart VW.

 

[Kim Muhmenthaler]

Thank you for being so helpful. I've done it now like you brian. Now I have restarted everything but no svg export appears under file / export ... do I still have to activate the plugin in vectorworks? if yes how?

[Paolo]

@Kim Muhmenthaler 

You are just one step away from goal…

Modify your workspace (here all the info https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2020/eng/VW2020_Guide/Start/Customizing_workspaces.htm)

In few words:

Select Tools > Workspaces > Edit Current Workspace

The workspace editor panel appears

Now, on the left column, scroll down and open Import/Export to see the Export to SVG item

On the right column, open the File menu, then Export submenu (where to place the Export to SVG item)

Drag the item on the left column to where you want it to appear the File -> Export menu

Save the workspace (click ok and confirm)

Now your Export to SVG menu command is available.

 

Paolo

 

 

[Kim Muhmenthaler]

Oh yeah. i was able to create my first svg file in vectorworks. Many thanks to everyone who helped me.

[HEengineering]

On 4/3/2018 at 2:00 PM, Marissa Farrell said:

Hi Jim!

Export to SVG is actually one of my current personal research topics. Currently we don't support a direct workflow for exporting to SVG, however it's possible to export to PDF and open the PDF in a vector editing software to get some SVG elements out of it. (Save the PDF as SVG)

To do this, you cannot rasterize the PDF on export from Vectorworks.

Also, this is not foolproof. Sometimes it works well, other times it will fail, but it's the best workaround I'm aware of.

 

I'm working on a Marionette script that can export to SVG, but it's in a primitive stage right now where it exports things upside down, and I cannot cut holes out of objects. If I ever get that working better, I'd be more than happy to share.

 

Marissa

I'm curious were you ever able to solve for this? Something that I could see come in handy.