Creating a DXF Cut File From an Embroidery File in Art...

© 2014 Marjorie Busbyhttp://bluefeatherquiltstudio.com

Creating a DXF Cut File From an Embroidery File

in Art and Stitch Softwareby Marjorie Busby

http://bluefeatherquiltstudio.comhttp://shop.b-quilts.com

These instructions describe how to create a vector graphics file in Art and Stitch Plus software that will be used as a cut file in the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition software. This vector graphics file can be created from an embroidery file in any machine format or from an ans artwork file.

Using Art and Stitch Plus, the embroidery file placement stitching lines for the applique shapes are separated from all the other stitches and converted to artwork. These shapes are then exported as artwork to a vector graphics file that can be read by the electronic cutter software. There are other ways to create and export a vector graphics file for this purpose, but the method described here is the easiest. The Silhouette Cameo Designer software accepts the following vector graphics file formats: gsd, dxf, svg.

NOTE: Bitmap files can be used to create cut files, however that is a different process than what is described here. The Silhouette Cameo software accepts the following bitmap formats: png, jpg, bmp, gif, and tiff. A bitmap file in one of these formats has to be outlined using the trace tool in the Silhouette Designer software before being converted to a cut file. The bitmap file has to be a high quality. This is a different process and is described elsewhere.

STEP 1: Open the embroidery file.

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STEP 2: Save the embroidery file with a new name by using the “Save As” menu. Name this NewFilename.ans

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STEP 3. Delete all items except outlines. Delete all the colors/items in Sequence view except the thread color for the placement lines. This is usually the first color, however if there are layered appliqué shapes, there may be a placement line later in Sequence view. Be sure all elements except the placement lines for the appliqué shapes have been deleted.

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7 Select the placement line run stitches in Sequence View and Convert to Artwork using the blue Convert to Artwork button on the tool bar.

7 Change the line color to black so that you can see the artwork lines.

7 Separate the shapes so that the edges of shapes are not touching. Group inner and outer shapes for any shape that has a cutout inside. All shapes must be closed.

7 Select all elements and record the measurements in millimeters and in inches in the Copyright notes box in the Properties tab or create a note for the measurements using the note tool.

STEP 4: Convert Run Stitches to Artwork

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STEP 5: Export Artwork to DXF file.In the file menu, click export artwork.Select the file format dxf and save the exported file with a unique name

Your file is now ready to be imported into the Silhouette Cameo software

or any electronic cutter that will open or import dxf (AutoCAD) files.

Creating a DXF Cut File From an Embroidery File in Art...

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