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Lacados LAKManual Vectric Aspire V12

How to use the interface in Vectric software | General Topics

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

This video provides a guided tour of the Vectric software interface, covering the startup screen, design and toolpath tabs, 2D/3D views, view navigation, context menus, and key workspace panels. It is intended as a quick orientation for new users.

Steps

Section titled “Steps”

  1. Start the software
    Use the startup screen to create a new file, open a template or existing file, access recent files, browse video tutorials, open tutorial files, or link to online resources and social media.

  2. Create or open a job

    • Choose Create a new file to open the Job Setup form.
    • Set job type, dimensions, Z-zero position, XY datum, modeling resolution (VCarve/Aspire), and material appearance.
    • Press OK to start, or open an existing file.

  3. Use the Design tab

    • The left panel defaults to the Design tab, containing drawing and editing tools.
    • Additional tabs may include:
      • Sheets – manage sheets
      • Layers – organize 2D data
      • Components – manage 3D data (VCarve/Aspire)
      • Clip Art – access bundled clip art (VCarve/Aspire)

  4. Switch to the Toolpaths tab

    • Click the Toolpaths tab on the right, or use the switch icon.
    • Keyboard shortcuts: F11 for Design tab, F12 for Toolpaths tab.
    • Temporarily hover over a tab to preview it, or use the pin option to keep it open.

  5. Use the 2D view

    • The 2D view shows vector design geometry.
    • Toggle visibility of 3D parts, bitmaps, and toolpaths.
    • Use view controls to pan and zoom.

  6. Use the 3D view

    • Switch to the 3D view to inspect the model and simulate toolpaths.
    • Toggle display of toolpaths, X0/Y0, material block, modeling plane, bitmaps, vectors, and 3D parts.
    • Use the view control cube to rotate, orient to axes, and click faces for standard views.

  7. Use the document bar

    • Switch between 2D and 3D views.
    • Tile views horizontally or vertically.
    • For two-sided jobs, toggle single/double-sided view and flip between top and bottom sides.

  8. Access quick panels

    • The document bar provides quick access to:
      • Sheets – edit/add sheets
      • Layers – add and manage layers
      • Levels/Components – modify component tree and combine modes for 3D data

  9. Use snap options

    • Snap settings are available on the right side of the interface and can be toggled as needed while drawing.

  10. Use context-sensitive right-click menus

    • Right-click in empty space or on a selected object to see appropriate options.
    • Right-click behavior changes depending on the selected object and current mode, such as Node Edit mode.

Key Points / Warnings

Section titled “Key Points / Warnings”
  • The interface is consistent across Vectric products, but available tabs and features vary by product version.
  • The Design tab and Toolpaths tab are the two primary workspaces; use F11/F12 to switch quickly.
  • Toolpath visibility in the 2D/3D views is independently toggleable.
  • The view control cube is useful for standard axis views and orbit navigation.
  • Two-sided jobs require using the single/double-sided view toggle to inspect both sides of the material.
  • Context menus are state-sensitive; right-click options depend on what is selected and the active editing mode.
  • Job dimensions may be displayed within the Design tab on sufficiently large monitors.