How to save toolpaths in Vectric software | Toolpath FAQ's

Overview

This tutorial covers the final step in the Vectric Aspire/CNC workflow: saving toolpaths to a machine-compatible format. It explains post processor selection, machine configuration, default post options, and the various ways to group or combine toolpaths into output files.

Steps

1. Open a toolpath file (e.g., widget 24 by 24 toolpath).
2. Switch from the Design menu to the Toolpath menu.
3. Review the toolpaths listed and click Preview All Toolpaths to see the expected cut result.
4. Click the Save Toolpath icon.
5. Select the correct machine and post processor. The post processor converts XYZ tool moves into a format compatible with the machine controller.
6. Use the machine configuration dialog to:
   • Add or activate a custom machine.
   • Install an offline machine package from your V&Co account.
   • Search online for your machine and associated post processors.
   • Manually add a post processor from the full list.
   • Install custom post processors or download the latest post processor database.
7. Optionally set a default post processor:
   • Open machine configuration.
   • Right-click a post processor and choose Make Default.
   • Click Apply and OK. The default is shown in bold and appears first for that machine.
8. Save a single selected toolpath:
   • Select a toolpath (e.g., Pocket).
   • Click Save Toolpath, name the file, and save. This creates a .tap file (or other post-specific output) in the chosen folder.
9. Save visible toolpaths to one file:
   • Check multiple toolpaths using the same tool.
   • Click Save Toolpath, name the file, and save all checked toolpaths into one file.
10. Handle toolpaths using different tools:
    • If the selected post processor does not support tool changing, you will get an error.
    • Either use a post processor that supports automatic tool change (ATC), or save toolpaths to multiple files.
11. Save toolpaths to multiple files:
    • Select all toolpaths.
    • Click Save Toolpath, name the base file, and save. Each toolpath is written to its own file with order preserved (e.g., Pocket 1, Drill 2, Profile 3, Text 4, Hatch 5).
12. Use Group Where Possible:
    • Select all toolpaths and click Save Toolpath with this option enabled.
    • Toolpaths using the same tool are grouped into one file. Naming is taken from the first toolpath in each group.
13. Manually group visible toolpaths:
    • Turn off toolpaths you do not want included.
    • Right-click and choose Group Visible.
    • The grouped toolpaths can then be saved as a single file using Selected Toolpath.

Key Points / Warnings

• The post processor choice is critical; it must match your machine controller.
• If no machine is configured, the software lists the entire post processor database instead.
• Configured machines allow defaulting to the last used post and better organization of post processors.
• The File Dialog Default option (Edit > Options > General Settings) controls save/open locations:
  • Global: last used location.
  • Operation: last used location for the current operation.
  • Job: project location, or operation location if no project exists.
• Saving toolpaths using different tools to one file requires a post processor with automatic tool change support.
• Error if unsupported: The visible toolpaths use different tools and the selected post processor does not support tool changing.
• Use Group Where Possible to automatically combine toolpaths by tool.
• Use Group Visible to manually combine toolpaths based on visibility checkmarks.
• Always know the output folder so you can transfer the .tap/g-code files to your CNC machine.