How to use the vector validator in Vectric software | Editing Objects

Overview

The Vector Validator helps identify problems with imported vectors that could prevent toolpath creation, including overlapping vectors, intersections, and zero length spans. It checks selected vectors, or all visible vectors on the current layer/sheet when nothing is selected.

Steps

1. Go to the Design tab > Edit Objects > Vector Validator.
2. Select the vectors you want to check, then choose:
   • Search – validates all visible vectors on active/visible layers.
   • Search Selected – validates only the currently selected vectors.
3. Review the reported issues:
   • Overlaps – duplicate or overlapping contours.
   • Intersections – contours crossing each other.
   • Zero Length Spans – coincident nodes on a vector.
4. Fix duplicate vectors:
   • Select the offending contour.
   • Go to Edit > Edit Selection > Select All Duplicate Vectors.
   • Delete the duplicate vectors or move them to another layer for inspection.
5. Fix open vectors:
   • Use Edit > Edit Selection > Select All Open Vectors.
   • Press and hold Shift, click all open vectors, then use the Join tool under Edit Objects.
   • Use a low tolerance and join until the vectors become one closed vector.
6. Re-run the Vector Validator to confirm all overlaps and intersections are resolved.
7. For zero length spans:
   • Select the object.
   • Run Search Selected.
   • Click Fix Zero Length Span in the Vector Validator to repair it automatically.
8. For text/v-carving:
   • Enable V-Carving Mode before running the validator.
   • This ignores intersections caused by font glyphs overlapping, which are acceptable when v-carving.

Key Points / Warnings

• Overlaps are shown with a red square; intersections are shown with a lighter square that has a red border.
• A pink dashed line over a black line often indicates a duplicate vector.
• Vectors may appear visually correct but still contain duplicate or open contours that will cause toolpath issues.
• Always run the Vector Validator after importing vectors and before creating toolpaths.
• If open vectors appear to form a closed shape, they may actually be individual segments. Join them into a single closed vector for profile toolpaths.
• In V-Carving Mode, the validator ignores text intersections that would be hidden by the v-carve cut.
• A zero length span means two nodes are stacked on top of each other; fix it with the dedicated button in the Vector Validator or by manually editing nodes.