hey everyone!!

I started out using V9 to convert photographs to lineart; using trace to get the outline- in most cases it's a picture of a car; I want to make a silhouette and then convert to .dxf with trace. I then open into Draw- I break apart the objects--- wheels, windows, any other detail that I choose for the car;

Each object is placed on it's own layer- I could have 4 to 5 layers of if the detail is greater, as many as 40 objects. In addition, I will scale the objects to any given size from 8x12 to 22 x 48 inches. I will export the file as a .dxf.

This is then imported by my proprietary software that converts the objects to cutpaths- in fact the order if my objects determines the cut order.

I had to replace my computers and V9-- went straight to v12 after Katrina...

Now when I open a previously exported file- all of my layers are empty and the scale in which I had saved/ exported reverts to the default 8.5x11.. all I get is the layers in the object manager and a master layer (0) with all of the objects no order no size that I needed.

Does anyone know what might be going on? Do you need more information?

cheers,

Frank

 I do not believe dxf will support layers. The order you stack the objects on one layer should retain this info for your "order of Objects".

The stacking of the imported file should be in the order of the cdr files layers just all on one layer. To test try a sample file, place objects  on each layer and label the objects layer and group with the object. export and then re import into DRAW and see if they are in the correct order.

I just did a test and the order of the objects are correct. If working on one layer with multiple objects, the order of the objects created act similar to layers. The first object created is on the bottom, next object comes second (second Layer). It is like working with invisible layers.

hey Richard!

yes the objects are all there when I reopen the file- as in layer 0, but all the other layers are empty-- this is what frustrates me. When I used v9, I didn't have this problem... perhaps  I should attach a file to demonstrate.

cheers,

Frank

I just dont get it. Importing a dxf file back into DRAW brings everything onto Layer 1. There are no other layers. Even if eported to dxf from a multi layered file.

If you import the dxf into DRAW, and tab through the objects, they are stacked in the order they were in the exported multi layered file. I dont see dxf supporting layers and honestly dont remember if they ever did. Might need to check the Corel newsgroup.

This is the cdr with  the layers- I export as dxf.  close the file. when I open the dxf file to edit,usually to change the scale, that's when I find that my layers are empty and the previous scales reverts to the default size of 8.5x11

Thanks,

Frank

As I was thinking about this- It seems that I should save all my renditions to cdr, which does preserve my scales and object layers- and export the dxf of my changed dxf; not worrying about editing those files just the cdr's.

In V9 I was able to edit the DXF and it had preserved the scales and object layers- as such i was always working with my 'final' dxf files.

Well maybe I'm learning  how to work with my limitations?

cheers,

Frank

I got you now. Yes indeed you need to stick with the native format of cdr. Always keep this as your master file and export your dxf to the same folder.

This way as you stated you can comeback and edit. Only extra step is the export. not too big of a deal I hope. :) Unfortunately with any software and work flow there will always be a limitation or workaround. How we tackle them is the challenge

I cut silhouettes out of steel as well as pieces welded together to form sculptures using a CNC table- the cutpaths are converted from the dxf files that I create from Corel Draw. The cutpaths are sized by the piece of steel that I have available to cut from, not always a full sheet (4x8 or 5x10). That is why I often go back to edit a previous file.

Thanks for the input a getting me thinking on the correct path  with v12!

cheers,

Frank