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DeWayneCarron
Participant
March 13, 2019
Answered

Exporting an Illustrator file as a DXF file for quilting machine?

  • March 13, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 3201 views

I an trying to export a simple line drawing from Illustrator as a DXF file to use in my quilting machine's software ( Gammill's Creative Studio ) I can import other DXF files into the Gammill software easily, even some very old ones, but nothing I create in Illustrator will import. Is there a trick?

    Correct answer Steve Mitchel

    To successfully export a DXF file from Adobe Illustrator for use in Gammill's Creative Studio, follow these steps:

    1. Check your paths: Ensure all your lines and shapes in Illustrator are outlined paths (no strokes or fills).
      - Select your artwork, go to `Object` > `Path` > `Outline Stroke`.
    2. Save as DXF:
      - Go to `File` > `Export` > `Export As`.
      - Choose `DXF` as the file format and click `Export`.
    3. DXF Options:
      - In the DXF Export Options dialog box, set the following options:
      - Version: Choose `AutoCAD 2000/LT2000`.
      - Options: Check `Export Selected Art Only`.
      - Units: Choose `Millimeters` (or the unit you prefer).
    4. Simplify the file:
      - Before exporting, simplify your artwork by removing any unnecessary points or elements. Use the `Simplify` tool under `Object` > `Path` > `Simplify`.
    5. Test with different settings: If the above doesn't work, try exporting with different DXF version settings (like AutoCAD R14) in the DXF Options dialog.
    6. Import into Gammill's Creative Studio: Now, try importing the DXF file into your quilting software.

      Following these steps should help ensure that your Illustrator-created DXF files are compatible with Gammill's Creative Studio.

    4 replies

    S
    Steve MitchelCorrect answer
    Participant
    June 19, 2024

    To successfully export a DXF file from Adobe Illustrator for use in Gammill's Creative Studio, follow these steps:

    1. Check your paths: Ensure all your lines and shapes in Illustrator are outlined paths (no strokes or fills).
      - Select your artwork, go to `Object` > `Path` > `Outline Stroke`.
    2. Save as DXF:
      - Go to `File` > `Export` > `Export As`.
      - Choose `DXF` as the file format and click `Export`.
    3. DXF Options:
      - In the DXF Export Options dialog box, set the following options:
      - Version: Choose `AutoCAD 2000/LT2000`.
      - Options: Check `Export Selected Art Only`.
      - Units: Choose `Millimeters` (or the unit you prefer).
    4. Simplify the file:
      - Before exporting, simplify your artwork by removing any unnecessary points or elements. Use the `Simplify` tool under `Object` > `Path` > `Simplify`.
    5. Test with different settings: If the above doesn't work, try exporting with different DXF version settings (like AutoCAD R14) in the DXF Options dialog.
    6. Import into Gammill's Creative Studio: Now, try importing the DXF file into your quilting software.

      Following these steps should help ensure that your Illustrator-created DXF files are compatible with Gammill's Creative Studio.
      A
      Art Rider 63
      Participant
      June 19, 2024

      So did you every have any luck with this? I've been able to successfully create blocks, but finding creating pantographs tricky. the pattern works but the import function seems to need to add a "trim line" that is preventing the file from joining correctly. We're using "Quiltmagine" from the Grace company. I know they have an upgrade that will allow us to create/edit the file, but it's a $2000 upgrade.... ouch.

      If anyone has any tips or tricks, I'd love to hear them.....

      meganchi
      meganchi
      Legend
      March 14, 2019

      Can you take a screenshot of the error you receive when trying to import?

      Maybe something to try;

      Take the pen tool (p) in illustrator . Add points along the path everywhere. Make sure all of your strokes are expanded first.

      Mike_Gondek10189183
      Community Expert
      Mike_Gondek10189183Community Expert
      Community Expert
      March 13, 2019

      What settigns adn .ai version did you use?

      Files >> Export >>

      D
      DeWayneCarronAuthor
      Participant
      March 13, 2019

      Yes , I just tried this and it would not load.

      D
      DeWayneCarronAuthor
      Participant
      March 13, 2019

      I am fairly proficient in Creative Studio but I am new to Illustrator and I would like to redraw my designs in Illustrator so that they can be used on a variety other machines. There has to be something messing it up. I cant even export a 3 point triangle and get it to load.

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