- using Inkscape to draw for a CNC machine

Layers in Inkscape will be exported as layers in DXF R14.

File: Save a Copy as DXF>

Thank you for responding, Tyler.

The problem seems to be in my G-Code generator. I use Estlcam, and ALL of the elements on ALL of the layers show up at once when I open the saved .svg file. Estlcam will not allow me to separate out each layer. I want separate layers so that I can use one tool for engraving and another for cutouts, and so that I can make a separate g-code file for each type of tool that I want to use. Also, having all of the elements on the page makes it rather busy to look at and easier to miss something.

A few hours after my post (my first, which I inadvertently posted without better explanation! 🙄), I figured it out. I delete the unwanted layers and then save the file with a new name, ex. "cutouts.svg". Then I restore the layers and delete the other layers, then save with the name, ex. "engraving.svg". This gives me a file for every tool type having only the elements that I want for that tool. Estlcam will easily then generate the g-code for that file.

I have just started with CNC stuff, and figuring out the toolchain was making me crazy, as there are literally dozens of combinations of free and paid software. Finally I decided to stick with Inkscape and Estlcam, and just make it work. It looks like the shallowest learning curve. Also, I am using Inkscape 1.3 and I did try the DXF R14 file save. About half the time the program would lock up. 

Ah, well, you know what they say, "CNC per passionem".

Be well.

For separate files, I usually hide the layers except one, then use Save a Copy As>DXF, then use the "visible only" layer option. 

Unfortunately, when I attempt to use the .dxf file format, my Inkscape goes off into la-la land. I waited five minutes and had to use the task manager to end the program. A bug, I guess. However, I am able to progress by using the method that I outlined above. "Good enough" for now.

Thank you again for taking an interest in my problem.

Inkscape 1.3 (0e150ed6c4, 2023-07-21)

    GLib version:     2.76.4
    GTK version:      3.24.38
    glibmm version:   2.66.6
    gtkmm version:    3.24.7
    libxml2 version:  2.11.4
    libxslt version:  1.1.38
    Cairo version:    1.17.7
    Pango version:    1.50.14
    HarfBuzz version: 8.0.1

    OS version:       Windows 10 22H2