DXF Problem in Silhouette Basic

[annarosie]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to chime in, I have been having these same problems with SB and my inkscape created DXF files since the end of July. I had no problems with them prior to that time. I know SB updated their software on or around July 30.

I contacted SB though their online chat help service and they told me to delete the apex file as well. It did not work. I have tried saving my dxf files several different ways in inkscape but the result is always the same when I upload to SB. Lots of overlapping lines and nodes that would cause a huge mess cutting vinyl.

I have been searching for an answer and can't find one, my conclusion is that the problem lays with the July update to SB. It frustrates me, I enjoy creating my own art and feel like Silhouette wants me to purchase only their files or upgrade to the more expensive design space software. 

I will keep following this thread. If I find a solution I will post it here.

I hope there will be more information in the future about this subject and a possible fix, maybe even from SB.

Have a great day guys!

[bkgoodman]

Hi! I was having the same issue and figured out the issue:

1. It is a regression. i.e. it's a new bug. Go onto Silouette's dowload site here https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software#silhouette-studio and under "Legacy Versions" download 4.1.201. This version does NOT have the bug.

2. Another thing you can do is to go into your Inkscape design and find the line segments with the problem and explicitly make them STRAIGHT segments. Even if they LOOK streight, they may actually be bezier (curved) segements whose control points are just positioned to make them streight - but they're not "streight" segements.

You're probably MUCH better off doing #1 - (downloading the OLDER version of Silouette Studio). Oh - and please inform Silouette support to try to get them to actually FIX this problem in newer versions!!

[Moini]

Or use https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette to print to the silhouette directly.

[brynn]

Welcome annarosie and bkgoodman!

Thanks for your input!

The only time I've ever been involved with programming (tangentially though it may be) is with Inkscape, which is open source.  So I have no idea what the process is to report a bug to a proprietary program.

Yes, I agree with Moini.  The extension which she provided a link to, is about as up-to-date as the come!  According to the documentation, it allows to you drive the cutter from Inkscape.

[RGAustin]

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in on this subject. I'm still working with LibreCAD. I did download an Inkscape extension that saved as dxf 12 but sadly, it no longer works. I saw the print to silhouette extension but haven't checked it out.

My current process is to save in Inkscape dxf 14, open in LibreCAD create a block and save as 12, import the dxf 12 block back into LibreCAD and save as 14 (as 12 will not open in Inkscape). This is my reverse engineering of my competitors' files.

It works perfectly for SB but opens as a blank file in the free version of Cricut. The Inkscape 14 file opens fine (but most will use svg in Cricut). As I plan on selling my files, my best is this still not as good as my competitors' files so I keep at it.

Thanks for sharing your own updates. I can't believe this nut can't be cracked.

[CJ Rex]

Hi! I was having the same issue and figured out the issue:

1. It is a regression. i.e. it's a new bug. Go onto Silouette's dowload site here https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software#silhouette-studio and under "Legacy Versions" download 4.1.201. This version does NOT have the bug.

This worked for me!!   

Just in case anyone else stumbles across this post from outside InkScape, I was working with a bundle that I bought from Etsy. It came with DXF and SVG, and had the same crazy issues in SB with DXF files where nodes were erratically moving and creating jumbled messes. Uninstalled, and reinstalled a legacy version and the issue is gone. Also, my SB library was maintained and all of the dxf files that existed in my library with the same errors, were also fixed once I was in the legacy version.

I have SB installed on two computers, and for a lazier, more expensive solution, I also bought the designer edition on my other computer, and used the SVG's without issue. If you want to go this route, I found an upgrade code at Swing Design for 1/2 price from the Silhouette website.

[GrumpyMonkey]

Hi!  Uninstall Silhouette from your computer and install version 4.1.206 .
https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software#silhouette-studio    --> from Legacy Version

Worked for me ! and it's free
Have fun!

[cleversomeday]

This particular DXF issue is a known bug in Silhouette Studio versions 4.1.179 through the current version. It has been corrected in a beta version but the beta versions have other huge issues that prevent me from recommending them. My advice would be to suggest your customers contact support and request a complimentary code for Design Edition due to this crippling bug. I don't know if this will work but if enough people ask then maybe they will do something about the problem. Like GrumpyMonkey, I generally prefer 4.1.206 anyway, but still feel that Silhouette needs to get some pressure on this.

[brynn]

Welcome Kay!

Thanks for the info, and glad to have your input