DXF
.dxf- What we read
- Lines, arcs, circles, LW/polylines with bulges, ellipses, splines, blocks (INSERT) and layers.
- Best results
- Export as AutoCAD R2000 (or newer) ASCII, at 1:1 in millimetres. Put etch or marking lines on a layer called ETCH.
- Limits
- Text and dimensions are ignored. Open outlines are flagged so you can close them.
DWG
.dwg- What we read
- The same geometry as DXF, read from AutoCAD drawings up to the current release.
- Best results
- Keep each plate in model space, one outline per part, at 1:1 in millimetres.
- Limits
- Very large DWGs open more slowly in the browser; DXF is quicker if you have the choice.
STEP & IGES
.step .stp .iges .igs- What we read
- Solid bodies. Flat plates are recognised and their outline and holes taken from the top face.
- Best results
- Export one body per plate, or a whole assembly — each flat plate becomes a part with its thickness.
- Limits
- Bent parts are not unfolded. Send a flat pattern DXF for folded work.
.pdf- What we read
- Vector line work in CAD-generated PDFs, with the scale set from a known dimension.
- Best results
- Print to PDF from your CAD package rather than scanning. Include at least one overall dimension.
- Limits
- Scanned PDFs are traced as images, so check the result and confirm sizes before ordering.
DWFx
.dwfx- What we read
- Sheet line work from Autodesk Design Review and Revit exports.
- Best results
- Choose DWFx when exporting — it is the open, zip-based version.
- Limits
- Classic binary DWF is not supported. Re-export as DWFx, DXF or PDF.
NC & G-code
.nc .txt .cnc .tap .ngc .esi- What we read
- G0/G1/G2/G3 moves, torch on/off and kerf codes from the 17 controller dialects we support.
- Best results
- Send the program as your machine runs it; we rebuild the parts from the cut paths.
- Limits
- Lead-ins are stripped. Kerf-compensated paths are read as cut, so state if offset was applied.
Photo or sketch
.jpg .png .heic- What we read
- The strongest outline in the image, traced into closed cut paths.
- Best results
- Shoot square-on in good light on a plain background, with a ruler in frame.
- Limits
- Traced shapes are approximate. You confirm the real dimensions before nesting.
Text & voice
Typed or spoken- What we read
- Shapes, sizes, thickness, holes, slots, radii and quantities in plain English.
- Best results
- Say one part at a time: “gusset 150 by 150, 10 thick, 20 chamfer, quantity 8”.
- Limits
- Voice needs a browser with speech recognition (Chrome, Edge or Safari).
AI recognition
Any of the above- What we read
- Part lists, quantities and plate details from drawings, schedules and photos.
- Best results
- Clear, legible drawings give the best results. Highlight the parts you need.
- Limits
- AI suggestions are always shown for you to check; nothing is ordered automatically.