# Creating a vector file from a 2D sketch

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/creating-a-vector-file-from-a-2d-sketch/22828>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [December 3, 2022, 9:15pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/creating-a-vector-file-from-a-2d-sketch/22828 "2022-12-03T21:15:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![AlabamaWoodworker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/alabamawoodworker/32/13402_2.png) [@AlabamaWoodworker](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/AlabamaWoodworker)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2022, 9:15pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/creating-a-vector-file-from-a-2d-sketch/22828/1 "2022-12-03T21:15:39Z")

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I am trying to create a vector file from a 2D sketch. I have a CNC machine and CAM software that can import 2D vector files to produce tool paths. I’d like to produce templates from the vector files. How do I create a vector file like a DXF, or SVG?

 ![Screenshot 2022-12-03 151836](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/3/1/31626d34bb1d30c024c45cad1fbd709e0d3e714c.png)

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**Author:** ![KPeter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/kpeter/32/7644_2.png) [@KPeter](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/KPeter)\
**Post date:** [December 5, 2022, 7:42am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/creating-a-vector-file-from-a-2d-sketch/22828/2 "2022-12-05T07:42:09Z")

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Hi @AlabamaWoodworker,

Using the Sketch Export tool, you can export any sketch as DXF, DWG, or SVG.

Some CAM software may have trouble processing sketches that are placed on any other plane than the Top one (X-Y plane) which is the case in your screenshot also. If the sketch looks distorted after importing, just rotate it by 90° to be parallel to the Top plane.

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**Author:** ![AlabamaWoodworker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/alabamawoodworker/32/13402_2.png) [@AlabamaWoodworker](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/AlabamaWoodworker)\
**Post date:** [December 5, 2022, 10:17pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/creating-a-vector-file-from-a-2d-sketch/22828/3 "2022-12-05T22:17:34Z")

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Perfect! Rotating the sketch to the X-Y plane fixed my issue.