IMPORT SVG and PDF into SHAPR3D as sketch format vectors

IMPORT SVG and PDF into SHAPR3D sketch format, not only as images, but as interactive vectors inside SHAPR3D

The problem that this feature will solve:
Now, we can only import DWG or DXF as sketches. SVG as images, not as vectors. The problem is the good vector interfaces are the old ones_illustrator, as a simple example. Illustrator have a very simple yet powerful and time tested interface to draw precise vector interfaces. Instead of constructing a interface copy with all that features, simply allow us to import SVG/PDF files directly as sketches. Illustrator on MAC does export DXF/DWG, but iPAD illustrator does not. If I want to import a vector, I have to put down iPAD, open a MAC, export from illustrator, wait for the cloud to update, an then import my DXF sketch.

Brief description of the outcomes that you expect from this feature:
Not leaving the IPAD when doing complex vectors in Illustrator and exporting as PDF/SVG before importing into SHAPR3D. Even other good vector apps for IPAD such as GRAPHIC and/or AFFINITY DESIGNER IPAD VERSION does not export DWG/DXF. So, you have to create your vectors in a CAD app or inside SHAPR3D, and the interface for vectors on CAD apps are precise but limited.
If SHAPR3D is designed to give freedom to designers to operate in a IPAD, if you have to leave the ipad all the time and open an asset in a MAC, that freedom is lost.

What can’t you achieve without this feature?
Faster work. Better access to other vector interfaces.

Is this a workflow blocker for you? Is this why you can’t use Shapr3D for work? Is this slowing you down?
Is something that make my workflow slower. Ok, is possible to live with just DXF and DWG. But, If I have to change hardware to export an DXF, or change the interface that I like and start using another one, worse, but that does export DXF, both cases are not good outcomes. It will be simple and easy to just allow us to import SVG and PDF as vectors.

Thanks

11 Likes

SVG import is in the roadmap. I’m not sure that PDF is, but it falls under the more general category of EPS. I have no idea if they plan EPS import.

3 Likes

I would love that feature too. I create a lot of logo’s in Inkscape and save them as SVG, since it’s my preferred format in vector.
I do mainly 3D printing design in Shapr3D and require putting my logo’s embossed on the model. SVG import would be awesome for that. Also, I created a like of 2D constructions for laser cutting in Inkscape. Would be great if I could import those in shapr3D for testing of modifications.

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Just thinking out loud here as a fellow software Product Manager/Designer, not trying to criticize, but it’s interesting to me that while Shapr’s target demographic seems to be designers and not engineers, the formats that have been selected for import/export development are very much formats that engineers use and not formats that designers use. I see this not only with the svg import but also with the exporting of models in FBX and OBJ with the materials included.

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Our customers are typically design, engineering and manufacturing professionals. 3D graphics and entertainment is not in our focus.

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There are definitively a lot of us who are working in design, engineering AND entertainment. I want to add my voice to the many who clamor for an SVG import option. I have hit that wall 3 times this week alone for designs I am making for our business.

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I support this feature request as well, at least as far as SVG goes. A lot of sheet metal fabricators obtain designs in SVG format and then mix them to arrive at a final design to then manufacture. At that point they would want to create engineering documents for them and be able to apply visualizations to show off the concept to their clients. Being able to directly import the SVG would save a lot of time and effort vs re-drawing or tracing the design. SVG export is also important in sheet metal fabrication as the processing software for CNC plasma tables often work better with SVG files rather than DXF files. With DXF files you can get some weird Z-offset issues where as with SVG you only have X/Y vectors.

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Then you should know we have to work with company logos all the time

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+1. The mindset needs to be more wide spread for not just engineering but for some basic graphical import as well. This would greatly help all with one one paid program.

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I’m using Shapr3D at a university where we’re doing prop and set design for film/tv, and boy howdy just for decal work this would be such a time saver, let alone for greeble placement or the like. To reiterate, this would be incredibly useful for design work.

2 Likes

@wazbaz
Hi,
If the text, logo or pattern is simple, i import DXF in S3D.


In this example i’ve imported the Monogram of Illustrator to Shapr3d
It’s usefull also for logo or decal and you can colorise it or extrude,etc…

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How do you do that? I cannot import SVG, but would like to without converting to other format.

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Oups, you are right Bob. It’s DXF or DWG and no SVG.
I corrected in my answer above;
Thanks.

1 Like

C’est magnifique, merci beaucoup!

Adding my vote here. I’d really love to have the option of importing SVG. I just opened S3D to start a new project, then had to shut it down and open F360 because of this missing/deprioritized feature.

1 Like

DXF sux. My bezier lines get chopped up, nothing seems correct.
The best workaround i have got so far:
Shapr works good with fonts. Lines stay clear.
I use a font maker app and import my line black/white drawing as a letter. Export font.
Use font in Shapr3d. Clearest lines.

So this app started on ipad because it was such a smooth way to model.
A unique app. But the ipad is not typically a tool in use by engineers… rather the visually inclined.
Then it moved to desktop, now competing with serious modellers.

  • you seriously want to take on Rhino or even Blender?

You have this on the roadmap forever, vector import. Svg or eps or pdf.
Now we ask for it we hear: nah, thats not serious, thats for designers.
You must be joking.

If you are able to use fonts (made from vectors) the possibility to implement this doesnt seem too hard… but who am i