ArtCam 2011

ArtCAM provides a unique and scalable CAD modelling and CNC machining solution to a wide variety of industries worldwide. The easy-to-use and customizable features of the ArtCAM range have allowed sign makers, woodworkers, engravers and jewellers the freedom to design and manufacture high-quality 2D or 3D products from their artwork faster than they ever thought possible...

Ok, so I use ArtCAM for a living and every crack I've seen of it has a disclaimer at the bottom about how you can't save project files etc. and they never explain it very well so here's the explanation.

There are several native file types:

3dp, art, and rlf

All of them can be saved but: 3dp, and art will most likely not open on anyone elses versions of ArtCAM. This is not always true, but it is usually true. Don't ask me why, I'm not a tech guy.

If you uninstall and then reinstall ArtCam, there is a good possibility that you won't be able to open your old 3dp and art files.

But fear not. The rlf file when saved as a version 9 file is compatible with all versions of ArtCam on anybody elses computer and on any older versions of ArtCam from version 9 up.

There is even a way to deconstruct and reconstruct an .art file. I'll make a video sometime on how to do that.

I don't use the 3dp file format and have never had any use for it.

an .art file is the model in layers. A .rlf file is a flattened model. So think of an rlf file as if it were a Photoshop file with all the layers flattened. The art file is much easier to edit.

I'm a designer not a machinist so you can ask me design questions but I don't know much beyond that with ArtCam