Below is a list of some of the common CAD and 3D modeling questions relating to Ashlar-Vellum software on both Mac and Windows. A short answer is provided here with a link to more information.

What you Need to Know about Adobe’s PDF

Ashlar-Vellum’s technical department is often asked, “How do I import and edit a PDF into your CAD or 3D modeling software?” It’s a good question with a very complex answer.

Click here to learn more about PDF with CAD and 3D modeling.

Do the 3D Modeling Tools in Cobalt™, Xenon™ or Argon™ Support Sheet Metal?

While Ashlar-Vellum 3D modeling products do not currently have specific sheet metal commands, thousands of sheet metal designs are created each year in our software.

Click here to learn how easy this is to use Ashlar-Vellum 3D modeling tools with Sheet Metal.

When will Ashlar-Vellum Import Autodesk’s DWF file format?

AutoCAD creates three types of files: DXF, DWG and DWF. DWF files are created expressly to prevent further editing of a file.

Click here to learn more and link to legitimate viewers.

Does Ashlar-Vellum CAD & 3D Modeling Software Run on Windows 7?

Microsoft Windows 7 requires one of the latest versions of Ashlar-Vellum CAD and 3D modeling software to run effectively. You must have one of the following:

  • Graphite v8 SP3r0 (build 881) or later
  • Cobalt, Xenon or Argon v8 SP2r5 (build 873) or later

Depending on your graphics card, you may have to adjust some video card settings or disable some visual themes. Search the Knowledgebase in the Support Center.

Does Ashlar-Vellum CAD & 3D Modeling Software Run on Mac OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard?

Mac OS X Leopard (PPC and Intel) and Snow Leopard (Intel only) requires one of the latest versions of Ashlar-Vellum CAD and 3D modeling software to run effectively. You must have one of the following:

  • Graphite v8 SP3r0 (build 881) or later
  • Cobalt, Xenon or Argon v8 SP2r5 (build 873) or later

Does Ashlar-Vellum CAD & 3D Modeling Software Support FEA?

Graphite CAD software exports to 2D FEA programs using DXF. Cobalt, Xenon or Argon 3D modeling software exports to 2D or 3D FEA using SAT, X_T, STEP, IGES , DXF or STL. Finite Element Analysis is a serious science best left to professionals using something more than the “light” FEA features built into some competitive CAD packages.

Click here to learn more about exporting Ashlar-Velum CAD and 3D modeling files to FEA.

Does Ashlar-Vellum Support Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software?

Ashlar-Vellum CAD & 3D modeling software does not generate g-code but will easily transfer to a program that does. All CAM software will read one or more of the file types exported from Ashlar-Vellum software.

For Graphite files use DXF. Click here to learn more about exporting Graphite 2D/3D CAD files.

For Cobalt, Xenon or Argon files use ACIS, DXF, STL, STEP or IGES. Click here to read more about exporting Ashlar-Vellm 3D modeling files.

Why can’t Graphite v8 CAD software read my AutoCAD file?

If you are having difficulty finding something in a file imported from AutoCAD and think Graphite v8 didn’t import the entire thing, try using View → Sheets.

Click here to learn more about bringing AutoCAD files into Graphite v8.

I want to run my old Vellum® software on my new operating system.

It is technically impossible to provide “forward compatibility” for software that was purchased before a particular operating system was in existence. Ashlar-Vellum does provide limited consulting services to assist you in sometimes getting old software to run on new computers, however, the least expensive solution is to simply upgrade the software and avoid hours of headache.

Click here for more information on specific versions.

Click here for information on our consulting services.

Click here to see your upgrade options.