File Utilities

ePack

File | ePack

The ePack tool is designed to create a deployment kit of resources when packaging a drawing which has specific properties or external resources such as externally referenced files.

This tool collects all layers, text fonts, dimension styles, hatch patterns, viewport information and associated media, such as title block logos which are contained in both the model and paper space layouts.

In this example below, the Pulley Mechanism drawing contains a variety of internal and external references. As can be seen from the Blocks Palette, two externally referenced drawings, the Wheel and the Pin were used to create the Assembly, shown in full in the blocks palette.

Text has been added to the model space area and a viewport with a title block and logo has been created in the paper space layout.

The sample drawing ePack Example can be used for this exercise.

Drawing with Blocks & External References

To create a deployment kit of this drawing containing all its available resources, the ePack tool is used by selecting File | ePack.

As can be seen from the illustration below, all available exportable resources within this drawing, including the externally referenced files (Wheel, Pin) and the inserted file (logo) are packed into a package which can either be deployed as a folder or a zipped file.

A zip file can also be created for deployment with the drawing and its associated resources, shown below.

Zip file created with the associated drawings

3D Print repair tool

Tools | 3D Print Repair

Before sending your design to your 3D printer, gain valuable information about your 3D model regarding its printability

This new tool will effectively identify any issue in your design before sending it to the printer, and allow you to then fix it in TurboCAD. A great tool for saving you time and unnecessary wear and tear on your 3D printer.

File Converter

Tools | File Converter

This utility converts multiple drawing formats to another drawing or image file.

In the illustration below, a selection of AutoCAD^© dwg drawings have been selected for conversion to TurboCAD tcw file formats.

A destination file type and output location is required.

By selecting the files to be converted, shown selected in the left column above and using the Run function, the files are converted to the output type and destination defined in the second column. The process runs the conversion in the background, with no interference to the current drawing and the message shown below is displayed with the conversion is finished.

Selected files converted and shown in right column

Contact Manger & File Sharing

Ribbon | Tools | Run Contact Manager

Default : Top Right corner of editor

This facility allows the user to create and maintain contact lists and send files to individuals or groups.

By selecting the Share option, above left, the current drawing can be shared by members of the Contact Manager. Add and remove contacts using the Contacts Manager to create a shared mailing list.

By checking the Everyone option, all contacts in the Contacts Manager will be copied. Contacts can also be imported from an external source using the Import Contacts, shown below.

The current drawing can be shared in the original drawing format or output to several sources, including a screen-shot, image or pdf file.

Publish to PDF

File | Publish to PDF

Drawings in the model or paper layouts can be published directly to PDF. This allows fonts, linestyles and layers to be embedded in the output.

In the example below, the design in the model workspace and the landscape layout is selected.