Preferences Plugins

The plugin tabs set the default values of the tools. Each plugin has one group of settings. Each group below links to the page of its plugin. That page explains how to use the plugin.

The plugins are on three tabs:

Tab	Plugins
ENGRAVING	Isolation, Non-Copper Clearing (NCC), Paint, 2-Sided, Levelling, GCode sender
PROCESSING	Drilling, Milling, Cutout, Film, Panelize, Calculators, Transform, Solder Paste, Markers, Subtract, Follow
EXTRA PLUGINS	Check Rules, Optimal, QRCode, Copper Thieving, Fiducials, Extract Drills, Punch Gerber, Invert Gerber, Etch Compensation

Where to find it

• Menu: Edit > Preferences (shortcut: Shift+P).
• Tabs: ENGRAVING, PROCESSING and EXTRA PLUGINS. See Preferences Overview.

Screenshot placeholder: images/Preferences-Plugins-1.png — the PROCESSING tab with the Drilling Plugin group visible, and the tab bar with ENGRAVING, PROCESSING and EXTRA PLUGINS.

Quick start

1. Select Edit > Preferences, then select the tab of the plugin.
2. Select the group of the plugin, for example Drilling Plugin on the PROCESSING tab.
3. Change the values. Each row has a tooltip with a description.
4. Select Apply to use the values now. Select Save to keep them.

Parameters

Each table lists every control of one plugin group. The Key column shows the key in defaults.py. The source file of each group is in appGUI/preferences/tools/.

The Default column shows the factory value. Some plugins have a control that is a list. The Choices column lists the choices.

Engraving tab

Isolation

Settings of the Isolation Routing plugin. Source file: ToolsISOPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tools Dia	Diameters of the tools, separated by comma. The value of the diameter has to use the dot decimals separator. Valid values: 0.3, 1.0	"0.1"	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_iso_tooldia
Tool order	The order of the tools in the tools table. Default: the order from the file. Forward: from small to big. Reverse: from big to small.	2 (Reverse)	Default = 0; Forward = 1; Reverse = 2	tools_iso_order
V-Tip Dia	The tip diameter for V-Shape Tool	0.1	Number 1e-05 to 10000.0	tools_iso_vtipdia
V-Tip Angle	The tip angle for V-Shape Tool. In degree.	30	Number 1 to 180	tools_iso_vtipangle
Cut Z	Depth of cut into material. Negative value. In application units.	-0.07	Number -10000.0 to 0.0	tools_iso_cutz
New Dia	Diameter for the new tool to add in the Tool Table. If the tool is V-shape type then this value is automatically calculated from the other parameters.	0.1	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_iso_newdia
Shape	Tool Shape. Can be: C1 ... C4 = circular tool with x flutes B = ball tip milling tool V = v-shape milling tool L = laser	0 ("C1")	List: C1, C2, C3, C4, B, V, L	tools_iso_tool_shape
Passes	Width of the isolation gap in number (integer) of tool widths.	1	Number 1 to 9999	tools_iso_passes
Pad Passes	Width of the extra isolation gap for pads only, in number (integer) of tool widths.	0	Number 0 to 999	tools_iso_pad_passes
Overlap	How much (percentage) of the tool width to overlap each tool pass.	10	Number 0.0 to 99.9999	tools_iso_overlap
Milling Type	Milling type: - climb / best for precision milling and to reduce tool usage - conventional / useful when there is no backlash compensation	"cl"	Climb = cl; Conventional = cv	tools_iso_milling_type
Isolation Type	Choose how the isolation will be executed: - 'Full' -> complete isolation of polygons - 'Ext' -> will isolate only on the outside - 'Int' -> will isolate only on the inside 'Exterior' isolation is almost always possible (with the right tool) but 'Interior' isolation can be done only when there is an opening inside of the polygon (e.g polygon is a 'doughnut' shape).	"full"	Full = full; Ext = ext; Int = int	tools_iso_isotype
Rest Machining	If checked, use 'rest machining'. Copper features will be processed starting with the biggest selected tool. What cannot be processed will be passed to the next bigger tool and so on, until either there are no longer selected tools or all the copper features are processed.	False	On or off	tools_iso_rest
Combine	Combine all passes into one object	True	On or off	tools_iso_combine_passes
Except	When the isolation geometry is generated, by checking this, the area of the object below will be subtracted from the isolation geometry.	False	On or off	tools_iso_isoexcept
Check validity	If checked then the tools diameters are verified if they will provide a complete isolation.	False	On or off	tools_iso_check_valid
Clear leftovers	Where the passes around two features meet, the last band can be too narrow for one more pass and wider than what the last pass cuts: strips and triangles of copper are left, however many passes are made. When checked, one more path along each of them clears them. Full isolation with combined passes (not rest machining).	False	On or off	tools_iso_clear_leftovers
Simplify	All points in the simplified object will be within the tolerance distance of the original geometry.	True	On or off	tools_iso_simplification
Simplify (tolerance)	All points in the simplified object will be within the tolerance distance of the original geometry.	0.001	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_iso_simplification_tol
Selection	Isolation scope. Choose what to isolate: - 'All' -> Isolate all the polygons in the object - 'Area Selection' -> Isolate polygons within a selection area. - 'Polygon Selection' -> Isolate a selection of polygons. - 'Reference Object' - will process the area specified by another object.	0	List: All, Area Selection, Polygon Selection, Reference Object	tools_iso_selection
Shape	The kind of selection shape used for area selection.	"square"	Square = square; Polygon = polygon	tools_iso_area_shape
Interiors	When checked the user can select interiors of a polygon. (holes in the polygon).	False	On or off	tools_iso_poly_ints
Forced Rest	When checked the isolation will be done with the current tool even if interiors of a polygon (holes in the polygon) could not be isolated. Works when 'rest machining' is used.	True	On or off	tools_iso_force
Plotting	- 'Normal' - normal plotting, done at the end of the job - 'Progressive' - each shape is plotted after it is generated	'normal'	Normal = normal; Progressive = progressive	tools_iso_plotting
Selected objects	Isolate all the Gerber objects selected in the Project tab, each with the same tools.	False	On or off	tools_iso_multi_objects

Non-Copper Clearing

Settings of the Non-Copper Clearing plugin. Source file: ToolsNCCPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tools Dia	Diameters of the tools, separated by comma. The value of the diameter has to use the dot decimals separator. Valid values: 0.3, 1.0	"0.5"	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_ncc_tools
Tool order	The order of the tools in the tools table. Default: the order from the file. Forward: from small to big. Reverse: from big to small.	2 (Reverse)	Default = 0; Forward = 1; Reverse = 2	tools_ncc_order
V-Tip Dia	The tip diameter for V-Shape Tool	0.1	Number 0 to 1000	tools_ncc_tipdia
V-Tip Angle	The tip angle for V-Shape Tool. In degree.	30	Number 1 to 180	tools_ncc_tipangle
Cut Z	Depth of cut into material. Negative value. In application units.	-0.05	Number -10000.0 to 0.0	tools_ncc_cutz
New Dia	Diameter for the new tool to add in the Tool Table. If the tool is V-shape type then this value is automatically calculated from the other parameters.	0.1	Number 0.0001 to 10000.0	tools_ncc_newdia
Milling Type	Milling type: - climb / best for precision milling and to reduce tool usage - conventional / useful when there is no backlash compensation	'cl'	Climb = cl; Conventional = cv	tools_ncc_milling_type
Operation	Operation of the new tools: - Clear: clear the copper-free area - Isolation: isolate the copper features	'clear'	Clear = clear; Isolation = iso	tools_ncc_operation
Overlap	How much (percentage) of the tool width to overlap each tool pass. Adjust the value starting with lower values and increasing it if areas that should be processed are still not processed. Lower values = faster processing, faster execution on CNC. Higher values = slow processing and slow execution on CNC due of too many paths.	40	Number 0.0 to 99.9999	tools_ncc_overlap
Margin	Bounding box margin.	1.0	Number -10000 to 10000	tools_ncc_margin
Method	Algorithm for copper clearing: - Standard: Fixed step inwards. - Seed-based: Outwards from seed. - Line-based: Parallel lines.	1 (SEED)	List: Standard, Seed, Lines, Combo	tools_ncc_method
Connect	Draw lines between resulting segments to minimize tool lifts.	True	On or off	tools_ncc_connect
Contour	Cut around the perimeter of the polygon to trim rough edges.	True	On or off	tools_ncc_contour
Direction	Cut direction of the clearing passes. Climb = the wall on the right of the tool, with an M3 spindle. Lines, Crosshatch scan lines and Laser Lines are not oriented.	none	List: none, climb, conv	tools_ncc_clear_milling
Final cleanup	After clearing, use the smallest selected tool with Final cleanup enabled to remove reachable residual copper. May cross cleared areas, but preserves copper clearance and the clearing boundary. Default: Off.	False	On or off	tools_ncc_final_cleanup
Offset	If used, it will add an offset to the copper features. The copper clearing will finish to a distance from the copper features.	False	On or off	tools_ncc_offset_choice
Offset value	If used, it will add an offset to the copper features. The copper clearing will finish to a distance from the copper features.	0.0000	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_ncc_offset_value
Rest Machining	If checked, use 'rest machining'. Copper features will be processed starting with the biggest selected tool. What cannot be processed will be passed to the next bigger tool and so on, until either there are no longer selected tools or all the copper features are processed.	False	On or off	tools_ncc_rest
Selection	Selection of area to be processed. - 'Itself' - the processing extent is based on the object that is processed. - 'Area Selection' - left mouse click to start selection of the area to be processed. - 'Reference Object' - will process the area specified by another object.	0 (ITSELF)	List: Itself, Area Selection, Reference Object, Polygon Selection	tools_ncc_ref
Shape	The kind of selection shape used for area selection.	"square"	Square = square; Polygon = polygon	tools_ncc_area_shape
Plotting	- 'Normal' - normal plotting, done at the end of the job - 'Progressive' - each shape is plotted after it is generated	'normal'	Normal = normal; Progressive = progressive	tools_ncc_plotting
Check validity	If checked then the tools diameters are verified if they will provide a complete isolation.	True	On or off	tools_ncc_check_valid
Simplification	Maximum deviation allowed when simplifying the generated toolpaths, in millimeters. Set to zero to disable simplification.	0.01 (millimetres, like global_tolerance)	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_ncc_simplification
Selected objects	Process all the objects selected in the Project tab, each with the same tools.	False	On or off	tools_ncc_multi_objects

Paint

Settings of the Paint plugin. Source file: ToolsPaintPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tools Dia	Diameters of the tools, separated by comma. The value of the diameter has to use the dot decimals separator. Valid values: 0.3, 1.0	0.3	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_paint_tooldia
Tool order	The order of the tools in the tools table. Default: the order from the file. Forward: from small to big. Reverse: from big to small.	2 (Reverse)	Default = 0; Forward = 1; Reverse = 2	tools_paint_order
V-Tip Dia	The tip diameter for V-Shape Tool	0.1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_paint_tipdia
V-Tip Angle	The tip angle for V-Shape Tool. In degree.	30	Number 1.0 to 180.0	tools_paint_tipangle
Cut Z	Depth of cut into material. Negative value. In application units.	-0.05	Number -910000.0 to 0.0	tools_paint_cutz
New Dia	Diameter for the new tool to add in the Tool Table. If the tool is V-shape type then this value is automatically calculated from the other parameters.	0.1	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_paint_newdia
Overlap	How much (percentage) of the tool width to overlap each tool pass. Adjust the value starting with lower values and increasing it if areas that should be processed are still not processed. Lower values = faster processing, faster execution on CNC. Higher values = slow processing and slow execution on CNC due of too many paths.	20	Number 0.0 to 99.9999	tools_paint_overlap
Margin	Distance by which to avoid the edges of the polygon to be painted.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_paint_offset
Method	Algorithm for painting: - Standard: Fixed step inwards. - Seed-based: Outwards from seed. - Line-based: Parallel lines. - Laser-lines: Active only for Gerber objects. Will create lines that follow the traces. - Combo: In case of failure a new method will be picked from the above in the order specified.	0	List: Standard, Seed, Lines, Laser_lines, Combo	tools_paint_method
Connect	Draw lines between resulting segments to minimize tool lifts.	True	On or off	tools_paint_connect
Contour	Cut around the perimeter of the polygon to trim rough edges.	True	On or off	tools_paint_contour
Direction	Cut direction of the painting passes. Climb = the wall on the right of the tool, with an M3 spindle. Lines, Crosshatch scan lines and Laser Lines are not oriented.	none	List: none, climb, conv	tools_paint_clear_milling
Final paint	After painting, use the smallest selected tool with Final paint enabled to paint reachable gaps. May overlap previous passes, but keeps the whole tool inside the selected boundary and margins. Default: Off.	False	On or off	tools_paint_final_cleanup
Rest Machining	If checked, use 'rest machining'. Copper features will be processed starting with the biggest selected tool. What cannot be processed will be passed to the next bigger tool and so on, until either there are no longer selected tools or all the copper features are processed.	False	On or off	tools_paint_rest
Rest Offset	Distance by which to avoid the edges of the polygon to be painted.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_paint_rest_offset
Selection	Selection of area to be processed. - 'Polygon Selection' - left mouse click to add/remove polygons to be processed. - 'Area Selection' - left mouse click to start selection of the area to be processed. Keeping a modifier key pressed (CTRL or SHIFT) will allow to add multiple areas. - 'All Polygons' - the process will start after click. - 'Reference Object' - will process the area specified by another object.	0	List: All, Polygon Selection, Area Selection, Reference Object	tools_paint_selectmethod
Shape	The kind of selection shape used for area selection.	"square"	Square = square; Polygon = polygon	tools_paint_area_shape
Plotting	- 'Normal' - normal plotting, done at the end of the job - 'Progressive' - each shape is plotted after it is generated	'normal'	Normal = normal; Progressive = progressive	tools_paint_plotting
Simplification	Tolerance for simplifying the generated tool paths, in millimeters. Set to zero to disable simplification.	0.01 (millimetres, like global_tolerance)	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_paint_simplification
Check validity	If checked then the tools diameters are verified against the smallest gap between the copper features of a Gerber source object. The run stops if no selected tool fits; it only warns if some tools are too big.	False	On or off	tools_paint_check_valid
Selected objects	Paint all the Geometry and Gerber objects selected in the Project tab, each with the same tools. Not used by 'Polygon Selection', which paints the object in the combobox.	False	On or off	tools_paint_multi_objects

2-Sided Plugin

Settings of the Double-Sided plugin. Source file: Tools2sidedPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Drill Dia	Diameter of the drill for the alignment holes.	3.125	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_2sided_drilldia
Type	The content of the Excellon file. X - Pairs of drill holes mirrored vertically from reference point Y - Pairs of drill holes mirrored horizontally from reference point Manual - no mirroring; drill holes in place	"X"	X = X; Y = Y; Manual = manual	tools_2sided_align_type
Mirror Axis	Mirror vertically (X) or horizontally (Y).	"X"	X = X; Y = Y	tools_2sided_mirror_axis
Axis Ref	The coordinates used as reference for the mirror operation. Can be: - Point -> a set of coordinates (x,y) around which the object is mirrored - Box -> a set of coordinates (x, y) obtained from the center of the bounding box of another object selected below - Snap -> a point defined by the center of a drill hole in a Excellon object	"point"	Point = point; Box = box; Snap = hole	tools_2sided_axis_loc

Levelling Plugin

Settings of the Levelling plugin. The plugin is in development. Source file: ToolsLevelPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Mode	Choose a mode for height map generation. - Manual: will pick a selection of probe points by clicking on canvas - Grid: will automatically generate a grid of probe points	'grid'	Manual = manual; Grid = grid	tools_al_mode
Method	Choose a method for approximation of heights from autolevelling data. - Voronoi: will generate a Voronoi diagram - Bilinear: will use bilinear interpolation. Usable only for grid mode. - Bicubic: smooth surface through the grid. Needs at least 4 rows and 4 columns.	'v'	Voronoi = v; Bilinear = b; Bicubic = c	tools_al_method
Avoid Step	The incremental size to move to the side, to avoid an Excellon hole.	0.5	Number 0.0 to 99999.0	tools_al_avoid_exc_holes_size
Columns	The number of grid columns.	4	Number	tools_al_columns
Rows	The number of grid rows.	4	Number	tools_al_rows
Probe Tip Dia	The probe tip diameter.	0.3	Number 0.0 to 10.0	tools_al_probe_tip_dia
Probe Z travel	The safe Z for probe travelling between probe points.	2.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_al_travel_z
Probe Z depth	The maximum depth that the probe is allowed to probe. Negative value, in current units.	-1.0	Number -910000.0 to 0.0	tools_al_probe_depth
Probe Feedrate	The feedrate used while the probe is probing.	120	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_al_probe_fr
Controller	The kind of controller for which to generate height map gcode.	'MACH3'	List: MACH3, MACH4, LinuxCNC	tools_al_controller

GCode sender Plugin

Settings of the GCode Sender plugin. The plugin is in development. Source file: ToolsGrblSenderPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Step	Each jog action will move the axes with this value.	5	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_grbl_jog_step
Feedrate	Feedrate when jogging.	1500	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_grbl_jog_fr
Travel Z	Safe height (Z) distance when jogging to origin.	15.0	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_grbl_travelz
Baud rate	The baud rate that is selected for the serial connection.	'115200'	List: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400, 460800, 500000, 576000, 921600, 1000000, 1152000, 1500000, 2000000	tools_grbl_baudrate
Arcs	Split: the sender splits G2/G3 arcs into G1 lines. Send: the sender sends G2/G3 to GRBL. With autolevelling on, arcs are always split.	'split'	Split = split; Send = send	tools_grbl_arc_mode
Arc segment	The length of the G1 lines that replace an arc.	0.5	Number 0.001 to 100.0	tools_grbl_arc_segment
Segment length	Longest G1 line when the G-code is not segmented. Used only with autolevelling.	1.0	Number 0.001 to 1000.0	tools_grbl_seg_len
Status interval (ms)	How often the sender asks GRBL for a status report.	200	Number 50 to 2000	tools_grbl_status_ms

Processing tab

Drilling Plugin

Settings of the Drilling plugin. Source file: ToolsDrillPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tool order	The order of the tools in the tools table. Default: the order from the file. Forward: from small to big. Reverse: from big to small.	Default	Default = no; Forward = fwd; Reverse = rev	tools_drill_tool_order
Cut Z	Drill depth (negative) below the copper surface.	-1.7	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_cutz
Multi-Depth	Use multiple passes to limit the cut depth in each pass. Will cut multiple times until Cut Z is reached.	False	On or off	tools_drill_multidepth
Depth per Pass	Depth of each pass (positive).	0.7	Number 0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_depthperpass
Travel Z	Tool height when travelling across the XY plane.	2	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_travelz
Tool change	Include tool-change sequence in G-Code (Pause for tool change).	False	On or off	tools_drill_toolchange
Toolchange Z	Z-axis position (height) for tool change.	15	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_toolchangez
End move Z	Height of the tool after the last move at the end of the job.	15	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_endz
End move X,Y	End move X,Y position. In format (x,y). If no value is entered then there is no move on X,Y plane at the end of the job.	None	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_drill_endxy
Feedrate Z	Tool speed while drilling (in units per minute). So called 'Plunge' feedrate. This is for linear move G01.	300	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_drill_feedrate_z
Spindle Speed	Speed of the spindle in RPM (optional)	0	Number 0 to 1000000	tools_drill_spindlespeed
Enable Dwell	Pause to allow the spindle to reach its speed before cutting.	False	On or off	tools_drill_dwell
Dwell Time	Number of time units for spindle to dwell.	1	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_drill_dwelltime
Dwell at bottom	Pause at the bottom of every hole, for the Dwell Time above. Ignored by the laser preprocessors.	False	On or off	tools_drill_dwell_bottom
Peck drilling	Drill each hole in steps. After each step the tool goes up to the Travel Z (it clears the chips), goes down fast to the Peck Retract clearance above the previous depth and feeds on. It replaces the Multi-Depth. Ignored by the laser preprocessors.	False	On or off	tools_drill_peck
Peck Depth	Depth of each peck step (positive).	0.5	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_peck_depth
Peck Retract	Clearance above the previous depth to which the tool goes down fast after the full retract, before it feeds on.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_peck_retract
Spot drilling	The job starts with an extra pass over all the selected holes with a spot drill (centering): its own tool number, a toolchange before it, then the drills. Needs the toolchange. Ignored by the laser preprocessors.	False	On or off	tools_drill_spot
Spot Dia	Diameter of the spot drill.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_spot_dia
Spot Cut Z	Depth of the spot holes. Negative value, in current units.	-0.3	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_spot_cutz
Spot Feedrate Z	Feedrate on the Z axis of the spot holes.	300	Number 0.0 to 910000.0	tools_drill_spot_feedrate_z
Job offset X,Y	Move all the drill points of the job by this X,Y distance (after the mirror, before the array). Blank: no move. The Excellon object is not changed.	None	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_drill_job_offset_xy
Job mirror	Mirror all the drill points of the job: No, on the X axis (the Y values flip), on the Y axis (the X values flip) or both.	'no'	No = no; X = x; Y = y; XY = xy	tools_drill_mirror
Mirror point X,Y	The point the mirror axes pass through. Blank: the center of the bounding box of the selected holes.	None	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_drill_mirror_point
Array columns	Repeat the holes along X this many times. 1 x 1 is no array.	1	Number 1 to 1000	tools_drill_array_columns
Array rows	Repeat the holes along Y this many times. 1 x 1 is no array.	1	Number 1 to 1000	tools_drill_array_rows
Array pitch X,Y	The distance between the copies of the array, along X and along Y.	None	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_drill_array_pitch
Holes	Which holes are drilled: All, or only those inside the areas that are drawn on the canvas in the Drilling plugin (Inside area).	'all'	All = all; Inside area = area	tools_drill_holes_selection
Preprocessor	The preprocessor JSON file that dictates Gcode output.	'default'	List	tools_drill_ppname_e
Drill slots	If the selected tool has slots then they will be drilled.	False	On or off	tools_drill_drill_slots
Last drill	If the slot length is not completely covered by drill holes, add a drill hole on the slot end point.	True	On or off	tools_drill_last_drill
Overlap	How much (percentage) of the tool diameter to overlap previous drill hole.	0.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_drill_overlap
Offset Z	Some drill bits (the larger ones) need to drill deeper to create the desired exit hole diameter due of the tip shape. The value here can compensate the Cut Z parameter.	0.0	Number -999.9999 to 999.9999	tools_drill_offset
Toolchange X,Y	Toolchange X,Y position.	"0.0, 0.0"	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_drill_toolchangexy
Start Z	Height of the tool just after starting the work. Delete the value if you do not need this feature.	None	Number or expression	tools_drill_startz
Feedrate Rapids	Tool speed while drilling (in units per minute). This is for the rapid move G00. It is useful only for Marlin, ignore for any other cases.	1500	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_drill_feedrate_rapid
Probe Z depth	The maximum depth that the probe is allowed to probe. Negative value, in current units.	-0.02	Number -910000.0 to 0.0	tools_drill_z_p_depth
Probe plate thickness	The thickness of the touch plate that the probe touches on top of the material. After the probing, the tool tip is set to this height, so Z = 0 stays the top of the material.	0.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_probe_plate
Feedrate Probe	The feedrate used while the probe is probing.	75	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_drill_feedrate_probe
Spindle direction	This sets the direction that the spindle is rotating. It can be either: - CW = clockwise or - CCW = counter clockwise	'CW'	CW = CW; CCW = CCW	tools_drill_spindledir
Min Power	The laser power when the laser is travelling.Above 0 the laser is not turned off between the cuts: the 'laser OFF' lines set this power instead. Keep it 0 to turn the laser off between the cuts.	0.0	Number 0 to 1000000	tools_drill_min_power
Turn ON Code	The Gode that will be executed to turn the laser on.	"M3"	List: M03, M04	tools_drill_laser_on
Fast Retract	Exit hole strategy. - When uncheked, while exiting the drilled hole the drill bit will travel slow, with set feedrate (G1), up to zero depth and then travel as fast as possible (G0) to the Z Move (travel height). - When checked the travel from Z cut (cut depth) to Z_move (travel height) is done as fast as possible (G0) in one move.	False	On or off	tools_drill_f_retract
Fast Plunge	By checking this, the vertical move from Z Toolchange to Z move is done with G0, the fastest speed available. The move is done at the Toolchange X,Y coordinates.	False	On or off	tools_drill_f_plunge
Exclusion areas	Include exclusion areas. In those areas the travel of the tools is forbidden.	False	On or off	tools_drill_area_exclusion
Shape	The kind of selection shape used for area selection.	"polygon"	Square = square; Polygon = polygon	tools_drill_area_shape
Strategy	The strategy followed when encountering an exclusion area. Can be: - Over -> when encountering the area, the tool will go to a set height - Around -> will avoid the exclusion area by going around the area	"over"	Over = over; Around = around	tools_drill_area_strategy
Over Z	The height Z to which the tool will rise in order to avoid an interdiction area.	1.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_drill_area_overz

Milling Plugin

Settings of the Milling plugin. Source file: ToolsMillPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tools Dia	Diameters of the tools, separated by comma. The value of the diameter has to use the dot decimals separator. Valid values: 0.3, 1.0	"2.4"	Text	tools_mill_tooldia
V-Tip Dia	The tip diameter for V-Shape Tool	0.1	Number 1e-05 to 10000.0	tools_mill_vtipdia
V-Tip Angle	The tip angle for V-Shape Tool. In degree.	30	Number 1.0 to 180.0	tools_mill_vtipangle
Cut Z	Cutting depth (negative) below the copper surface.	-2.4	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_cutz
Multi-Depth	Use multiple passes to limit the cut depth in each pass. Will cut multiple times until Cut Z is reached.	False	On or off	tools_mill_multidepth
Depth per Pass	Depth of each pass (positive).	0.8	Number 0 to 99999	tools_mill_depthperpass
Travel Z	Height of the tool when moving without cutting.	2	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_travelz
Tool change	Include tool-change sequence in the Machine Code (Pause for tool change).	False	On or off	tools_mill_toolchange
Toolchange Z	Z-axis position (height) for tool change.	15.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_toolchangez
End move Z	Height of the tool after the last move at the end of the job.	15.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_endz
End move X,Y	End move X,Y position. In format (x,y). If no value is entered then there is no move on X,Y plane at the end of the job.	None	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_mill_endxy
Feedrate X-Y	Cutting speed in the XY plane in units per minute	120	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_mill_feedrate
Feedrate Z	Cutting speed in the XY plane in units per minute. It is called also Plunge.	60	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_mill_feedrate_z
Spindle speed	Speed of the spindle in RPM (optional). If LASER preprocessor is used, this value is the power of laser.	0	Number 0 to 1000000	tools_mill_spindlespeed
Enable Dwell	Pause to allow the spindle to reach its speed before cutting.	False	On or off	tools_mill_dwell
Dwell Time	Number of time units for spindle to dwell.	1	Number 0 to 99999	tools_mill_dwelltime
Preprocessor	The Preprocessor file that dictates the Machine Code (like GCode, RML, HPGL) output.	'default'	List	tools_mill_ppname_g
Toolchange X-Y	Toolchange X,Y position.	"0.0, 0.0"	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_mill_toolchangexy
Start Z	Height of the tool just after starting the work. Delete the value if you do not need this feature.	None	Number or expression	tools_mill_startz
Feedrate Rapids	Cutting speed in the XY plane (in units per minute). This is for the rapid move G00. It is useful only for Marlin, ignore for any other cases.	1500	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_mill_feedrate_rapid
Fast Plunge	By checking this, the vertical move from Z Toolchange to Z move is done with G0, the fastest speed available. The move is done at the Toolchange X,Y coordinates.	False	On or off	tools_mill_f_plunge
Re-cut	In order to remove possible copper leftovers where first cut meet with last cut, we generate an extended cut over the first cut section.	False	On or off	tools_mill_extracut
Re-cut (length)	In order to remove possible copper leftovers where first cut meet with last cut, we generate an extended cut over the first cut section.	0.1	Number 0 to 99999	tools_mill_extracut_length
Probe Z depth	The maximum depth that the probe is allowed to probe. Negative value, in current units.	-0.02	Number -99999 to 0.0	tools_mill_z_p_depth
Probe plate thickness	The thickness of the touch plate that the probe touches on top of the material. After the probing, the tool tip is set to this height, so Z = 0 stays the top of the material.	0.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_probe_plate
Feedrate Probe	The feedrate used while the probe is probing.	75	Number 0 to 910000.0	tools_mill_feedrate_probe
Spindle direction	This sets the direction that the spindle is rotating. It can be either: - CW = clockwise or - CCW = counter clockwise	'CW'	CW = CW; CCW = CCW	tools_mill_spindledir
Min Power	The laser power when the laser is travelling.Above 0 the laser is not turned off between the cuts: the 'laser OFF' lines set this power instead. Keep it 0 to turn the laser off between the cuts.	0.0	Number 0 to 1000000	tools_mill_min_power
Turn ON Code	The Gode that will be executed to turn the laser on.	"M3"	List: M03, M04	tools_mill_laser_on
Exclusion areas	Include exclusion areas. In those areas the travel of the tools is forbidden.	False	On or off	tools_mill_area_exclusion
Shape	The kind of selection shape used for area selection.	"polygon"	Square = square; Polygon = polygon	tools_mill_area_shape
Strategy	The strategy followed when encountering an exclusion area. Can be: - Over -> when encountering the area, the tool will go to a set height - Around -> will avoid the exclusion area by going around the area	"over"	Over = over; Around = around	tools_mill_area_strategy
Over Z	The height Z to which the tool will rise in order to avoid an interdiction area.	1.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_area_overz
Margin	Bounding box margin.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_polish_margin
Overlap	How much (percentage) of the tool width to overlap each tool pass.	5	Number 0.0 to 99.9999	tools_mill_polish_overlap
Method	Algorithm for polishing: - Standard: Fixed step inwards. - Seed-based: Outwards from seed. - Line-based: Parallel lines.	0	List: Standard, Seed, Lines	tools_mill_polish_method
Milling Type	Milling type: - Drills -> will mill the drills associated with this tool - Slots -> will mill the slots associated with this tool - Both -> will mill both drills and mills or whatever is available	'both'	Drills = drills; Slots = slots; Both = both	tools_mill_milling_type
Milling Diameter	The diameter of the tool who will do the milling	0.1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_mill_milling_dia
Overlap	How much (percentage) of the tool width to overlap each tool pass. Adjust the value starting with lower values and increasing it if areas that should be processed are still not processed. Lower values = faster processing, faster execution on CNC. Higher values = slow processing and slow execution on CNC due of too many paths.	10 (in percentage)	Number 0.0 to 99.9999	tools_mill_milling_overlap
Connect	Draw lines between resulting segments to minimize tool lifts.	True	On or off	tools_mill_milling_connect

Cutout Plugin

Settings of the Cutout plugin. Source file: ToolsCutoutPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tool Dia	Diameter of the tool used to cutout the PCB shape out of the surrounding material.	2.4	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_tooldia
Convex Shape	Create a convex shape surrounding the entire PCB. Used only if the source object type is Gerber.	False	On or off	tools_cutout_convexshape
Cut Z	Cutting depth (negative) below the copper surface.	-1.8	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_z
Multi-Depth	Use multiple passes to limit the cut depth in each pass. Will cut multiple times until Cut Z is reached.	True	On or off	tools_cutout_mdepth
Depth per Pass	Depth of each pass (positive).	0.6	Number 0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_depthperpass
Kind	Choice of what kind the object we want to cutout is. - Single: contain a single PCB Gerber outline object. - Panel: a panel PCB Gerber object, which is made out of many individual PCB outlines.	"single"	Single = single; Panel = panel	tools_cutout_kind
Margin	Margin over bounds. A positive value here will make the cutout of the PCB further from the actual PCB border	0.1	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_margin
Cut inside contours	Used only for a Gerber or Geometry source marked as a board outline and with the shape 'Any'. Every slot and every inner closed contour of the outline is cut as well as the outer edge.	False	On or off	tools_cutout_inner
Gaps on inner contours	Add the gaps, thin gaps and mouse bites also to the inner contours. Off: the inner contours are cut without gaps.	False	On or off	tools_cutout_inner_gaps
Size	The size of the bridge gaps in the cutout used to keep the board connected to the surrounding material (the one from which the PCB is cutout).	4	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_gapsize
Type	The type of gap: - Bridge -> the cutout will be interrupted by bridges - Thin -> same as 'bridge' but it will be thinner by partially milling the gap - M-Bites -> 'Mouse Bites' - same as 'bridge' but covered with drill holes	0 ("Basic Gap")	List: Bridge, Thin, Mouse Bytes	tools_cutout_gap_type
Depth	The depth until the milling is done in order to thin the gaps.	-1.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_gap_depth
Tool Diameter	The drill hole diameter when doing mouse bites.	0.6	Number 0 to 100.0	tools_cutout_mb_dia
Spacing	The spacing between drill holes when doing mouse bites.	0.3	Number 0 to 100.0	tools_cutout_mb_spacing
Gaps	Number of gaps used for the cutout. There can be maximum 8 bridges/gaps. The choices are: - None - no gaps - lr - left + right - tb - top + bottom - 4 - left + right +top + bottom - 2lr - 2left + 2right - 2tb - 2top + 2bottom - 8 - 2left + 2right +2top + 2bottom	"4"	List: None, LR, TB, 4, 2LR, 2TB, 8	tools_cutout_gaps_ff
Big cursor	Use a big cursor when adding manual gaps.	True	On or off	tools_cutout_big_cursor
Drill Dia	Diameter of the tool used to cutout the PCB by drilling.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_drill_dia
Pitch	Distance between the center of two neighboring drill holes.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_drill_pitch
Margin	Margin over bounds. A positive value here will make the cutout of the PCB further from the actual PCB border	0.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cutout_drill_margin

Film Plugin

Settings of the Film plugin. Source file: ToolsFilmPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Scale	A value greater than 1 will compact the film while a value less than 1 will jolt it.	False	On or off	tools_film_scale_cb
Type	'Length' -> scale by a length value 'Factor' -> scale by a ratio	0 ("length")	List: Length, Factor	tools_film_scale_type
X val	Scale value on the X axis. Its meaning follows Type: a length or a factor.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_film_scale_x_entry
Y val	Scale value on the Y axis. Its meaning follows Type: a length or a factor.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_film_scale_y_entry
Reference	The reference point to be used as origin for the adjustment.	1 ("bottom left")	List: Center, Bottom Left, Top Left, Bottom Right, Top right	tools_film_scale_ref
Skew	Positive values will skew to the right while negative values will skew to the left.	False	On or off	tools_film_skew_cb
Type	'Length' -> deform by a length value 'Angle' -> deform by an angle 'Factor' -> deform by a ratio between what should be and what is	0 ("length")	List: Length, Angle, Factor	tools_film_skew_type
X val	Skew value on the X axis. Its meaning follows Type: a length, an angle or a factor.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_film_skew_x_entry
Y val	Skew value on the Y axis. Its meaning follows Type: a length, an angle or a factor.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_film_skew_y_entry
Reference	The reference point to be used as origin for the adjustment.	1 ("bottom left")	List: Center, Bottom Left	tools_film_skew_ref
Mirror	Mirror the film geometry on the selected axis or on both.	False	On or off	tools_film_mirror_cb
Mirror Axis	Mirror the film geometry on the selected axis or on both.	'x'	X = x; Y = y; Both = both	tools_film_mirror_axis_radio
Convex Shape	Create a convex shape surrounding the entire PCB. If not checked the shape is rectangular.	False	On or off	tools_film_shape
Rounded	Resulting geometry will have rounded corners.	False	On or off	tools_film_rounded
Polarity	Generate a Positive black film or a Negative film.	'neg'	Positive = pos; Negative = neg	tools_film_polarity
Film Color	Set the film color when positive film is selected.	'#000000'	Color	tools_film_color
Border	Specify a border around the object. Only for negative film. It helps if we use as a Box Object the same object as in Film Object. It will create a thick black bar around the actual print allowing for a better delimitation of the outline features which are of white color like the rest and which may confound with the surroundings if not for this border.	1.0	Number 0 to 10000.0	tools_film_boundary
Scale Stroke	Scale the line stroke thickness of each feature in the SVG file. It means that the line that envelope each SVG feature will be thicker or thinner, therefore the fine features may be more affected by this parameter.	0	Number 0 to 10000.0	tools_film_scale_stroke
Film Type	The file type of the saved film. Can be: - 'SVG' -> open-source vectorial format - 'PNG' -> raster image - 'PDF' -> portable document format	'svg'	SVG = svg; PNG = png; PDF = pdf	tools_film_file_type_radio
Page Orientation	Can be: - Portrait - Landscape	'p'	Portrait = p; Landscape = l	tools_film_orientation
Page Size	A selection of standard ISO 216 page sizes.	'A4'	List	tools_film_pagesize
PNG DPI	Default value is 300 DPI, the usual resolution for print. Change this value to scale the PNG file.	300	Number 0 to 100000	tools_film_png_dpi

Panelize Plugin

Settings of the Panelize plugin. Source file: ToolsPanelizePrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Spacing cols	Spacing between columns. In current units.	0.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_panelize_spacing_columns
Spacing rows	Spacing between rows. In current units.	0.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_panelize_spacing_rows
Columns	Number of columns	1	Number 1 to 1000	tools_panelize_columns
Rows	Number of rows	1	Number 1 to 1000	tools_panelize_rows
Panel Type	Choose the type of object for the panel object: - Gerber - Geometry	'gerber'	Gerber = gerber; Geo = geometry	tools_panelize_panel_type
Path Optimization	Active only for Geometry panel type. When checked the application will find any two overlapping Line elements in the panel and will remove the overlapping parts, keeping only one of them.	True	On or off	tools_panelize_optimization
Constrain within	Area define by DX and DY within to constrain the panel. DX and DY values are in current units. Regardless of how many columns and rows are desired, the final panel will have as many columns and rows as they fit completely within selected area.	False	On or off	tools_panelize_constrain
Width (DX)	The width (DX) within which the panel must fit. In current units.	200.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_panelize_constrainx
Height (DY)	The height (DY)within which the panel must fit. In current units.	290.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_panelize_constrainy

Calculators Plugin

Settings of the Calculators plugin. Source file: ToolsCalculatorsPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tip Diameter	This is the tool tip diameter. It is specified by manufacturer.	0.2	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_calc_vshape_tip_dia
Tip Angle	This is the angle on the tip of the tool. It is specified by manufacturer.	30	Number 0.0 to 180.0	tools_calc_vshape_tip_angle
Cut Z	This is depth to cut into material. In the CNCJob object it is the CutZ parameter.	-0.05	Number -10000.0 to 0.0	tools_calc_vshape_cut_z
Board Length	This is the board length. In centimeters.	10.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_calc_electro_length
Board Width	This is the board width.In centimeters.	10.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_calc_electro_width
Area	This is the board area.	100.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_calc_electro_area
Current Density	Current density to pass through the board. In Amps per Square Feet ASF.	13.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_calc_electro_cdensity
Copper Growth	How thick the copper growth is intended to be. In microns.	10.0	Number 1e-06 to 10000.0	tools_calc_electro_growth

Transform Plugin

Settings of the Transform plugin. Source file: ToolsTransformPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Reference	The reference point for Rotate, Skew, Scale, Mirror. Can be: - Origin -> it is the 0, 0 point - Selection -> the center of the bounding box of the selected objects - Point -> a custom point defined by X,Y coordinates - Object -> the center of the bounding box of a specific object	Selection	List	tools_transform_reference
Point	A point of reference in format X,Y.	"0, 0"	Pair x,y (number or expression)	tools_transform_ref_point
Object	The type of object used as reference.	Gerber	List: Gerber, Excellon, Geometry	tools_transform_ref_object
Angle	Angle, in degrees. Float number between -360 and 359. Positive numbers for CW motion. Negative numbers for CCW motion.	45	Number -360.0 to 360.0	tools_transform_rotate
Link	Link the Y entry to X entry and copy its content.	True	On or off	tools_transform_skew_link
X angle	Angle, in degrees. Float number between -360 and 359.	0.0	Number -360.0 to 360.0	tools_transform_skew_x
Y angle	Angle, in degrees. Float number between -360 and 359.	0.0	Number -360.0 to 360.0	tools_transform_skew_y
Link	Link the Y entry to X entry and copy its content.	True	On or off	tools_transform_scale_link
X factor	Factor for scaling on X axis.	1.0	Number 0 to 10000.0	tools_transform_scale_x
Y factor	Factor for scaling on Y axis.	1.0	Number 0 to 10000.0	tools_transform_scale_y
X val	Distance to offset on X axis. In current units.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_transform_offset_x
Y val	Distance to offset on Y axis. In current units.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_transform_offset_y
Rounded	If checked then the buffer will surround the buffered shape, every corner will be rounded. If not checked then the buffer will follow the exact geometry of the buffered shape.	True	On or off	tools_transform_buffer_corner
Distance	A positive value will create the effect of dilation, while a negative value will create the effect of erosion. Each geometry element of the object will be increased or decreased with the 'distance'.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_transform_buffer_dis
Value	A positive value will create the effect of dilation, while a negative value will create the effect of erosion. Each geometry element of the object will be increased or decreased to fit the 'Value'. Value is a percentage of the initial dimension.	100.0	Number -100.0 to 1000.0	tools_transform_buffer_factor

SolderPaste Plugin

Settings of the Solder Paste plugin. Source file: ToolsSolderpastePrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Tools Dia	Diameters of the tools, separated by comma. The value of the diameter has to use the dot decimals separator. Valid values: 0.3, 1.0	"1.0, 0.3"	Text	tools_solderpaste_tools
New Nozzle Dia	Diameter for the new tool to add in the Tool Table	0.3	Number 1e-07 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_new
Margin	Offset from the boundary.Fraction of tool diameter.	0.0	Number -100.0 to 100.0	tools_solderpaste_margin
Z Dispense Start	The height (Z) when solder paste dispensing starts.	0.05	Number 1e-07 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_z_start
Z Dispense	The height (Z) when doing solder paste dispensing.	0.1	Number 1e-07 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_z_dispense
Z Dispense Stop	The height (Z) when solder paste dispensing stops.	0.05	Number 1e-07 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_z_stop
Z Travel	The height (Z) for travel between pads (without dispensing solder paste).	2.0	Number 1e-07 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_z_travel
Z Toolchange	The height (Z) for tool (nozzle) change.	5.0	Number 1e-07 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_z_toolchange
Toolchange X-Y	The X,Y location for tool (nozzle) change. The format is (x, y) where x and y are real numbers.	"0.0, 0.0"	Text	tools_solderpaste_xy_toolchange
Feedrate X-Y	Feedrate (speed) while moving on the X-Y plane.	150	Number 1e-07 to 910000.0	tools_solderpaste_frxy
Feedrate Rapids	Feedrate while moving as fast as possible.	1500	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_fr_rapids
Feedrate Z	Feedrate (speed) while moving vertically (on Z plane).	150	Number 1e-07 to 910000.0	tools_solderpaste_frz
Feedrate Z Dispense	Feedrate (speed) while moving up vertically to Dispense position (on Z plane).	1.0	Number 1e-07 to 910000.0	tools_solderpaste_frz_dispense
Spindle Speed FWD	The dispenser speed while pushing solder paste through the dispenser nozzle.	300	Number 0 to 99999	tools_solderpaste_speedfwd
Dwell FWD	Pause after solder dispensing.	1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_dwellfwd
Spindle Speed REV	The dispenser speed while retracting solder paste through the dispenser nozzle.	200	Number 0 to 1000000	tools_solderpaste_speedrev
Dwell REV	Pause after solder paste dispenser retracted, to allow pressure equilibrium.	1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_solderpaste_dwellrev
Preprocessor	Files that control the GCode generation.	'Paste_1'	List	tools_solderpaste_pp

Markers Options

Settings of the Markers plugin. Source file: ToolsMarkersPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Type	Shape of the marker.	's'	Semi-Cross = s; Cross = c	tools_markers_type
Thickness	The thickness of the line that makes the corner marker.	0.1	Number	tools_markers_thickness
Length	The length of the line that makes the corner marker.	3.0	Number	tools_markers_length
Drill Dia	Drill Diameter	0.5	Number 0.0 to 100.0	tools_markers_drill_dia
Reference	Reference for offseting the marker locations. - Edge - referenced from the bounding box edge - Center - referenced from the bounding box center	"e" (from edge)	Edge = e; Center = c	tools_markers_reference
X Offset	Offset on the X axis.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_markers_offset_x
Y Offset	Offset on the Y axis.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_markers_offset_y

Subtract Plugin

Settings of the Subtract plugin. Source file: ToolsSubPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Operation	The operation that the plugin starts with.	'subtract'	Subtract = subtract; Intersect = intersect; XOR = xor	tools_sub_operation
Margin	Grow the subtractor area by this distance before it is used.	0.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_sub_margin
Close paths	Checking this will close the paths cut by the subtractor object.	True	On or off	tools_sub_close_paths
Name suffix	Added to the name of the target to make the default name of the result.	'_sub'	Text	tools_sub_suffix
Keep target	Unchecked: the result replaces the target (the target is deleted and the result gets its name).	True	On or off	tools_sub_keep_target
Delete subtractors	When checked will delete the subtractor objects after a successful operation.	False	On or off	tools_sub_delete_subtractors

Follow Plugin

Settings of the Follow plugin. Source file: ToolsFollowPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Selection	All: follow every path of the object. Area: follow only the parts of the paths inside the areas drawn on the canvas; paths crossing the border of an area are cut at the border.	'all'	All = all; Area = area	tools_follow_select
Area shape	The shape of the area drawn on the canvas. Square: a rectangle defined by two corners. Polygon: a free polygon defined by its points.	'square'	Square = square; Polygon = polygon	tools_follow_area_shape
Tool diameter	Mill default: one tool, with the diameter of the Milling plugin default. Aperture size: one tool for each aperture size of the Gerber object, each tool holding the paths drawn with that aperture.	'default'	Mill default = default; Aperture size = aperture	tools_follow_dia_mode
Union	Join all paths into one geometry. Crossing paths are split at the crossing and then merged again.	False	On or off	tools_follow_union
Merge paths	Join paths that touch end to end into one longer path, so the machine lifts the tool less often.	True	On or off	tools_follow_merge
Simplification	Remove the points of each path that deviate less than the tolerance from the straight line. The result has fewer points and the same shape within the tolerance.	False	On or off	tools_follow_simplification
Tolerance	The largest distance a simplified path may move away from the original path.	0.01	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_follow_tolerance
Name suffix	Added to the name of the Gerber object to make the name of the result.	'_follow'	Text	tools_follow_suffix

Extra Plugins tab

Check Rules Plugin

Settings of the Rules Check plugin. Source file: Tools2RulesCheckPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Trace Size	This checks if the minimum size for traces is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_trace_size
Value	Minimum acceptable trace size.	0.25	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_trace_size_val
Copper to Copper clearance	This checks if the minimum clearance between copper features is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_c2c
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	0.25	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_c2c_val
Copper to Outline clearance	This checks if the minimum clearance between copper features and the outline is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_c2o
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_c2o_val
Minimum Annular Ring	This checks if the minimum copper ring left by drilling a hole into a pad is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_ri
Value	Minimum acceptable ring value.	0.3	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_ri_val
Copper gap vs isolation tool	This checks if the gaps between copper features are wide enough for the isolation tool to pass.	False	On or off	tools_cr_iso
Value	Diameter of the isolation tool. Copper gaps narrower than this cannot be isolated.	0.1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_iso_val
Silk to Silk Clearance	This checks if the minimum clearance between silkscreen features and silkscreen features is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_s2s
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	0.25	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_s2s_val
Silk to Solder Mask Clearance	This checks if the minimum clearance between silkscreen features and soldermask features is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_s2sm
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	0.25	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_s2sm_val
Silk to Outline Clearance	This checks if the minimum clearance between silk features and the outline is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_s2o
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_s2o_val
Minimum Solder Mask Sliver	This checks if the minimum clearance between soldermask features and soldermask features is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_sm2sm
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	0.25	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_sm2sm_val
Hole to Hole Clearance	This checks if the minimum clearance between a drill hole and another drill hole is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_h2h
Value	Minimum acceptable clearance value.	0.3	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_h2h_val
Hole Size	This checks if the drill holes sizes are above the threshold.	True	On or off	tools_cr_dh
Value	Minimum acceptable drill size.	0.3	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_dh_val
Minimum Slot Width	This checks if the width of the slots is above the threshold.	True	On or off	tools_cr_slot
Value	Minimum acceptable slot width (the tool diameter that cuts the slot).	0.5	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_slot_val
Hole to Outline clearance	This checks if the minimum distance between a hole and the board outline is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_h2o
Value	Minimum acceptable distance between the edge of a hole and the board outline.	0.5	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_h2o_val
Hole to Copper clearance	This checks if the minimum distance between a hole and copper that is not its own pad is met.	True	On or off	tools_cr_h2c
Value	Minimum acceptable distance between the edge of a hole and foreign copper.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_cr_h2c_val

Optimal Plugin

Settings of the Optimal plugin. Source file: Tools2OptimalPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Precision	Number of decimals for the distances and coordinates in this tool.	4	Number 2 to 10	tools_opt_precision

QRCode Plugin

Settings of the QRCode plugin. Source file: Tools2QRCodePrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Version	QRCode version can have values from 1 (21x21 boxes) to 40 (177x177 boxes). The version is fixed unless Auto is checked.	1	Number 1 to 40	tools_qrcode_version
Auto version	When checked, the smallest version that fits the data is used. When not checked, the version is fixed and the data must fit in it.	True	On or off	tools_qrcode_version_auto
Error correction	Parameter that controls the error correction used for the QR Code. L = maximum 7% errors can be corrected M = maximum 15% errors can be corrected Q = maximum 25% errors can be corrected H = maximum 30% errors can be corrected.	'L'	L = L; M = M; Q = Q; H = H	tools_qrcode_error
Box Size	Box size control the overall size of the QRcode by adjusting the size of each box in the code.	3	Number 1 to 9999	tools_qrcode_box_size
Border Size	Size of the QRCode border. How many boxes thick is the border. Default value is 4. The width of the clearance around the QRCode.	4	Number 0 to 9999	tools_qrcode_border_size
QRCode Data	QRCode Data. Alphanumeric text to be encoded in the QRCode.	''	Text (multi-line)	tools_qrcode_qrdata
Polarity	Choose the type of QRCode to be created. If added on a Silkscreen Gerber file the QRCode may be added as positive. If it is added to a Copper Gerber file then perhaps the QRCode can be added as negative.	'pos'	Negative = neg; Positive = pos	tools_qrcode_polarity
Bounding Box	The bounding box, meaning the empty space that surrounds the QRCode geometry, can have a rounded or a square shape.	's'	Rounded = r; Square = s	tools_qrcode_rounded
Fill Color	Set the QRCode fill color (squares color).	'#000000'	Color	tools_qrcode_fill_color
Back Color	Set the QRCode background color.	'#FFFFFF'	Color	tools_qrcode_back_color
Selection limit	Set the number of selected geometry items above which the utility geometry becomes just a selection rectangle. Increases the performance when moving a large number of geometric elements.	330	Number 0 to 9999	tools_qrcode_sel_limit
Mask pattern	The QR mask pattern. Auto lets the encoder choose the best one.	'Auto'	List	tools_qrcode_mask_pattern
Min Module (mm)	The smallest QR module (box) size, in mm, that the manufacturing process can make. A smaller module raises a warning.	0.15	Number 0.0 to 100.0	tools_qrcode_min_module
Rotation	Rotate the QRCode counter-clockwise, in degrees.	0	0 = 0; 90 = 90; 180 = 180; 270 = 270	tools_qrcode_rotation
Mirror	Mirror the QRCode about the vertical axis (for the bottom layer).	False	On or off	tools_qrcode_mirror
Clearance	The clearance around the QRCode, in app units. Zero means: the Border Size in boxes.	0.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_qrcode_margin
Placement	Place the QRCode with a click on the canvas or at given coordinates.	'click'	Click = click; Coordinates = coords	tools_qrcode_placement
Anchor	The point of the QRCode (clearance included) that goes to the placement point.	'bl'	BL = bl; TL = tl; BR = br; TR = tr; C = c	tools_qrcode_anchor
Keep placing	Stay armed after each click and increment the serial number.	False	On or off	tools_qrcode_multi
Serial start	The first value of the {serial} variable.	1	Number 0 to 999999999	tools_qrcode_serial_start
Serial step	The {serial} variable grows with this value after each insertion.	1	Number 1 to 999999	tools_qrcode_serial_step
Serial width	The {serial} variable is padded with zeros to this width.	0	Number 0 to 20	tools_qrcode_serial_pad
Output	Add the QRCode to the source Gerber or create a new Gerber object.	'source'	Add to source = source; New object = new	tools_qrcode_output

Copper Thieving Plugin

Settings of the Copper Thieving plugin. Source file: Tools2CThievingPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Circle Steps	Number of steps (lines) used to interpolate circles.	16	Number 4 to 10000	tools_copper_thieving_circle_steps
Clearance	This set the distance between the copper Thieving components (the polygon fill may be split in multiple polygons) and the copper traces in the Gerber file.	0.25	Number 1e-05 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_clearance
Margin	Bounding box margin.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_margin
Area	Thieving areas with area less then this value will not be added.	0.1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_area
Reference	- 'Itself' - the copper thieving extent is based on the object extent. - 'Area Selection' - left mouse click to start selection of the area to be filled. - 'Reference Object' - will do copper thieving within the area specified by another object.	0	List: Itself, Area Selection, Reference Object	tools_copper_thieving_reference
Box Type	- 'Rectangular' - the bounding box will be of rectangular shape. - 'Minimal' - the bounding box will be the convex hull shape.	'rect'	Rectangular = rect; Minimal = min	tools_copper_thieving_box_type
Fill	- 'Solid' - copper thieving will be a solid polygon. - 'Dots Grid' - the empty area will be filled with a pattern of dots. - 'Squares Grid' - the empty area will be filled with a pattern of squares. - 'Lines Grid' - the empty area will be filled with a pattern of lines.	0	List: Solid, Dots Grid, Squares Grid, Lines Grid	tools_copper_thieving_fill_type
Dia	Dot diameter in Dots Grid.	1.0	Number	tools_copper_thieving_dots_dia
Spacing	Distance between each two dots in Dots Grid.	2.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_dots_spacing
Size	Square side size in Squares Grid.	1.0	Number	tools_copper_thieving_squares_size
Spacing	Distance between each two squares in Squares Grid.	2.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_squares_spacing
Size	Line thickness size in Lines Grid.	0.25	Number	tools_copper_thieving_lines_size
Spacing	Distance between each two lines in Lines Grid.	2.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_lines_spacing
Margin	Bounding box margin for robber bar.	1.0	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_rb_margin
Thickness	The robber bar thickness.	1.0	Number	tools_copper_thieving_rb_thickness
Only Pads	Select only pads in case the selected object is a copper Gerber.	True	On or off	tools_copper_thieving_only_apds
Clearance	The distance between the possible copper thieving elements and/or robber bar and the actual openings in the mask.	0.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_copper_thieving_mask_clearance
Add	Choose which additional geometry to include, if available.	0	List: Both, Thieving, Robber bar, None	tools_copper_thieving_geo_choice

Fiducials Plugin

Settings of the Fiducials plugin. Source file: Tools2FiducialsPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Size	This set the fiducial diameter if fiducial type is circular, otherwise is the size of the fiducial. The soldermask opening is double than that.	1.0	Number	tools_fiducials_dia
Margin	Bounding box margin.	1.0	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_fiducials_margin
Second fiducial	The position for the second fiducial. - 'Up' - the order is: bottom-left, top-left, top-right. - 'Down' - the order is: bottom-left, bottom-right, top-right. - 'None' - there is no second fiducial. The order is: bottom-left, top-right.	'up'	Up = up; Down = down; None = no	tools_fiducials_second_pos
Fiducial Type	The type of fiducial. - 'Circular' - this is the regular fiducial. - 'Cross' - cross lines fiducial. - 'Chess' - chess pattern fiducial.	0	List: Circular, Cross, Chess	tools_fiducials_type
Line thickness	Thickness of the line that makes the fiducial.	0.25	Number 1e-05 to 10000.0	tools_fiducials_line_thickness
Mode	- 'Auto' - automatic placement of fiducials in the corners of the bounding box. - 'Manual' - manual placement of fiducials.	'auto'	Auto = auto; Manual = manual	tools_fiducials_mode
Big cursor	Use a big cursor.	True	On or off	tools_fiducials_big_cursor

Extract Drills Options

Settings of the Extract plugin. Source file: Tools2ExtractPrefGroupUI.py. The class in this file is Tools2EDrillsPrefGroupUI.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Circular	Process Circular Pads.	True	On or off	tools_extract_circular
Oblong	Process Oblong Pads.	False	On or off	tools_extract_oblong
Square	Process Square Pads.	False	On or off	tools_extract_square
Rectangular	Process Rectangular Pads.	False	On or off	tools_extract_rectangular
Others	Process pads not in the categories above.	False	On or off	tools_extract_others
All selected Gerbers	Also process the other Gerber objects selected in the project tree. Their apertures are all used (the pad type filters still apply).	False	On or off	tools_extract_all_selected
Method	The method for processing pads. Can be: - Fixed Diameter -> all holes will have a set size - Fixed Annular Ring -> all holes will have a set annular ring - Proportional -> each hole size will be a fraction of the pad size	'fixed'	Fixed Diameter = fixed; Fixed Annular Ring = ring; Proportional = prop	tools_extract_hole_type
Slots for oblong pads	An oblong pad gives a slot instead of a round hole.	False	On or off	tools_extract_oblong_slots
Value	Fixed hole diameter.	0.5	Number 0.0001 to 10000.0	tools_extract_hole_fixed_dia
Circular	The size of annular ring for circular pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_circular_ring
Oblong	The size of annular ring for oblong pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_oblong_ring
Square	The size of annular ring for square pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_square_ring
Rectangular	The size of annular ring for rectangular pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_rectangular_ring
Others	The size of annular ring for other pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_others_ring
Factor	Proportional Diameter. The hole diameter will be a fraction of the pad size.	80.0	Number 0.01 to 100.0	tools_extract_hole_prop_factor
Clearance	This set how much the soldermask extends beyond the margin of the pads.	0.1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_sm_clearance
Include regions	Also extract the copper regions (G36 areas) into the soldermask.	False	On or off	tools_extract_include_regions
Margin	Margin over bounds. A positive value here will make the cutout of the PCB further from the actual PCB border	0.1	Number -10000.0 to 10000.0	tools_extract_cut_margin
Thickness	The thickness of the line that makes the cutout geometry.	0.1	Number 0.0001 to 10000.0	tools_extract_cut_thickness
Shape	Rectangular: the bounding box of the Gerber. Convex: the convex hull of the Gerber.	'rect'	Rectangular = rect; Convex = convex	tools_extract_cut_shape

Punch Gerber Options

Settings of the Punch Gerber plugin. Source file: Tools2PunchGerberPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Circular	Process Circular Pads.	True	On or off	tools_punch_circular
Oblong	Process Oblong Pads.	False	On or off	tools_punch_oblong
Square	Process Square Pads.	True	On or off	tools_punch_square
Rectangular	Process Rectangular Pads.	False	On or off	tools_punch_rectangular
Others	Process pads not in the categories above.	False	On or off	tools_punch_others
Method	The punch hole source can be: - Excellon Object-> the Excellon object drills center will serve as reference. - Fixed Diameter -> will try to use the pads center as reference adding fixed diameter holes. - Fixed Annular Ring -> will try to keep a set annular ring. - Proportional -> will make a Gerber punch hole having the diameter a percentage of the pad size (the diameter for circular pads, the smaller side for oblong and rectangular pads).	'exc'	Excellon = exc; Fixed Diameter = fixed; Fixed Annular Ring = ring; Proportional = prop	tools_punch_hole_type
Value	Fixed hole diameter.	0.5	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_punch_hole_fixed_dia
Circular	The size of annular ring for circular pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_punch_circular_ring
Oblong	The size of annular ring for oblong pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_punch_oblong_ring
Square	The size of annular ring for square pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_punch_square_ring
Rectangular	The size of annular ring for rectangular pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_punch_rectangular_ring
Others	The size of annular ring for other pads.	0.2	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_punch_others_ring
Factor	Proportional Diameter. The hole diameter will be a percentage of the pad size: the diameter for circular pads, the smaller side for oblong and rectangular pads.	80.0	Number 1.0 to 99.0	tools_punch_hole_prop_factor

Invert Gerber Plugin

Settings of the Invert Gerber plugin. Source file: Tools2InvertPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Margin	Distance by which to avoid the edges of the Gerber object.	0.1	Number 0.0 to 10000.0	tools_invert_margin
Source	- Object: invert the chosen Gerber object. - Selection: invert every selected Gerber object.	'object'	Object = object; Selection = selection	tools_invert_source
Reference	- Itself: the bounding box of the source object. - Object: the area of another object.	'itself'	Itself = itself; Object = object	tools_invert_reference
Reference Area	- Box: the bounding box of the reference object. - Exact: the exact shape of the reference object.	'box'	Box = box; Exact = exact	tools_invert_ref_area
Lines Join Style	The way that the lines of the object outline are joined. Rounded: an arc is added between two joining lines. Square: the lines meet at a 90 degree angle. Bevel: a third line joins the two lines.	's'	Rounded = r; Square = s; Bevel = b	tools_invert_join_style

Etch Compensation

Settings of the Etch Compensation plugin. Source file: ToolsEtchPrefGroupUI.py.

Option	Description	Default	Choices	Key
Copper thickness	The thickness of the copper layer, in microns.	18.0	Number 0 to 10000	tools_etch_thickness
Ratio	How the lateral offset is computed: - Etch Factor: from the etch factor and the copper thickness. - Etchants list: from the etch factor of a known etchant. - Manual offset: a fixed offset.	'factor'	Etch Factor = factor; Etchants list = etch_list; Manual offset = manual	tools_etch_ratio
Etch factor	The etch factor: depth etch / lateral etch. The lateral offset is the copper thickness divided by this value.	3.0	Number 0.01 to 100	tools_etch_factor
Etchant	The etchant used. Its typical etch factor gives the lateral offset.	'cucl2'	List: CuCl2, FeCl3, Alkaline baths	tools_etch_etchant
Offset	The manual lateral offset, in microns. A negative value shrinks the copper.	0.0	Number -10000 to 10000	tools_etch_offset
Name suffix	Added to the name of the source to make the default name of the result.	'_comp'	Text	tools_etch_suffix

Advanced

• The Tool order choice of the drilling, isolation, non-copper clearing and paint plugins sets the order of the tools in the tools table. Each plugin has its own setting.
• The Fast Plunge check box sets a fast vertical move (G0) from the tool change height to the Z move height. See Preprocessors for the G-Code that each pre-processor writes.
• The tables show the factory defaults. Use Restore Defaults in the Preferences tab to reset every value. See Preferences Overview.

See also

• Preferences Overview
• Preferences General
• Preferences Gerber
• Preferences Excellon
• Preferences Geometry
• Preferences CNCJob
• Preferences Utilities
• Preprocessors
• Tools Database
• Isolation Routing
• Drilling
• Milling