DrawingBotV3 allows you to export directly to vpype which gives you quick access to advanced layout tools, pre-visualisation, SVG optimisation, HPGL output and more.
You can even store vpype commands as :ref:`presets` to speed up your workflow.
To export a drawing to vpype go to File / Export to vpype, you'll see a new window, from here you can select an inbuilt preset or enter your own command and then trigger use the Send Command button to send it to vpype. Note: You must specify the :ref:`Path to vpype Executable <vpype-executable>` before you can send a command.
Command:
Any vpype command can be used, note however that there is an implicit read command added automatically so you don't need to use vpype read <FILE>
. So the command entered will be used in this format.
vpype read "temp_vpype.svg" command
Output Wildcard:
You can replace the output file name in your command with the wildcard %OUTPUT_FILE%.
If this wildcard is added, when you press "Send Command" you'll be prompted to choose the name / directory to save the file. For example this would be a valid command, which would show you a save prompt.
linesort write "%OUTPUT_FILE%.svg" show
Bypass "Path Optimisation":
Enabling this will bypass DrawingBotV3's :ref:`path-optimisation` and therefore use vpype commands exclusively to optimise your outputted drawing. This option is command specific and is saved alongside a command preset.
- Open a terminal window and activate your virtual environment if you use one
- Type
where vpype
(Windows) orwhich vpype
(macOS and Linux) - Copy and paste the resulting path into the text field
You'll only need to do this once but if the vpype executable moves you will need to repeat this step.