2D Design: Vector Doctor

Carveco Maker: Using the Vector Doctor

In this tutorial, we’ll explore the Vector Doctor tool, which acts as two tools in one: a way to select vectors and a way to find and fix problems with your artwork.

Opening the Vector Doctor

• Click on the green cross icon at the top of the screen to open the Vector Doctor.
• The dialog box is split into two parts: selection tools at the top and problem detection at the bottom.

Selecting Specific Vectors

The top section lets you find:

• Open vectors – Selects vectors that are not closed shapes.
• Closed vectors – Selects fully closed shapes.
• Duplicate vectors – Finds duplicate overlapping lines (common with imported files like DXFs).
• Clockwise / Anti-clockwise vectors – Finds vectors by their drawing direction.
• Vectors smaller/larger than a set size – Useful for managing small stray vectors.

Finding Problems with Vectors

In the bottom section, you can identify critical issues like:

• Vector intersections – Where lines overlap, causing toolpath errors.
• Coincident points – Nodes too close together (usually not critical).
• Vector loops – Unwanted loops in vectors, often found in imported text.

Switch to the 3D view for better visibility of problem markers, especially on detailed designs.

Fixing Problems

• Use Weld Vectors to quickly remove intersections on overlapping shapes.
• Manually trim and join vectors if needed, then recheck with "Identify."
• For loops, use Remove Vector Loops and "Fix Problems" — but note, this may not fix every loop automatically.

Quick Tips

• After fixing, always click Clear Markers to remove old warnings from the view.
• Keep the original curve if you're editing text on a curve — deleting it makes editing the text harder later.