TouchCAD commnunication with other programs and devices

Importing files
TouchCAD imports DXF (text based), Vectorworks (Vectorscript), 3D coordinates (can also be used for importing sails from ProSail), Sails Science Sailmaker ASC 3D, STL, WaveFront, VRML text based 3DMF (QuickDraw3D) files, GHS, and high resolution background images in many common image formats such as BMP, PICT, JPEG, TARGA, PDF, etc.

IGES importing utility
A special IGES importer utility program can be downloaded from here: Mac version, Windows version. This program allows import of IGES files containing NURBS surfaces and curves, and re-saves the file as a TouchCAD Vectorscript file, which can be imported into TouchCAD via the Import TouchScript command in the File menu. The Touchscript version is saved automatically at the same location as the original. Options include mesh resolution setting and the ability to include trim curves.

Importing Sails
More information regarding importing sails can be found here.

Digitizers
Files can be imported from various digitizers such as the Prodim Proliner (as DXF), from photo modeling programs such as PhotoModeler and RealWiz Imagemodeler, from laser digitizers such as Faro and Laser Products Industries, and as XYZ coordinates.

Exporting files
TouchCAD exports to 2D and 3D DXF, AAMA-DXF, 2D and 3D VectorWorks Vectorscript as polygons or NURBS surfaces or as solid NURBS surfaces, STL, VRML, GHS, Points, HPGL, 3DMF (QuickDraw3D), Sail Science Plotmaker, EPSF (Adobe Illustrator and compatible), Artlantis 3.0 - 4.5 & Studio/R 1.0 - 5.0, Strata, Table of offsets (as text), database spreadsheet files in TAB and copy/paste to Excel, image files, and as unfolded images.

Compatibility test files
Since the demo does not allow you to save files, you may wonder if the files are compatible with your applications. The Compatibility Test Pack contains a set of small sample files in all supported file formats: 3D-, 2D-, Unfolded-, AAMA- DXF, 3D & 2D Vectorworks (Vectorscript). EPSF (Editable Adobe Illustrator), HPGL, STL,. VRML, QD3D (Quickdraw 3D), Sails Science Plotmaker, Artlantis 3-4-4.5-R/Studio, Unfolded images, GHS (for stability calculations for boats, Points in TAB format, Table of Offsets, and TouchScript (TouchCAD's own file format for file conversion). You will find the Compatibility Test Pack here.