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Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing

How do I install a network license?

  1. Create a shared network folder (e.g. \\SERVER\LINKCAD) with Full Control permissions for all users
  2. Email the share path to support@linkcad.com
  3. Copy the received lclic.net file to the LinkCAD program folder on each client
  4. Verify in Help → About — licensed options should show NET status

Can remote VPN clients use the network license?

Yes, as long as the VPN client is connected to the licensed network and the shared folder is reachable.

How do I transfer a license to another computer?

  1. Install the same version of LinkCAD on the target machine
  2. On the target, go to Help → About and note the serial number
  3. On the source machine, paste the target serial into the Transfer License field and click Transfer
  4. Use the displayed registration code to activate on the target

See License Types for details.

Conversion

Why is my converted file the wrong size?

DXF and some other formats are unitless. When converting, you must specify the correct unit interpretation in the format options dialog. For example, if your DXF file uses 1 unit = 1 micron, set the DXF units to Microns.

See Units for the full list of supported units.

How does LinkCAD find fonts?

LinkCAD uses SHX fonts (AutoCAD's vector font format). It searches in this order:

  1. The LinkCAD program folder
  2. Folders configured in Tools → Options → Fonts
  3. AutoCAD / VoloView font folders (if installed)

If a font is not found, LinkCAD falls back to the default TXT font. You can create a font mapping file lcad.fmp in the program folder:

source_font;replacement_font
arial;txt
custom;simplex;0.8

How do I create filled areas?

LinkCAD fills all closed polygons automatically. If your shapes appear unfilled, they may be open polylines (separate line segments rather than a single closed polyline). Use Repair Open Polylines to join segments into closed polylines.

Which formats support hierarchy?

GDSII, OASIS, DXF/DWG, CIF, STEP, and IGES support cell hierarchy. Gerber, PostScript, and bitmap formats are flat. See File Formats for the full comparison table.

Tools

What is the difference between Merge Overlapping and Layer Boolean?

  • Merge Overlapping combines all overlapping shapes on the same layer into unified polygons (single-layer operation)
  • Layer Boolean performs set operations (union, subtract, intersect, XOR) between two different layers

Can I undo tool operations?

Yes. All tool operations support undo via Ctrl+Z. The undo history is unlimited during a session.

Python

Where do I put plugin files?

Place .py files in the LinkCAD plugins directory. The default location is shown in Tools → Options → Python. See Python Setup.

Can I run Python scripts without the GUI?

Yes. Use --python-script <file> on the command line for headless execution:

linkcad.exe --python-script my_script.py --console

See CLI Parameters for all Python-related options.