Artcam 2018 Vector Library Download Direct
Subject: Vector Library Usage, File Compatibility, and Resource Management
Software Version: ArtCAM 2018 (Autodesk)
To ensure you do not lose your vectors in the future:
Summary: If you have the software installed, check your local ArtCAM Files directory before searching for downloads online. If you need more shapes, searching for "DXF files for CNC" is often a safer and more effective way to expand your library than looking for specific ArtCAM packs.
While ArtCAM 2018 is officially discontinued, you can still access and download the original library assets through the following methods: Official Autodesk Download Links
Autodesk continues to host the library installers on its support site. These libraries were originally separate from the core software installation:
Relief Clipart Library (900 MB): Contains over 500 pre-made 3D relief files (.rlf) like animals, trees, and crests. You can download the Relief Clipart Library installer directly from the official knowledge base.
Component Library (633 MB): Exclusive to ArtCAM Premium 2018, this includes a collection of ArtCAM Assembly files (.3da). The installer is available on the same Autodesk support page. Downloading Directly via the Interface
If your software is still functional, you can trigger these downloads from within the toolbars:
Vectors: Go to Vector > Vector Library and click the Get More Vector Artwork button. This will redirect you to the official download location for common vector shapes.
Reliefs: Go to Relief > Clipart Library and click the Get More Clipart button to open the Autodesk Knowledge Network article with the direct download link. Installation Steps To ensure the libraries appear in your project panels: Shut down ArtCAM 2018 completely.
Right-click the downloaded installer (e.g., SetupAutodeskArtCAMReliefClipartLibrary2018.exe) and select Run as administrator. Restart ArtCAM.
For vectors, check the Vector Library panel. For reliefs, look under the Relief Clipart Library button in the Relief Creation toolbar. Current Status & Support
Discontinuation: Autodesk officially discontinued ArtCAM on July 7, 2018. No new updates or license renewals are available.
Successor: The original development team now operates under Carveco, which maintains near-identical functionality and file compatibility (.art and .rlf) for those looking for supported modern software. Latest Relief Clipart Library for Autodesk ArtCAM artcam 2018 vector library download
Guide to the ArtCAM 2018 Vector Library Download For designers and CNC professionals, the ArtCAM 2018 vector library is a critical asset that streamlines the transition from creative concept to finished physical product. Although Autodesk officially discontinued ArtCAM in 2018, the software remains a staple for woodworking, jewellery, and sign-making due to its robust vector and relief tools. What is the ArtCAM 2018 Vector Library?
The vector library is a collection of pre-designed 2D shapes and artwork that can be imported directly into your workspace. These vectors serve as the foundational blueprints for CNC machining, allowing users to:
Speed up production: Use ready-made geometric shapes, borders, and decorative motifs instead of drawing from scratch.
Ensure precision: Professional-grade vectors provide clean lines and curves essential for high-quality carving.
Create complex reliefs: These 2D vectors are easily converted into intricate 3D decorative forms using ArtCAM's modeling tools. How to Download and Install the Library
To access the library, follow these standard procedures for Autodesk ArtCAM 2018:
Finding an official download for the ArtCAM 2018 vector library is difficult because Autodesk discontinued ArtCAM on July 7, 2018
. While the software is no longer officially supported, you can still find vector resources and manage your library through the following methods: 1. The Carveco Alternative
Since Carveco is the direct successor built on the original ArtCAM codebase, their resources are the most compatible. If you are looking for a supported environment with a built-in library, is the modern replacement. 2. Importing External Vectors
Since the official library is no longer hosted by Autodesk, most users download third-party vector files (such as .DXF, .DWG, or .EPS) and import them into ArtCAM 2018: drop-down menu. Choose your file and set the Destination (e.g., New Layer or Current Layer). 3. Creating Text as Vectors
If your goal is to "make text" into vectors within the software: Create Vector Text ArtCAM 2018 supports all standard TrueType fonts installed on your Windows system, as well as specialized ArtCAM fonts
Once created, these text objects behave as standard vectors that can be edited, scaled, or used for toolpath generation. 4. Community Archives
Many CNC enthusiasts share legacy ArtCAM libraries on community forums like Summary: If you have the software installed, check
or specialized Facebook groups. Search for "ArtCAM relief and vector library" in these communities to find user-uploaded archives. install new fonts so they appear in your ArtCAM text library? ArtCAM Express Modules: Font Creator
To download the ArtCAM 2018 Vector Library , you can access the files directly through the software's interface or via the Autodesk Knowledge Network
. This library provides a collection of pre-designed 2D shapes and artwork that can be used for CNC machining, engraving, and 3D modeling. Download and Installation Process
The standard method to acquire additional vector artwork is integrated into the ArtCAM 2018 workspace: Access the Library Panel
: Open an existing model or create a new one in ArtCAM 2018. Navigate to the top menu and select Vector Library Trigger Download : In the panel that appears, click the "Get More Vector Artwork"
button. This will redirect you to the official download location for the vector models. Manual Installation
: If using a standalone installer (such as for the Relief Clipart Library), you must shut down ArtCAM before running the file as an administrator. : For users with Autodesk ArtCAM Premium 2018 , ensure you have installed the latest 2018.2.1 Update to maintain compatibility with newer library assets. Library Features and Capabilities Autodesk ArtCAM 2018 - Getting Started
Downloading and installing the ArtCAM 2018 Vector Library involves accessing the library panel within the software and, if necessary, downloading the official component installers provided by Autodesk or its successor, Carveco.
Since ArtCAM was discontinued by Autodesk in 2018, these libraries are often now hosted through Carveco (the software that replaced ArtCAM) or specific Autodesk knowledge base archives. How to Access and Download the Vector Library
Follow these steps to locate and download the vector artwork within the ArtCAM 2018 interface: Open the Vector Library Panel: In the top menu, select Vector > Vector Library.
Alternatively, look for the Vector Library tab in the docking area, typically located on the right side of the screen. Download More Artwork:
Inside the Vector Library panel, click the button labeled "Get More Vector Artwork".
This action will redirect your web browser to the official download location for the vector and relief clipart libraries. Install the Library: Forums and Communities : Websites like Reddit ,
Download the installer (often an .exe file like SetupAutodeskArtCAMComponentsLibrary2018.exe). Close ArtCAM before running the installer.
Right-click the downloaded file and select "Run as administrator" to ensure all components are registered correctly. Installing the Component Library (ArtCAM Premium 2018 Only)
For users with the Premium version, a separate Component Library containing assembly files (.3da) is available:
Download: Get the specific SetupAutodeskArtCAMComponentsLibrary2018.exe (approx. 633 MB).
Activation: After installation, restart ArtCAM and go to the Project panel. Select the Assembly item, then click the Component Library button to see the 36 included item groups. Alternative: Importing Your Own Vectors
If you have your own library or third-party files, you can manually add them:
Go to Vector > Import and select your file (supports formats like .dxf, .dwg, .eps, .ai, and .pdf).
Choose the Destination (e.g., Preserve Layers, New Layer, or Current Layer) to keep your workspace organized. Important Note for Current Users
Because Autodesk officially discontinued ArtCAM in 2018, technical support and official download links have largely migrated to Carveco Support. If you are using a legacy version, check the Autodesk Knowledge Network for archived relief and vector clipart library links.
Forums and Communities: Websites like Reddit, Stack Overflow, and specific forums dedicated to CAD/CAM and ArtCAM can be invaluable. Users often share their knowledge, resources, and experiences.
After Autodesk exited the market, the IP was acquired by Hexagon (who now produces Carveco). However, Carveco is a different product. For ArtCAM 2018 specifically:
Relying on a discontinued product like ArtCAM 2018 is risky. While the software may run for years, the vector library is static. You cannot expand it with new, modern designs unless you import them manually.
ArtCAM 2018 is no longer actively updated by Autodesk (it reached end-of-sale status). Therefore, managing your library files externally is critical for data preservation.
The library files are typically stored in the software's installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ArtCAM 2018\Libraries\Vectors).
Best Practice:
Keep a master folder on your desktop or a cloud drive containing all your downloaded .DXF and .EPS files. Import them into ArtCAM as needed, rather than relying solely on the internal library structure, to prevent data loss during software re-installation.