Exported Designer Files Corrupt

[c.Kouri]

I am using Affinity Designer 2.3.0 on a iMac with Mac OS 14.1.2. When I export a design in EPS, GIF or JPEG and try to open them in Graphtec Studio, Pages etc, they show as corrupt and will not open. If they do open, there is only the space for the size with no design. AD files created before this version open and print/cut as they are supposed to. Any ideas on how to fix this? As a designer, I’m dead in the water until I fix it.

Real Madrid Mug.eps

[Hangman]

Hi @c.Kouri and welcome to the forums,

See how you get on with the attached files, saved as .eps, .gif, .png and .jpg plus the original Affinity Designer file...

Real Madrid Mug.afdesign

Real Madrid Mug.zip

[c.Kouri]

The files worked fine in Apple Pages, but when I try Open Office or more importantly Graphtec Studio (for my plotter/cutter) I either get complete distortion or only a bounding box. My guess is Apple did something that the 3rd party programs don't support. Affinity Designer draws and prints to the regular printer as it is supposed to. Guess I'll have to contact Graphtec. Don't want to lose a couple thousand dollars worth of equipment. 

Thanks for your help.

[Hangman]

This sounds very much like a Graphtec Studio issue since the files open without issue in every other piece of software I've tried...

Let us know what Graphtec have to say once you've heard back...

[c.Kouri]

So far, this is the "help" I've gotten:

"The Graphtec Studio software only supports PDF import in most instances. Some individual formats may not be fully supported. PDF is most reliable in this context. Also, please not that the Graphtec Studio and Graphtec Studio 2 software are currently not supported in Sonoma."

I'm currently trying to contact a dealer, as that is where Graphtec says you can get help. Any ideas on a work around would be appreciated.

[Hangman]

8 hours ago, c.Kouri said:

"The Graphtec Studio software only supports PDF import in most instances. Some individual formats may not be fully supported. PDF is most reliable in this context. Also, please not that the Graphtec Studio and Graphtec Studio 2 software are currently not supported in Sonoma."

So could this be a Sonoma-specific issue you're experiencing perhaps since you're running 14.1.2...

It's interesting what they say regarding supported file formats since, unless I'm looking at the wrong page, their website suggests the following file formats are supported for import, PDF doesn't even get a mention.

EPS, DXF, GSD, GST, GSP, WMF, PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PCX, CG4, RAS, CIT, RLC and gstudio

http://www.graphteccorp.com/product/soft/gs/index.html

This also sounds to be your experience as well based on the file formats you've been used to using...

[c.Kouri]

Yeah, that's what I ran into. Graphtec "support" asked for a copy of a PDF that didn't work, so I sent him one. I also asked him how to fix the problem. Here's the reply:

"I opened the file in GS2. You are correct – the software is not supported with Sonoma. I do not have a current resolution except installing the MacOS13. Even with Illustrator, I cannot run our AI plug in with Sonoma yet."

So I guess I'll have to find a refurbished old Mac and make it dedicated to my cutter. Wish I hadn't recycled my old one when I bought this one. Oh well. Maybe Graphtec will get new software soon. Probably about the time pigs fly!

[Hangman]

Thanks for the update...

It sounds as though Graphtec are a little behind the curve with their Sonoma support for Graphtec Studio...

According to the Graphtec Website GS2 does support Sonoma but I don't know enough about the differences between Graphtec Studio and Graphtec Studio 2 to know if updating to the latter would allow you to integrate it with your cutter?

GS2 supports AI, CDR, EPS, PDF, SVG, DXF, WMF, PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF, .studio3 and .studio files.

If not, you could potentially create a partition on your existing Mac and install an older version of macOS on it allowing you to dual boot and decide which version of macOS you want to run but if you have access to another Mac running macOS 13 that maybe an easier solution.

[c.Kouri]

Funny you should mention the partition, as I thought of doing just that the night before. In the morning I tried using a partition, but every time I tried to install OS13 it said I couldn't do it. So, I called Apple and after 5 assistants and several hours I finally got someone who knew what they were talking about. He informed me that you can only put dual OS's on an Intel based Mac and mine is an M1 chip. With them you can't do anything but continue to upgrade. Another one of Apple's fine ideas. His solution was to get another computer (Intel based) to dedicate it to my older equipment. So I guess I'm going shopping.

Thanks for all your help. As usual, the Affinity community is always a pleasure to be a part of.