Troubleshooting, language and licensing

Start with the visible drawing, the operation list and Diagnostics. The questions below help identify common causes without discarding the project.

Why is an imported drawing the wrong size?

Measure a dimension whose real value you know. A DXF opens in mm, so coordinates originally written as inch numbers need the appropriate geometry scaling if they were not converted by the drawing author. A 25.4 ratio is a useful clue, not a reason to scale without measuring.

Do not try to correct the physical size simply by changing the units label. Confirm the source dimensions, apply the intended Scale factor and measure again. When importing into an existing drawing, also check the current drawing units and the insertion location.

Why do I see geometry but no machining operations?

The default import operation may be None, or Create operations may have been cleared in the shape dialog. Geometry alone is not a machining instruction. Select the intended contours, add the appropriate operation and enter its parameters, then calculate.

Also check whether you have opened Drawing instead of Toolpaths or changed the post to one that does not support a previous process. Inspect the operation list rather than repeatedly importing the same geometry; a second import can create overlapping duplicates that later lead to repeated cuts.

What should I do when a contour must be closed?

Zoom into the reported contour and inspect its endpoints, especially at corners and joins. A shape that looks closed at a distant zoom may still contain a small gap, duplicate segment or crossing. Use endpoint snaps when correcting it and recheck the outline before recalculation.

Inside/outside offsets and area operations need suitable closed boundaries. An open line may be appropriate for centered cutting or engraving, but changing the process merely to suppress an error can change the finished part. Decide whether the intended feature is an open path or a closed area, then correct its geometry and operation accordingly.

Why did an object disappear, or why is it still selected in the tree?

Check layer visibility first, then use the view fit control and confirm the active Drawing or Toolpaths tab. A hidden layer is different from deleted geometry. Undo can restore a recent supported deletion. Deleting drawing objects also updates their operation references, so the left list should not retain a stale machining assignment.

Use Clear selection to clear selection consistently in the view and corresponding tree. If several objects overlap, check whether there are actual duplicates before deleting. Save a copy of an unfamiliar project before extensive cleanup, then calculate again after changes.

How do I change language and open the instructions?

Choose a language from the main language selector: English, Greek, German, French, Spanish or Italian. The first item in Help opens the PDF guide for the selected language; F1 opens the same guide. The manuals are installed locally and can be read without an Internet connection.

A PDF reader must be associated with PDF files on the computer. If the guide is missing or cannot be opened, check that the application was installed completely and that a PDF reader is available. Some ready-made shape names and parameter captions remain in English in languages other than Greek; the guide explains those names in context.

What can I do in Demo, and how do I activate or deactivate?

Demo lets you draw, import, configure operations, calculate, simulate and save the editable project. It does not allow any export: G-code, DXF and post-file exports require activation. Generated G-code text is not displayed in Demo.

Choose Activate in Help and complete the activation form with your license information. A success message confirms activation. When active, Help offers Deactivate instead. It opens the same form, displays the serial number (SN) and provides the Deactivate button. Successful deactivation is confirmed and returns the application to Demo export restrictions. Keep your license details for future activation.

Where can I find Gardos Software CNC products and support information?

The Gardos Software website item in Help opens https://store.gardos-software.com/en/#cnc in your browser. An Internet connection is needed for the website, while the installed PDF guide remains available offline. About shows the application version and publisher.

When describing a problem, include the application version, selected post, drawing units, the action that caused the problem and the relevant Diagnostics message. A small example project that reproduces the behavior is more useful than a large unrelated drawing. Remove any confidential design content before sharing a project.