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Organize your creative files and get the most out of PandaFile.
October 10, 2026 · 5 min
Archive, produce, rerun: replaying a fabrication in two clicks
A successful part is only useful if you can remake it identically. Here's how to archive file, recipe, and result to rerun a production without rebuilding everything.
Read the article →October 9, 2026 · 5 min
From CAD to CAM: managing your DXF files in a CNC workflow
DXF drawing, CAM project, G-code: a CNC workflow stacks linked files. How to keep the thread from drawing to machine without machining the wrong version.
Read the article →October 8, 2026 · 5 min
Integrating a file library into your LightBurn workflow
LightBurn cuts, but it doesn't manage your library. Here's how to find, preview, and open the right file in LightBurn without wasting time or losing a version.
Read the article →October 7, 2026 · 4 min
Browsing the contents of a ZIP without extracting everything
Design packs, 3D models, and assets arrive as ZIPs. Extracting everything to find two files clutters your disk. Here's how to preview the inside of an archive.
Read the article →October 6, 2026 · 4 min
Previewing HEIC, WebP, and rare image formats on Windows
iPhone HEIC photos, web WebP, TIFF, RAW: Windows shows these images poorly (or not at all). Here's how to see them all before importing them into a project.
Read the article →October 5, 2026 · 7 min
The workshop workflow: from file to machine without getting lost
Preparing a job, finding the right model, keeping your settings, versioning: how to structure a laser, CNC or 3D printing workflow end to end.
Read the article →October 4, 2026 · 6 min
Previewing your files without opening the original software: the guide
STL, DXF, PSD, LightBurn, HEIC, archives... Windows Explorer shows almost no previews. How to see any fabrication file without launching its original software.
Read the article →October 3, 2026 · 4 min
Understanding a G-code file (.gcode, .nc) and how to manage it
G-code is the language of machines, but it's also the most fragile file to archive. Here's what it contains, why it isn't reusable everywhere, and how to manage it.
Read the article →October 2, 2026 · 4 min
Opening and previewing a LightBurn file (.lbrn2)
What is a .lbrn2 file, what do you open it with, and how do you recognize it without launching LightBurn? Here's the essential rundown on laser cutting's native format.
Read the article →October 1, 2026 · 7 min
A maker's file formats: SVG, DXF, STL, 3MF, LBRN, G-code
Laser cutting, CNC, 3D printing, design: every workshop has its own formats. A clear overview of what each is for, and how to preview them all in one place.
Read the article →September 30, 2026 · 5 min
Centralizing Your Creative Source Files and Assets
Logos, templates, photos, client files: when assets are scattered, you recreate them or waste time hunting for them. Here's how to centralize without moving everything.
Read the article →September 29, 2026 · 4 min
Preview a PSD, AI, or EPS Without Opening Adobe
Opening Photoshop or Illustrator just to see what's inside a file wastes a ton of time. Here's how to preview your graphic source files at a glance.
Read the article →September 28, 2026 · 6 min
Organizing Your Graphic Files (PSD, AI, EPS, PDF)
PSD sources, AI/EPS vectors, PDF exports, client images: a designer's library fills up fast. How to keep it clear and find the right file without opening Adobe.
Read the article →September 27, 2026 · 5 min
Managing versions and eliminating duplicate files
"final", "final-v2", "really-final"... and three copies of the same file. Here is how to master versions and spot duplicates without risking deleting the right file.
Read the article →September 26, 2026 · 5 min
Missing previews in Windows File Explorer: the solution
No thumbnail for your SVG, STL, DXF or laser files in the explorer? That's normal, and it's a real hurdle. Here is why, and how to finally see all your files.
Read the article →September 25, 2026 · 5 min
Finding a file quickly when you have thousands of them
Searching for a file shouldn't take ten minutes. Search, combined filters and visual previews: here is how to put your hands back on any file in seconds.
Read the article →September 24, 2026 · 5 min
Keeping your CNC machining settings by material and tool
Spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut: a good machining setting is quickly lost. Here's how to save and reuse your CNC recipes, material by material.
Read the article →September 23, 2026 · 5 min
Preparing a DXF drawing for CNC machining
Open contours, messy layers, wrong units: a poorly prepared DXF gives you a bad toolpath. Here's what to check before running a drawing through CAM.
Read the article →September 22, 2026 · 6 min
Organizing your CNC files (DXF, DWG, G-code, drawings)
DXF/DWG drawings, toolpaths, G-code, revisions: a CNC shop piles up technical files where the smallest mix-up wastes material. Here's how to keep a reliable library.
Read the article →September 21, 2026 · 5 min
STL, 3MF, G-code: Managing Versions in 3D Printing
Source model, sliced project, remixes, iterations: without a method, you reprint the wrong version. Here's how to keep track across STL, 3MF, and G-code.
Read the article →September 20, 2026 · 4 min
Previewing an STL File Without Opening a Slicer
Opening every STL in your slicer just to see what's inside wastes a huge amount of time. Here's how to preview your 3D models at a glance, on Windows.
Read the article →September 19, 2026 · 6 min
Organizing Your STL and 3D Printing Files
Downloaded STLs, 3MF files, G-code, supports, and versions: a 3D printing library grows fast. Here's how to keep it clear and find the right model before every print.
Read the article →September 18, 2026 · 6 min
Preparing an SVG or DXF File for Laser Cutting
SVG or DXF for your laser? Open paths, units, duplicates: here's how to check a file before cutting it, and avoid nasty surprises on the machine.
Read the article →September 17, 2026 · 5 min
Laser Cutting Settings: Keeping the Right Parameters per Material
Power, speed, number of passes: a good laser setting is quickly lost if you don't write it down. Here's how to save and reuse your cutting recipes, material by material.
Read the article →September 16, 2026 · 6 min
Organizing Your Laser Cutting Files (LightBurn, SVG, DXF)
Between .lbrn2 files, purchased SVGs, DXFs, and exports, a laser library quickly turns into a maze. Here's how to keep it clear and find the right file before every cut.
Read the article →September 1, 2026 · 6 min
Organizing your design and fabrication files: the complete guide
Vectors, 3D, images, CAD... when files pile up, you lose time. Here is a complete method to keep a clean library and find anything in seconds.
Read the article →