How to find and preview AtomStack .atom files
By Sébastien · · 4 min read
When several engravings have similar names, finding the right `.atom` project in a folder tree can take time. PandaFile brings these files into one library and shows a thumbnail for projects whose contents it can render.
Add the folder that contains your projects
Add your AtomStack working folder to PandaFile, or rescan it if the folder is already watched. Recognized `.atom` files appear in the library and in the AtomStack sidebar filter. PandaFile works in place: it does not move your projects.
Recognize a design from its thumbnail
Select AtomStack to narrow the view to those projects. Thumbnails make designs recognizable without launching Studio for each file. You can also search for part of a filename, then open the selected document with its associated application.
The update includes a native renderer for observed and tested `.atom` structures. Projects that use a different structure or unsupported elements remain indexed, but may show the format icon instead of a thumbnail. The extension alone does not guarantee a preview.
What to do when a thumbnail is missing
- Check that the file is inside a folder added to PandaFile, then run a new scan.
- Wait for preview processing to finish and make sure the file is not empty or still being copied.
- Open the file in AtomStack Studio to confirm that it is readable. Untested versions or content may not render.
PandaFile does not convert `.atom` files to SVG or claim to interpret unknown versions. If Studio can open a file that has no preview, send a representative sample to support so its structure can be checked.
For other laser extensions, see the article on new AtomStack, Silhouette and LaserPecker formats and the PandaFile formats guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will every .atom file have a thumbnail?
Not necessarily. PandaFile renders structures and elements it can read. A file may be recognized and indexed while retaining its AtomStack icon if its contents are unsupported.
Do I need to convert or move my AtomStack files?
No. Just add the folder to PandaFile. Files stay where they are and are not converted.
Can I open the project from PandaFile?
Yes. The Open action delegates to the Windows-associated application if it is installed. PandaFile does not automatically send a job to the laser machine.
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