To: Creative Design TeamFrom: Research & Software Asset ManagementDate: April 16, 2026Subject: Asset Report: Autodesk ArtCAM 2018 Vector and Relief Libraries Executive Summary
Autodesk ArtCAM 2018 was officially discontinued on July 7, 2018, with technical support ending in November of that same year. Despite this, many users continue to utilize perpetual licenses and seek access to the original digital asset libraries. This report outlines the official methods for retrieving the ArtCAM 2018 Vector and Relief libraries, as well as the modern replacement options. 1. Library Access and Downloads
ArtCAM 2018 assets are typically split into two primary categories: the Relief Clipart Library (3D reliefs) and the Vector Library (2D outlines).
Relief Clipart Library: This collection consists of .rlf files compatible with the Standard and Premium versions of ArtCAM 2018.
Official Retrieval: Within the software, users can click the "Get More Clipart" button on the Relief Clipart Library panel. This redirects to an official Autodesk Knowledge Network (AKN) article containing the installer link.
Installation: The installer is named SetupAutodeskArtCAMReliefClipartLibrary2018.exe and is approximately 900 MB.
Vector Library: This library contains 2D vector artwork used as the basis for CNC toolpaths.
Official Retrieval: Similar to relief files, users can select Vector > Vector Library from the top menu and click "Get More Vector Artwork" to be redirected to the download site. 2. Software Status and Limitations
Because the software is at "End of Life," several critical factors must be considered: artcam 2018 vector library download
Legacy Downloads: Installers are still available for existing subscribers through the Autodesk Account Portal under the "All Products & Services" section.
Activation Issues: Autodesk no longer provides license servers or activations for many discontinued products. Users without an existing active license may find the software unusable.
Compatibility: ArtCAM 2018 may face 3D view rendering issues on modern GPUs using Windows 10 or 11. 3. Recommended Successor: Carveco ArtCAM - Autodesk
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 To: Creative Design TeamFrom: Research & Software Asset
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
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 Obtain vectors in AI
: 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
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.
The Vector Library is a built-in asset browser within ArtCAM 2018. It contains pre-drawn, royalty-free 2D vector shapes (saved as .art or .eps files) such as:
These vectors act as "cutting paths" or the foundation for creating 3D reliefs using ArtCAM’s modeling tools.
Before diving into the download process, it is vital to understand what this library contains. The ArtCAM Vector Library is not a standalone program; it is a collection of 2D vector files (.VEC, .AI, .EPS, or .DXF formats) bundled specifically for ArtCAM.