Export Manager
The exportmanager command downloads the current drawing to your file system. Two formats are available, shown as side-by-side cards: DXF for compatibility with other CAD tools and JSON for full-fidelity saves within KulmanLab CAD — each card lists exactly which entity types that format carries.
How to export
- Click the Export toolbar button (download icon) in the File panel, or type
exportmanagerin the terminal. - The Export Manager popup opens showing the JSON and DXF cards side by side, each listing what it exports (and, for DXF, what it leaves out).
- Click a card to select the format — JSON or DXF.
- Click the Export <FORMAT> button. The file downloads to your default downloads folder automatically.
Press Escape to close the popup without exporting.
Choosing a format
| Format | Extension | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| JSON (native) | .json | Saving work to reopen in KulmanLab CAD | Not compatible with other CAD tools |
| DXF | .dxf | Sharing with FreeCAD, LibreCAD, etc. | Hatches, dimensions, leaders, and text are not exported |
When to use JSON: anytime you want to save a complete copy of your work. JSON is KulmanLab’s native format and preserves every entity exactly — including dimensions, leaders, hatches, and all layer data.
When to use DXF: when you need to hand off the drawing to someone using another CAD application. The exported file uses AC1032 DXF format and can be opened in most DXF-compatible tools.
What is exported per format
JSON export
Every entity type is included:
- Lines, circles, arcs, ellipses, polylines, splines
- Text
- Dimensions (linear, aligned, continued, radius, diameter)
- Leaders (multileaders)
- Hatches, including their pattern, scale, angle, and origin
- Layers and linetypes
DXF export
Geometry-only entities are included:
- Lines, circles, arcs, ellipses, polylines (exported as
LWPOLYLINE), splines - Layers and linetypes
Not exported to DXF: hatches, dimensions, leaders, and text. Dimensions and leaders use KulmanLab-specific data structures that cannot be represented faithfully in standard DXF; hatches don’t export to DXF yet at all, even though they do import from it; text export isn’t implemented yet either. If your drawing has any of these, use JSON or Print Manager to capture them.
Exported file name
The downloaded file is named after the current drawing file (e.g. myplan.json). The extension changes to match the chosen format.
Difference between Export Manager and Print Manager
| Feature | Export Manager | Print Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Output | Vector source file (.dxf / .json) | Raster image (.png / .jpeg / .webp / .pdf) |
| Editable in other tools | Yes (DXF) | No |
| Preserves layers & linetypes | Yes | No (rendered flat) |
| Captures dimensions & leaders | JSON only | Yes |
Use Export Manager when you need an editable file. Use Print Manager when you need a visual snapshot.
Related commands
- Import — open a DXF or JSON file
- Print Manager — export the canvas as a PNG, JPEG, WebP, or PDF image
- File Manager — browse drawings saved in browser storage