# Save toolpaths individually or as in one file?

**URL:** <https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/save-toolpaths-individually-or-as-in-one-file/25424>\
**Category:** Vectric\
**Created:** [February 19, 2024, 4:39pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/save-toolpaths-individually-or-as-in-one-file/25424 "2024-02-19T16:39:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 4

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**Author:** ![349iq2345](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/bb73d2/32.png) [@349iq2345](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/349iq2345)\
**Post date:** [February 19, 2024, 8:59pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/save-toolpaths-individually-or-as-in-one-file/25424/4 "2024-02-19T20:59:19Z")

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Hey Ranfy,

> [@Ranfy](#):
>
> In VCarve Pro I have the option to save my toolpaths as individual files or all toolpaths in one file. What are the advantages of each option?

this is a frequently asked (and answered) question. We have a search function in this forum.

> [@Tool changes And Z Height](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/tool-changes-and-z-height/7715/43):
>
> > [@Tool changes And Z Height](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/tool-changes-and-z-height/7715/41):
> >
> > can you think of any pros/cons of running a single gcode file with multiple manual tool changes vs running them as separate files, one for each tool change?
> 
> usually you would say, if your program is well-tested and mature for production, _one g-code program with all the tools_ saves time.

> [@Z axis plunging down while probing for new bit (solved: each tool must be it's own file)](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/z-axis-plunging-down-while-probing-for-new-bit-solved-each-tool-must-be-its-own-file/23950/3):
>
> > [@Tool changes And Z Height](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/tool-changes-and-z-height/7715/46):
> >
> > > [@Tool changes And Z Height](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/tool-changes-and-z-height/7715/45):
> > >
> > > > [@Tool changes And Z Height](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/tool-changes-and-z-height/7715/43):
> > > >
> > > > However many forum members here say the advantages of _one g-code program per tool_ is that you can change the program for a certain tool easier or re-run a pass easier. They put the name of the tool into the file name, and the pass that it is for.
> > > 
> > > Yes to this. I used to be in the camp where I wanted to keep all tools in the same program. But because I don’t have an ATC and am not running production on anything, I find it more convenient and flexible to actually program for separate tools. So even though I _can_ program for tool changes, I prefer not to.
> > 
> > I was in the “one program per tool” camp until I implemented the tool setter then I found it was easier to and more accurate put them all in one program and use the tool change to measure T1 Z height, switch to tool 2, then measure T2 Z height and automatically reset the Z offset accordingly. This also works well if your Z axis zero point no longer exists after running the first tool path.

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