What is a Mastercam Config File and How to Reset It
A Mastercam config file is a settings file that stores user-defined preferences, machine and toolpath settings, and user interface customizations in Mastercam. These files have a .config extension and help maintain a personalized workflow/configuration of Mastercam.
Select File > Configuration for config file options.
- Open: opens a config file.
- Save: save the current config file.
- Merge: opens the configuration file merge options.
- Directory: currently used config file.
- OK: closes the System Configuration dialog with the changes.
- Cancel: closes the System Configuration dialog without saving the changes.
- Apply: applies the changes to the System Configuration.
- Help: opens the Mastercam help for the current category.
Why would a Mastercam config file need switched or reset?
1. Fixing Software Issues & Errors
- Unexpected behavior – Mastercam might close unexpectedly due to corrupt or misconfigured settings.
- Slow Performance – If the software becomes sluggish, resetting the config file can restore default performance settings.
- Unexpected Interface – Toolbars, menus, or settings may not appear correctly due to misconfigured UI settings.
2. Restoring Default Settings
- If a user has accidentally changed important settings.
- Reset can be useful when troubleshooting issues related to colors, fonts, graphics, or toolpath display settings.
3. Resolving Compatibility Behavior
- If Mastercam doesn’t display correctly on a new computer or monitor, resetting the config file can adjust resolution and display settings.
- Helpful after upgrading Mastercam if previous config settings might conflict with the new version.
4. Switching Between Work Environments
- If a user has customized settings for a specific project but now needs to return to company-wide standard settings, they can switch to a different config file.
5. Cleaning Up After a Corrupt File or Bad Import
- If a config file gets corrupted due to a system crash, power failure, or improper shutdown, resetting it can restore stability.
- Sometimes, importing an incompatible settings file from another version or user can cause unexpected issues, requiring a reset.
Resetting a Config File
Step 1: Review the currently used config file in Mastercam by selecting File > Configuration. The default location is C:\Users\<YOUR USER>\Documents\My Mastercam <version>\Mastercam\CONFIG
Step 2: Close Mastercam.
Step 3: Open File Explorer and navigate to the config file location.
Step 4: Rename the config file to include suffix ‘_OLD’ or something similar. Note, by default, there are two different .config files. In this example, we’re renaming the standard non-metric and metric config files.
- mcamx.config Standard Mastercam config Inches (Imperial)
- mcamxm.config Mastercam Metric config Millimeters (Metric)
Step 5: Launch Mastercam. The system will create a new, default config file.
