At a Glance

This guide walks you through what to expect the first time you open Ibex, including how to configure preferences, review system defaults, set up your tool library, and prepare your machine configuration.

Parameters

Dark Mode Toggle: Found in the File menu.

Preferences Button: Accesses general program settings including AutoSave, units, and color options.

Tool Library Location: Manufacture Ribbon → Tool Library.

Machine Setup Tool Location: Manufacture Ribbon → Machine Setup Tool.

Overview

Initial Preferences and Setup

When you first launch Ibex, begin by opening the File menu. You’ll find a button there that allows you to toggle Dark Mode if you prefer a dark color palette.

Also in the File menu is the Preferences button, which opens the main preferences dialog. While most default settings are optimized for new users, here are a few settings you may want to review:

AutoSave Options:

Ibex automatically saves and manages backups of your drawings.

If you prefer more control over backup location and frequency, those settings can be adjusted here.

Drawing Element Colors:

Color preferences for lines, shapes, and other elements can be customized in the Color Preferences tab.

Units and Speed Settings:

Ibex defaults to either inches or millimeters depending on installation.

You can also set a preferred speed unit (e.g., IPM or mm/min), which will apply globally to speed values in all toolpath setup menus.

AutoCut Tab (If Applicable):

Configure processing defaults, output paths, and label settings in the AutoCut Tab if you're using AutoCut features.

Tool Library Setup

To begin working with your own tools:

Go to the Manufacture Ribbon and open the Tool Library.

Ibex includes a default library with standard tools, but these should be customized to match the tooling you use.

To add tools:

Click Add Tool at the top of the Tool Library window.

When finished, click OK to save the tools to your library.

Machine Setup

To configure your machine:

Open the Machine Setup Tool in the Manufacture Ribbon.

Click Active Posts to view the default set of post processors.

Select the post processor that matches your machine and then click Close.

From the Active Post dropdown, select your machine.

Machine-specific buttons will update to match your configuration.

Now continue with:

Post Parameters: Adjust machine settings, including enabling the Auto Tool Changer and Drill Bank.

Auto Tool Changer: Use this to load tools into the tool changer.

Drill Bank Button: Configure tools and layout within the drill bank interface.