PRIME MOTIONFiles and storage
Prime Motion keeps its own work, designs and imported programs, inside the app. Files come in from, and go out to, the tablet itself: its own storage, an SD card, or a USB drive. The same browser opens everywhere a file is picked or saved, so what you learn here applies everywhere.
What each place is used for
| Where | File types |
|---|---|
| Projects | G-code programs: .nc, .gcode, .ngc, .ncp, .tap |
| Designs → Import design… | A shared design: .pmd |
| Design → Insert | STEP, STL, DXF, SVG, PDF, images (.png, .jpg, .webp) |
| Tools → Import Library | Tool libraries: .json, .tools, .csv, .xml |
| Parameters → Import | Parameter tables: .csv, .json |
| Settings → Resources → Add fonts | Fonts: .ttf, .otf |
Files that do not fit are shown dimmed and cannot be picked.
Browsing
The first time, Prime Motion needs Android's All files access: Allow access to this device explains, and Grant access opens Android's setting. Turn it on and come back.
- The chips across the top choose the storage: the tablet's own, an SD card, or a USB drive.
- Breadcrumbs show where you are; tap an earlier one to go back up.
- Folders come first, then files by name, each with its size.
- Tick the files you want. The bar at the bottom counts them and the button names the count, such as Import 3 Files.
- Changing folder clears the selection.
What an import reports
Importing programs into a project reports each file on its own:
| Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| N files imported | The files were added |
| name already imported — skipped | A file with the same content is already in this project; it is kept |
| name — unsupported file type | Not a program the app accepts |
| Failed to import name | The file could not be read or copied |
Because a duplicate is skipped, importing a folder again after adding new files to it is safe.
Saving to a folder
When Prime Motion saves a file out, such as a shared design, exported bodies or a parameter table, the same browser opens in save mode. Walk to the folder, or + New folder, then Save here. Prime Motion puts the file in a PrimeMotion folder inside the folder you chose, so your exports stay together.
Where your work lives on the tablet
| What | Where |
|---|---|
| Designs | One .pmd file per design, in the app's storage, or on the SD card when Store Designs on SD Card is on (Settings → General) |
| Programs in Projects | Copies of the imported or posted files, in the app's storage |
| Tools, macros, history, machine profiles, settings | The app's own database |
Everything in the app's storage is removed if Prime Motion is uninstalled. See Backups.