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====== How to Create a .mcam-content file ======

Only works in MC2020+ as far as we can tell.

For 2020 and before, this is unfortunately not as simple as just creating a Zip2Go and changing the extension type to .mcam-content, as strange as that my be.  Believe me, I've tried it and customers can't load the file.  I believe that is because zip2go creates folder structures with versions, ie "Shared Mastercam2021."  To get the content file to work, you need to strip the version info. In this example, it should be "Shared Mastercam" instead.

NOTE : this MIGHT be fixed in version 2021. Be sure to check the folder structures just to be sure though.

Here is the link to the knowledgebase info on how to create a .mcam-content file:
[[https://kb.mastercam.com/KnowledgebaseArticle50652.aspx?Keywords=make+a+content+file
]]

TL;DR, Mastercam suggests creating a folder on your desktop that has the Shared MCAM structure, but notice there is no version info.  PY files look like too if you investigate their structure.

So far I've done it the way CNC suggested, which is the only way to do it with 2020 and prior.  But starting 2021, you should be able to use the zip2go utility to auto create a .content file.  You'll just have to go in and modify the folder names.  Here is how that would work:

Open Zip2go > hit Create Zip to Go > --optionally name the .mcam file if prompted-- > Change file type to .mcam-content > create zip2go as normal.  Make sure to delete all unnecessary files! If you leave something like a workspace or config file in there, it will overwrite the customer's versions and that is not an intended side-effect!


Now find the new .mcam-content file and open it up.  Modify the name of the "Shared Mastercam" folder inside so there are no versions.  This should be it.

*Note, it seems with one of the updates, that now 2021 and 2022 you do not need to make any changes when creating an mcam-content file with the Zip2Go Utility.  The versioning has been removed //As long as you create the zip2go with the mcam-content extension! if you use .zip or .z2g, it will still add versioned folders! So **be sure to select the .mcam-content dropdown option!!!**//

===== Known Errors =====

In 2021 and 2022, you can just use the Zip2go utility without having to modify the folder structure when making a .mcam-content file.  It should already be non-versioned.  

However, you may run into a Unicode error from time to time in the Zip2Go utility.  

<code> Unable to translate Unicode character \uDB30 at index 179 to specified code page </code>

or something similar.

Renaming the config file won't fix it.  The only known solution is to delete the Current User key for the correct version in the registry.  

<code>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CNC Software, Inc.\Mastercam 2022</code>

Don't worry, it will get recreated the next time you open Mastercam, and it should keep your settings.  When you reopen Mastercam, and create a zip2go, the error will be gone.
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