1. Open your CAM Part: Load the part file you want to process in SolidWorks/SolidCAM. with the completed SolidCAM operations (toolpaths).
2. Calculate Toolpaths: Ensure all operations in the SolidCAM Managertree have been calculated (they should not have a red “X” next to them).
3. Access G-Code Generation:Right-click on Operations or Machine in the CAM Manager tree and select Generate :  Select G-Code > Generate
4. Select APT Post-Processor:In the G-code generation window, you must select a post-processor (*.gpp) designed for APT output.

• Note1: If you do not have an APT post-processor(a post-processor named “Generic_APT” or “APT_CL”), you will need to acquire one from your SolidCAM support representative. 
• *Note2: If you don’t see one, you may need to copy a generic .gpp and .vmid file into your SolidCAM “Gpptool” directory, refer Note2 method.
  5. Generate:Click the Generate button to create the file. SolidCAM will generate the *.apt file in the same directory as the part project.
  6. Locate the File:The APT file will be generated alongside the G-code OR After generation, a text window will open showing the code. Go to File > Save As and ensure the extension matches your requirements (e.g., .apt)

* Note 2 method  – To obtain a generic APT post-processor for SolidCAM, you typically need two specific file types: a .gpp (logic) file and a .vmid (machine definition) file.

Where to Download Generic APT post-processor   – Since generic “APT” output is often used for third-party simulation or intermediate processing, you can find them here:

• Official SolidCAM Portal: The most reliable source is the SolidCAM Post-Processor Subscription Page. You may need to log in with your customer ID to access the full library.
• CAMWorks Post Library: Since SolidCAM and CAMWorks share similar architectures, the CAMWorks Post-Processor Libraryoften hosts compatible generic posts.

Step-by-Step Install APT post-processor for SolidCAM

Once you have downloaded the .gpp and .vmid files, follow these steps to use them:

1. Locate the GPPTOOL Folder: Navigate to your local SolidCAM installation directory. The standard path is:C:\Users\Public\Documents\SolidCAM\SolidCAM20XX\GPPTOOL
2. Move the Files: Copy both your .gppand .vmid files into this GPPTOOL
3. Restart SolidWorks/SolidCAM: You must restart the software for the new post-processor to appear in your list.

In Mastercam, an APT (Automatically Programmed Tool) file is essentially a text-based version of the internal NCI (Numerical Control Intermediate) file.

To get APT output, you can either use a specific post-processor or convert the intermediate NCI file.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Using the APT Post-Processor (Recommended)

This method is the cleanest way to generate a .apt file directly from your toolpath manager.

1. Select Operations:In the Toolpath Manager, select the operations you want to export.
2. Open Post-Processing:Click the G1 (Post selected operations) button.
3. Change the Post:In the Post dialog box, look for the “Active post processor” section.
   • If you have a generic APT post installed, select it.
   • If you do not see one, click Manage Listand add PST (or a similar generic APT post provided with Mastercam installations).
4. Post the File:Ensure the “NC file” extension is set to .apt. Click the green checkmark. Mastercam will generate the text-based APT file instead of standard G-code.

Method 2: Converting NCI to APT (Using 3rd Party Utilities)

Mastercam’s native “intermediate” language is NCI. Some environments use a translator (like NCI2APT) to handle this.

1. Generate NCI:Follow the same steps as Method 1, but choose to output an NCI file rather than G-code.
2. Convert:Use a utility like ICAM NCI2APT  or AZpost.
   • Drag and drop your .ncifile onto the converter shortcut.
   • The tool will automatically create an .aptsource file in the same folder.

Fusion includes a generic post-processor specifically for this purpose called apt.cps.

1. Enter the Manufacture Workspace

• Open your design in Fusion.
• Change the workspace from Designto Manufacture using the drop-down menu in the top-left corner.

2. Select Operations: 

• Highlight your Setup or individual toolpaths in the Browser tree.
• Ensure you have created at least one Setupand some Toolpaths (operations).

3. Open the Post Process Dialog – (resembles a sheet of paper with “G1”) in the top toolbar.

• Select the Setupor the specific operations you want to export.
• Click the Post Processicon in the toolbar (or press Ctrl + G).

3. Select the APT Post Processor

• In the Postdialog box, under the Settings tab:
• Library:Select “Fusion 360 Library” to search the standard cloud posts.
• Post:Type “APT” into the search/filter box.
• Select the result named “APT CL (cutter location)”(the filename is usually cps).
• Output Folder:Choose where you want to save the file.
• Filename:Give your file a name (Fusion will automatically add the .apt extension).

4. Post and View

• Click the Postbutton at the bottom.
• Fusion will generate the file and, by default, open it in Autodesk NC Editoror your default text editor (like VS Code or Notepad).

You will now see the standardized APT syntax (e.g., GOTO/, FEDRAT/, LOADTL/).