PCB Layout CAD : Various Convenient Functions

Importing DXF/DWG Files

DXF and DWG can be used for reading shape data created using other CADs.
There are various usages such as importing housing data using DXF or DWG, and making Board Outlines and Keep Out Areas.

For more details about converting imported Lines and Planes to Keep Out Areas, etc., refer to Convert to Filled Object.

Compatible Formats

The following versions are compatible DXF and DWG formats.

Format DXF ASCII DXF Binary  DWG
Version

R9
R10
R12
R13
R14
AC1015(2000)
AC1018(2004)
AC1021(2007)
AC1024(2010)
AC1027(2013)
AC1032(2018)

R10
R12
R13
R14
AC1015(2000)
AC1018(2004)
AC1021(2007)
AC1024(2010)
AC1027(2013)
AC1032(2018)

R12
R13
R14
AC1015(2000)
AC1018(2004)
AC1021(2007)
AC1024(2010)
AC1027(2013)
AC1032(2018)

Compatible Documents

The following are PCB documents compatible with Import DXF/DWG.

Footprint
PCB
Panel

Importing DXF/DWG Files

This is the method for reading housing data using DXF or DWG for making Board Outlines.

Drawing a Board Outline by Importing a DXF/DWG File
(1) Select [File] >> [Import] >> [DXF/DWG].
(2) Click the "..." button next to the Import File field.
(3) Select a DXF file.
(4) Click "OK".
(5) From the DXF layer, select the Board Outline layer and the layer that you want to import it to (here, "Other:Board").
* Multiple selection is possible.
(6) Click the "=>" button.
(7) Click "OK".
  The board outline will be imported.

There is also Create Restricted Area Automatically that automatically creates the Keep Out Area inside and outside of the Board Outline line.

 


Import DXF/DWG Dialog

Item Description

Import File

Specifies the DXF/DWG file to be read.

Unit

Specifies the Unit for DXF/DWG import. Set the same Unit as for Export DXF/DWG.

Scale

The scale of the data (scale of enlargement/reduction) can be set when inputting DXF/DWG.

Specify the Line Width

Enable this option to specify the line width of each line included in a DXF/DWG file.
If disabled, the line width set to each line in the DXF/DWG file will be applied.
If any line width is not specified in the DXF/DWG file, each line will be imported with the line width "0".

Correct Coordinate Errors

Checking the check box allows you to specify the number of digits for the coordinate values of lines, circles and arcs to be entered in DXF/DWG, and to specify tolerances for the input coordinates of objects.
By specifying an error, the coordinates of objects that exist within the specified error range are corrected and placed at the same coordinates.
For example, if an error occurs when running unchecked input between tools that perform DXF input/output and the lines no longer connect, checking the checkbox can correct the co-ordinate error and maintain the connection.

Import Layout

Select "*MODEL_SPACE" or "*PAPER_SPACE" for layout block. Set the same setting as for Export DXF/DWG.

DXF/DWG Layer

Displays the layer specified in the read DXF/DWG file as a list.

Layer

PCB sheet layers are displayed as a list. Data for the assigned layer is read to the specified layer.

Assigned Layer

The Assignment status of the DXF layer can be confirmed.

Location

Determines whether to read the imported DXF/DXG by Origin Point alignment or to read using the mouse manual placement.