DXF/DWG Files (*.dxf,
*.dwg Files)
You can import
and export
DXF/DWG files. The DXF/DWG
Import Wizard appears during most import operations. You can also
insert DXF/DWG
files into part documents.
You can copy and paste entities
from an AutoCAD® DXF
or DWG file into SolidWorks part, assembly, and drawing documents.
Bitmaps stored in DXF/DWG files in AutoCAD's native bitmap
format are not supported.
The DXF/DWG translator supports
the import and export of hole
tables.
Import
The DXF/DWG translator imports DXF or DWG files, including Mechanical
Desktop files, as SolidWorks part or drawing documents, according to the
option settings in the DXF/DWG
Import Wizard. This translator also imports DXF 3D files without
the wizard. In a drawing document, you can import the geometry to the
drawing sheet or the drawing sheet format. Entities in either paper space
or model space are imported.
Imported entities can become
SolidWorks blocks.
When you import drawings, the most popular AutoCAD SHX or True Type
fonts are supported, even though you may not have the fonts installed.
See AutoCAD Font
Support.
If you import a DXF or DWG file
that contains a large number of blocks (more than 200), you are prompted
to enable the Explode Blocks option.
Explode the blocks to improve import performance.
The DXF/DWG translator imports:
AutoCAD Mechanical annotations, known as proxy
entities, (such as surface finish symbols or GTOL frames) and automatically
drawn objects (such as cams and springs) when you import DXF or DWG files
as SolidWorks drawing documents. The translator converts these imported
items to equivalent SolidWorks objects, or creates them as blocks of primitive
geometry, as appropriate.
Associative and non-associative crosshatches as
area hatches.
XREFs in AutoCAD DWG files.
DWG files with multiple sheets.
A file to a new part as a 2D sketch or as curves in 3D.
3D solids.
When you import DWG files, you can see a thumbnail image of the file
in the Preview panel of the Open dialog box. Previews appear for
DWG files created by both SolidWorks and AutoCAD. In AutoCAD, the bitmap
preview option must be enabled when the file is last saved. The Open dialog box remembers the Preview check box state from the last
time you opened a DWG file.
The SolidWorks software fully supports the import of AutoCAD block definitions
and instances with properties and attributes.
When you import AutoCAD DWG files saved in paper space (layout mode)
as SolidWorks drawing documents, the DXF/DWG Import Wizard converts each
AutoCAD viewport into a separate SolidWorks drawing view. Drawing view
data is selectable if you activate the drawing view.
Data that does not belong to a viewport is imported to the drawing sheet.
Drawing sheet data is selectable if you activate the drawing sheet. If
Dynamic drawing view activation
is enabled, you must lock sheet focus to select drawing sheet data.
The DXF/DWG translator
alerts you to problems
encountered when importing a DXF or
DWG file.
You can import entire DWG file
sheets in native
format in SolidWorks drawing sheets, which allows the direct display
of the original DWG file entities inside SolidWorks drawing documents.
You can view, pan, zoom, and print these sheets. Select Embed
as a sheet in native DXF/DWG format in the DXF/DWG
Import Wizard.
You can import DXF and DWG files
from AutoCAD 2004 and later that are password protected. The SolidWorks
translator detects the encrypted password and prompts you for the password.
If you export the file back to DXF/DWG format, it is saved without encryption.
Export
The DXF/DWG translator exports only drawing documents as .dxf
or .dwg files. When you export
a drawing as a .dxf or .dwg
file, the drawing's sheet scale is used for the new file. All entities
(such as edges, annotations, and assembly components) on layers are exported
to the assigned layer.
SolidWorks crosshatch patterns are translated into AutoCAD hatch patterns
when you export SolidWorks documents as DXF or DWG files. The SolidWorks
software translates the SolidWorks crosshatch patterns as non-associative
hatch definitions, and preserves the layer and color of the original crosshatch.
The SolidWorks application also supports crosshatch export when you map
layers with a mapping file.
You have the option to map only those items whose layers are not otherwise
defined when you export SolidWorks drawing documents as DXF or DWG files.
All entity types that you can assign to AutoCAD layers through the mapping
file support layering in the SolidWorks drawing format.
The DXF/DWG translator supports
line thickness, hidden sketches, and auto-centerlines. You can export
custom line styles. However, on import, custom line styles in AutoCAD
files are not recognized.
You can export colors to DXF/DWG
files by layer and by block. Colors are mapped with True Colors for both
import and export.
Sheet metal flat patterns.
You can create .dxf files of sheet
metal flat patterns directly from sheet metal part documents without flattening
the model. The words Flat pattern
are prepended to the file name.
Click File, Save
As and select DXF (*.dxf)
for File of type.
Right-click
Flat-Pattern in the FeatureManager
design tree and select Export Flat Pattern
to DXF/DWG.
You can also export sheet metal entities.
Version Information
The DXF/DWG translator supports importing and exporting of OLE objects
through DXF/DWG files of version 13 and higher.