DXF/DWG Native Format

You can import entire DWG file sheets in native format (view only) to SOLIDWORKS drawing sheets, which allows the direct display and printing of the original DWG file entities inside SOLIDWORKS drawing documents. You can view, pan, zoom, and print these sheets. Only view-related controls are available.

The native format functionality improves import and viewing performance. If you have a large schematic drawing to include as a reference in a SOLIDWORKS drawing document, native format eliminates the need to convert the schematic drawing document entities. When you print the SOLIDWORKS drawing, the printed document contains all the items from the native format sheet.

When you open a SOLIDWORKS drawing document that contains native format DWG file data, the DXF/DWG PropertyManager appears and (Native DXF/DWG) appears in the SOLIDWORKS title bar.

Importing a DWG File in Native Format

To import a DWG file in native format:

  1. Open a DWG file.
  2. In the DXF/DWG Import dialog box:
    1. Select Embed as a sheet in native DXF/DWG format.
    2. To maintain a link to the source file, select Link to original file.
  3. Click Next to specify options on the Drawing Layer Mapping screen, or click Finish to import the drawing.
  4. If you chose Next, now click Next again to specify options on the Document Settings screen, or click Finish to import the drawing.
  5. In the PropertyManager, set the values to manage link references. Use the PropertyManager to enable and manage the external reference between the native format sheet and its source DWG file.
  6. Click .