CircuitWorks Options - IDF Export

Set options that affect how CircuitWorks writes IDF files.

To display CircuitWorks Options - IDF Export:

From the CircuitWorks Options dialog box, click IDF Export .

To display the CircuitWorks Options dialog box:

Do one of the following:

  • From CircuitWorks, click File > Options.
  • From SOLIDWORKS, click Tools > CircuitWorks > CircuitWorks Options.

General IDF export options

Although IDF is a standard format, some systems read and write it slightly differently from others. These options can help resolve issues you might encounter. If you have problems reading IDF data exported from CircuitWorks back into your ECAD system, compare a file created by CircuitWorks with one created by your ECAD systems in a text editor (such as Notepad).

Write IDF files in these units

The units used when writing IDF files: mm (millimeters), in/1000 (thousandths of an inch), or INCH (inches).

This setting does not affect the physical size of the output board and components in the file, just the units used.
Although all systems that read IDF files should be able to read them in any supported units, some systems have problems if they open IDF files expressed in units other than the current units. To avoid problems, select the units to match the system that will read the exported file.
To this number of decimal places

The number of decimal places used for linear and angular values. You might need to change this value to suit certain ECAD systems to control the accuracy of the output.
Using this decimal delimiter

The decimal-point character: , (Comma) or . (Period).

Different ECAD systems use different formats, as do systems installed on some international versions of Windows.
Blank filename characters

The method for handling strings containing spaces: Surround with double quotes or Replace with underscore.

Hole Export Options

Set default hole type to

Select Other, Pin, Via, Mtg. (mounting), or Tool.
Set default hole owner to

Select MCAD, ECAD, or Unowned.