Export to AutoCAD (PCB)

Now reading version 4. For the latest, read: Export to AutoCAD (PCB) for version 5
Applies to NEXUS Client versions: 3.1, 3.2, 4 and 5

This documentation page references Altium NEXUS/NEXUS Client (part of the deployed NEXUS solution), which has been discontinued. All your PCB design, data management and collaboration needs can now be delivered by Altium Designer and a connected Altium 365 Workspace. Check out the FAQs page for more information.

 

The Export to AutoCAD dialog
The Export to AutoCAD dialog

Summary

The Export to AutoCAD dialog provides controls to export the current PCB document to an AutoCAD *.DXF or *.DWG file as layered graphic data.

Access

The dialog is accessed by clicking Save in the Export File browser dialog after clicking File » Export » DXF/DWG

Options/Controls

  • Options
    • AutoCAD Version – use the drop-down to select the version of AutoCAD that applies to the exported file.
    • Format – use the drop-down to select the format (DWG or DXF) of the exported AutoCAD file.
    • Units – select either Imperial or Metric units for the export conversion's dimensional data.
  • Holes
    • Export pads and via holes – check this option to enable the export of Pad and Via hole data.
      • Degrees - select the drop-down to choose the orientation of the pad and via holes in degrees.
  • Components
    • Export as blocks – components will be exported as single AutoCAD-compliant Blocks (grouped collections of primitive objects).
    • Export as primitives – components will be exported as the primitive objects that form the component.
  • Tracks and Arcs
    • Export with rounded ends – check this option to create AutoCAD line/arc objects with round ends.
    • Export with square ends – check this option to create AutoCAD line/arc objects with square ends.
  • Primitives To Export With Zero Line Widths
    • None – no primitives will be exported with zero line widths. The line/arc width data in the DXF/DWG file will match the corresponding line/arc width data in the source PCB layout.
    • All – all primitives in the PCB layout will be exported with a zero line width.
    • Selected – only the selected primitives in the PCB workspace will be exported with a zero line width.
  • Layers
    • All On – access this drop-down to determine what layers to include. For instance, if you'd like to only include Signal Layers, select $SignalLayer from the drop-down. The included layers will be checked in the Include column.
    • Name - displays the name of the available layer. A list of layers may be minimized by clicking on the parent layer name.
    • Type - displays the layer type of each layer. Layers with the same types are usually listed alongside each other.
    • Include - check the box corresponding to the selected layer to include it within the export process.
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