Export to AutoCAD (PCB)

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

Setup

• 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.
    • On dedicated hole layers – select to cause Pad/Via hole data to be exported as arc circles on dedicated layers. The added layers will be named PadHoleLayer and ViaHoleLayer in the exported file.
    • On the pad or via layer – select to cause Pads and Vias to be exported as donuts (arc circles) on layers that each Pad or Via occupies (for example, a simple Via, the Top and Bottom layers). Each of the circular, arc-based donut objects are generated with a radius and line width to create a shape that graphically matches the size and hole size of the source Pad or Via.
• 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 – all PCB layers will be exported.
  • Currently Visible Layers – only layers that are currently visible in the PCB workspace will be exported. Hidden layers are ignored.