Applied Parameters: Mode=PRIMS_FROM_BOARDOUTLINE
Summary
This command allows you to replicate the current board outline, and include any board cutouts if you wish, as primitive objects (tracks and/or arcs).
Use this command when the board shape exists but there are currently no objects along the boundary. Situations where this command can be useful include:
- You want to modify the board shape (or board cutouts) by modifying track and arc primitives first.
- You need a keepout boundary for the board, or keepout boundaries for board cutouts.
Access
This command is accessed from the PCB Editor, when configured in 2D Layout Mode, by choosing the Design » Board Shape » Create Primitives from Board Shape command, from the main menus.
The current viewing mode for the PCB document can be changed using the corresponding commands from the main View menu. To switch to 2D Layout Mode, use the command of the same name, or use the 2 keyboard shortcut.
Use
After launching the command, the Line/Arc Primitives From Board Shape dialog will appear. Use this dialog to configure the width of the tracks/arcs, the layer onto which the primitives are placed (typically a mechanical layer), and any additional options as required. With all options defined as required, click OK to have the primitives created on the nominated layer.
Tips
- A common approach used to cut the finished board from the fabrication panel is to mill or rout the board out of the panel. Board cutouts can also be routed out. A Rout Tool path is defined by placing track and/or arc objects on a mechanical layer. This can be done automatically as part of this command, by enabling the Rout Tool Outline option, in the Line/Arc Primitives From Board Shape dialog. When this option is enabled, the track/arc objects are placed so their edges touch the edge of the board shape, and the edge of a cutout.
- You can use this command to redefine the board shape, using some or all of the track/arc primitives you have created. Edit the objects to the desired shape and size then use the Design » Board Shape » Define from selected objects command to define the board shape from them.