Export EDMD Baseline

Now reading version 19. For the latest, read: Export EDMD Baseline for version 21

The Export Baseline dialog
The Export Baseline dialog

Summary

The Export Baseline dialog is used to create an IDX file (MCAD Baseline.idx). This file type is used for collaborating between ECAD and MCAD domains. Altium Designer facilitates this collaboration using the Mechanical CAD Collaboration extension, which is necessary to access this dialog.

For more information, see IDX Support.

Access

The dialog is accessed by performing the following steps:

  1. From the PCB editor, click the Panels button at the lower-right of the workspace then select Mechanical CAD Collaboration or click View » Panels » Mechanical CAD Collaboration from the main menus.
  2. In the Mechanical CAD Collaboration panel, click the Export Baseline button.
The Mechanical CAD Collaboration extension (shown below) must be installed to access this dialog.

The extension can be found on the Purchased tab of the Extensions & Updates page (accessed by using the  drop-down at the top-right of the workspace then choosing Extensions and Updates).

Options/Controls

  • Ignore Duplicate Pad Designators - enable to ignore pad designators that are duplicates when exporting.
  • Export Copper - enable to include copper in the export. 
Exporting copper makes the IDX files much bigger and slower to process on the MCAD side. In addition, the IDX technology does not support change detection for copper objects. 
  • Warning - click to open a text warning regarding exporting copper.
  • Export Tracks, Export Copper Regions, Export Vias, Export Pads, Export Internal Layers - enable the objects you want to export into the file.  Options that are not selected will not be included in the exported file. These options are accessible only when Export Copper is disabled (not checked).
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Note

The features available depend on your Altium product access level. Compare features included in the various levels of Altium Designer Software Subscription and functionality delivered through applications provided by the Altium 365 platform.

If you don’t see a discussed feature in your software, contact Altium Sales to find out more.