Export to AutoCAD (PCB)

Now reading version 19. For the latest, read: Export to AutoCAD (PCB) for version 21

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

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.
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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.