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

• 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.