DXF File Format

The Drawing Interchange Format (DXF) enables the interchange of drawings between AutoCAD and other programs. DXF files can be either ASCII or binary formats.

• DXF Import Options

• DXF Export Options

• Drawing Design Rules

File Structure

Essentially a DXF file is composed of pairs of codes and associated values. The codes, known as group codes, indicate the type of value that follows. Using these group code and value pairs, a DXF file is organized into sections, which are composed of records, which in turn are composed of a group code and a data item. Each group code and value are on their own line in the DXF file.

Go to Autodesk's support web site for further information about the DXF file format.

LinkCAD only reads two dimensional drawings and it is not possible to import a 3D DXF drawing. AutoCAD supports architect design and mechanical solid modeling that require special entities.  These commands are generally not used in IC, microwave stripline, packaging and other electrical applications.  Therefore, LinkCAD ignores these entities and issues a warning.  The following entities will be ignored:

• HATCH are geometries with special fill codes

• SHAPEs are an alternative to BLOCKS with additional attributes.

• POINTs are placed in the database as reference items.

• 3DPOLY are polylines used to define 3D entities

• ATTDEF are attributes that can be attached to an entity or block such as a bill of materials.

• 3DFACE are used in 3D entities where a defined line can be made visible.

• Other ignored entities are: HATCH, MLINE, RAY, RTEXT, TOLERANCE, WIPEOUT and XLINE.