Import (DXF)

The Import (DXF) dialog allows you to import a DXF (.dxf ) file that is exported from AutoCAD. DXF (drawing interchange format) files were created by Autodesk as a binary or ASCII representation of a drawing file. They can be used in eCADSTAR to add an image for a company logo, for example. The following versions of DXF file are supported.

• R12
• R13
• R14
• 2000
• 2004
• 2007
• 2010
• 2013

The imported file can be added to the displayed sheet in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor, or to the symbol that is open in Symbol Editor. In eCADSTAR Schematic Editor, this dialog also allows you to generate local symbols from blocks in the imported DXF file. Launch the Import (DXF) command by clicking Design > Import > DXF on the ribbon in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor or Symbol Editor. The settings that you enter in the dialog are saved as default values until eCADSTAR Schematic Editor or Symbol Editor is closed.

 

 

Value		Description
File		Allows you to enter the path to a valid DXF file. Alternatively, click and select a file in the displayed Open dialog. The specified file is saved as the default value until eCADSTAR Schematic Editor or Symbol Editor is closed.
		Allows you to select a file in the displayed Open dialog. The path to the DXF file is displayed in the File box.
Scale		Allows you to specify the size of the imported image by entering the factor by which its size is changed. Enter a numerical value between 0.01 and 100.0. If "1" is entered, then its size is not changed. This is the default value. If "0.5" is entered, then its size is halved. If "2.0" is entered, then its size is doubled.
Translate block into symbol		In eCADSTAR Schematic Editor, this setting allows you to specify whether any blocks in the DXF file are converted to symbols or individual shapes. In AutoCAD, a block is a collection of objects that are combined into a single named object.
	Selected	Any blocks in the DXF data are added to the design as local symbols, and are placed on the open sheet. If the Object Balloon is toggled on, then the name of the symbol is displayed when you point the cursor at it on the canvas. This is illustrated below. The block is automatically named using the name of the circuit diagram (.sct file). If the image is imported to a sheet, then the name of the design is used. If it is imported to a hierarchical block, then the name of the block is used. Any lowercase letters are converted to uppercase. Any symbols other than "-" (hyphen) or "_" (underscore) are converted to "_" (underscore). If multiple blocks are imported that have the same name, then "_ [numerical value]" is appended to the name of each block. This number is incremented to ensure that the name is unique. For example, if the circuit diagram name is "sample.sct", then the names of imported blocks are converted as follows. Block name in the DXF file Block name in eCADSTAR Abc sample_ABC.symb a_1 sample_A_1.symb a $ 1 sample_A_1_1.symb Note The following blocks are not converted to symbols. Blocks with different X and Y scales. Blocks in the second layer, and any subsequent layers of nested blocks.
	Not selected	Any blocks in the DXF file are expanded, and converted to individual figures.
DXF file unit		Allows you to select the units that are used by eCADSTAR when displaying the imported image.
	mm	The imported image is displayed in units of millimeters. This is the default value.
	inch	The imported image is displayed in units of inches.
Execute		Imports the specified DXF file to eCADSTAR Schematic Editor or Symbol Editor. The origin of the imported image is aligned with the origin of the sheet. This button is made available when you enter a value in the File box.
Cancel		Closes the Import (DXF) dialog without importing a DXF file.