DXF - Using Exported & Imported DXF's

[BlackCoffee]

I’m seeing/reading user’s with difficulty using DXF files when:

1. Using exported DXF from Kicad
   • such as using them in FreeCad

2. Using imported DXF from (FreeCad, Inkscape…other)
   • such as using them in Kicad for Copper traces and Footrprints

• Without repeating my previous posts but, encouraging ‘simplicity’ and having a properly setup toolchain
• It’s up to Users to setup pref’s but, it’s all been posted…

• FreeCad - settings in Pref’s for DXF Import and Export
• Kicad - usable settings for export Plotting
• Tweaking the footprint’s .mod to move traces/other to desired layer

It’s very doable without plugins - video below shows:

1. PCB with footprints, traces and Edge_Cuts
   • Plotted DXF of Back Copper with Edge_Cuts
   • Opened the DXF file in FreeCAd
   • Deleted redundant Shape (edge cuts) for clarity only
   • Make ‘Face From Wire’ (I have Tool Icon that does it from
   the ‘Part Design’ workbench
   • Make ‘Face’ From Wire (switched to Part workbench and did it)
   • Colored one of the traces

2. Using the imported DXF in Kicad - look for the posts (but, basically,

• If for a Footprint: Create a Footrpoint, Edit the .mod text file and change desired layers
• If for Traces: Import them, Double-Click all or an element, change layer… (video)
  (for convenience, I reused the exported DXF)

[hermit]

I’ll leave it to others to decide if this, or something similar, should be in the FAQ section.

EDIT: By decide I guess I actually mean voice an opinion.