Importing dxf into KiCAD copper layers

[Andy_Colborn]

I’ve been trying to import a dxf into KiCAD because I wanted to do a pretty custom trace/board outline.

I’m using all straight lines and arcs so the board outline, the solder masks and everything imports without an issue.

But, it doesn’t let me choose a copper layer to import to.

Does anyone know anyway around this?

[AMorales]

Hell, I haven’t done yet, but I’ve read some users that import to another thecnical layer (non-copper) and then they change the layer in a text editor.
I think this can help you if you are interested in artistic ground (or power) planes but I don’t really know how it will behave if you want to use it for nets traces.
Good luck and I’d like to see your progress importing dxf.
Regards

[Joan_Sparky]

@Andy_Colborn

I’m using all straight lines and arcs

Copper can only handle straight lines, no arcs, no circles… just plain straight lines.

See here for more:

Designing spiral or helix [SOLVED]

[quote=“Deppy, post:9, topic:1745”] I’m not familiar with python. Although, I read the post but it’s not what I’m looking for in the moment but I’ll keep that in mind (when I’m in the mood for python). I prefer to create arcs in footprint editor and then convert them to copper in text editor.[/quote] Well, I prefer to create copper spirals as tracks in python and copy&paste them into a kicad_pcb that has got the basic setup done and then enjoy myself [image] Code is here: Have fu…

Creating round (arc) copper planes [SOLVED]

[quote=“suckiden, post:5, topic:1229”] PPS: If anybody is willing to program this script/program I would be very thankful and I guess some of the community members as well…[/quote] Here you go, pretty crude but did work for me already. Runs on Python 2.7.2 and goes into a xyz.kicad_pcb via text-editor (I have KiCAD BZR5978). KiCAD_CopperArc.py on Github Gist The script pproduces the segments for an arc with the following specs (can be adjusted in the script): Center = x 105.0 mm / y 105.0…

[ceremcem]

Take a look at https://github.com/mondalaci/dxf2svg2kicad

Draw your custom board (and connectors, etc) in any program you want, export dxf, convert to kicad_pcb. Works like a charm.