Problem trying to import DXF files

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21

Since it works on linux, there are a few Windows-specific quirks that might help:

  • Make sure that your dxf file is local (not on a shared drive)
  • Make sure that you do not have any KiCad files on a Google sync directory (or similar)
    • If you do use this, please try with the syncing disabled

Also, try with “Exporter toutes les splines comme polylignes”. Splines are relatively new in KiCad and may not work correctly in Windows or with your version.

22

Can’t import DXF file exported from P-CAD 2006.

Although i can open it in AutoCAD:

autocad opens dxf

acadlt_2018-10-22_21-37-03
acadlt_2018-10-22_21-37-03983×675 1.3 KB

But importing in KiCAD results in may errors:

kicad error dialog

kicad_2018-10-22_21-36-41
kicad_2018-10-22_21-36-41253×942 3.45 KB

and draws only circles which i don’t have in file:

kicad opens dxf

kicad_2018-10-22_21-37-20
kicad_2018-10-22_21-37-201333×883 60.3 KB

BTW, i have same importing issue with FreeCAD.

Can this issue be related to DXF file itself or to the way P-CAD exports it?

I’m using kicad Version: (6.0.0-rc1-dev-990-g0f247264f), release build on Windows 8.1

My file: temp.dxf (232.7 KB)

upd: converted P-CAD project to Altium Designer and exported pcb to gerber file. It opens fine in GerbView:

altium gerber in GerbView (with th components)

gerbview_2018-10-22_22-41-13
gerbview_2018-10-22_22-41-131074×840 18.1 KB

then I’ve exported it to kicad_pcb, but SMD polygons turned into vias

polygons turned into vias

pcbnew_2018-10-22_22-43-51
pcbnew_2018-10-22_22-43-511103×719 7.33 KB

23

Which FC release do you have? and are you using legacy dxf importer or the built-in one?
I have no issue in FC…

FC-dxf-import
FC-dxf-import1028×697 71.8 KB

24

i’ve managed to successfully import dxf to FreeCAD 0.18 (rev. 14928) using legacy import, got same result as You.

however, plain exporting from FC to new dxf file and importing it in KiCAD results in this:

image
image877×593 7.01 KB

so I obviously have to edit FreeCAD import somehow to be able to modify it. Because I also want to make solder paste template it FC :slight_smile:

25

no issue for me from a dxf exported from FC

dxf-exported
dxf-exported619×548 6.01 KB

temp-exp-fc.dxf (35.2 KB)

26

a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one

thanks for helping out. I’ll try to find out how to reproduce this result

27

OK, I managed to fetch your .dxf files.
I can open then in LibreCAD, which uses very similar code to KiCAD and the board outline is about 250mm square.
When I import into KiCad 5.0.1_3 on Windows 10 the outline is visible, but bigger than the A4 sheet, which it should be at that size