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    DXF/DWG Conversion Secrets

    Master the art of converting DXF and DWG files to Gerber, GDS-II, ODB++, and NC formats

    By Simon Garrison, Applications Manager at Numerical Innovations

    Industry Facts You Should Know

    Over 10-15% of electronic layouts are still designed using Mechanical CAD tools like AutoCAD

    Most fabricators and mask shops require manufacturing formats, not DXF files

    MCAD tools typically display outlines only - you must visualize how layouts will be filled

    Each new AutoCAD release brings format changes that can cause compatibility issues

    Understanding File Format Basics

    Know your source and target formats to ensure successful conversions

    DXF/DWG Format

    Drawing Exchange Format - the de facto standard for transferring drawings between CAD systems. Tagged data representation containing all AutoCAD drawing information.

    Gerber Format

    35+ year old ASCII text format containing X,Y coordinates and shapes (apertures/dcodes). Industry standard for PCB manufacturing.

    GDS-II Format

    Binary format from the 1970s for IC mask-design data interchange. Supports Polygons, Paths, Rectangles, and hierarchical Instances.

    ODB++ Format

    The most intelligent PCB data exchange format, capturing all CAD/EDA, assembly, and fabrication knowledge in a unified database.

    The 5 Fundamental DXF Entities

    Keep your drawings simple using these five entity types for the most reliable conversions

    Polylines (or LW Polylines)

    A series of connected lines and arcs with varying widths. Used in about 80% of PCB/RF layouts to draw traces, create filled boundaries, and construct square and donut pads.

    Circles

    Most commonly used to draw round pads and create circular features in your electronic designs.

    Text

    Used for silkscreen and labels. Stick fonts (AutoCAD SHX) provide best results, output as trace segments in manufacturing data.

    Blocks / Inserts

    Create hierarchy and optimization by inserting repeated entities. Can be rotated, scaled, and arranged in rectangular or polar arrays.

    Best Practices for Successful Conversions

    1
    Use 5 Fundamental Entities

    • Stick to Polylines, Circles, Text, Blocks, and Inserts
    • These entities convert most reliably to manufacturing formats
    • Avoid complex hatches, 3D objects, and TrueType fonts when possible
    • Keep designs simple for best conversion results

    2
    Create Proper Filled Boundaries

    • Draw closed, continuous boundaries with 0-width polylines
    • Ensure no self-intersections or overlapping segments
    • Use JOIN command to connect adjacent line/arc segments
    • Remember: MCAD shows outlines, manufacturing needs fills

    3
    Understand Composite Fill

    • Define separate layers for dark and clear (hole) areas
    • Use LPD (Layer Polarity Dark) and LPC (Layer Polarity Clear)
    • Apply polygon de-embedding for automatic island detection
    • Avoid solid hatches when possible to prevent duplicate data

    4
    Format-Specific Considerations

    • Gerber/ODB++: Directly support composites with polarity commands
    • GDS-II: Use boolean engine to add cutlines for holes
    • Keep AutoCAD updated for latest DXF compatibility
    • Test conversions with small sections first

    Video Tutorials

    Watch DXF conversion demonstrations with our professional tools

    ACE 3000: DXF to Multiple Formats

    Convert between DXF, GDSII, STL, and 3D formats all in one powerful tool

    DXF to Gerber: Microwave Coil

    Step-by-step conversion of a complex microwave coil design from DXF to Gerber

    FAB 3000: Join and DeEmbed

    Learn to connect boundaries and handle composite fills for perfect conversions

    Common Issues & Solutions

    Troubleshooting tips for the most common DXF conversion challenges

    Boundaries not filling correctly?

    Ensure boundaries are closed and continuous with no self-intersections. Use JOIN command to connect segments.

    Islands/holes not appearing?

    Create separate layers for dark and clear areas, or use polygon de-embedding features in your conversion tool.

    Duplicate or messy data?

    Avoid using solid hatches. They create duplicate data on top of existing objects.

    Compatibility issues?

    Keep both AutoCAD and conversion software updated. Each AutoCAD release can introduce format changes.

    Ready to Convert Your DXF Files?

    Try our professional conversion tools: FAB 3000 and ACE 2D/3D Translator

    Download Free DemoGet Expert Support