# Import a DXF outline

Turn the closed outlines and circles of a 2D DXF drawing into panels with holes, or into reference outlines.

KerfCraft reads ASCII DXF files. Each closed outline becomes one part. Circles inside an outline become holes.

> **Beta.** Tested with sample files, not yet with files from many CAD programs. Check the imported outline and its size against your drawing.

## Import the file

1. Select **File ▸ Import / Export…**.
2. Click the **Import** tab.
3. Click the file button and select the .dxf file.
4. In the first list, select **Panels (extruded, with holes)** or **Reference outlines (not manufactured)**.
5. If you selected panels, select the sheet material. The thickness of the panels comes from that material.
6. In the units list, keep **From file**, or select **mm**, **cm**, **m** or **in**.
7. Select **Insert into this project**, or **Open as a new project**.
8. Click **Insert** or **Open as project**.

The report updates each time that you change an option. It gives the number of outlines and holes and the overall size.

## Examine the units

The file gives its units in `$INSUNITS`. If the file does not give its units, KerfCraft uses millimetres and shows a warning. Compare the size in the report with the real size, and select the correct unit if they are different.

## What KerfCraft reads

- Closed polylines, and lines and arcs that join to make a closed shape. Arcs become 10° segments.
- Circles inside an outline. If the file has no depth for a hole, the hole goes through the panel.

## What KerfCraft does not read

The report lists each of these:

- Open lines and arcs that do not close.
- Circles outside every outline.
- Cut-outs inside an outline. KerfCraft panels do not have internal cut-outs.
- Other types of entity.

Imported parts are fixed shapes. They are not parametric, and the parts are named after the file.

## Limits

A DXF file can be 32 MB at most, with 500 outlines, 200,000 entities and 500,000 vertices.