Import a DXF outline

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

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.