Step 8.2: Open DXF File, Show a DXF Outline

MechDesigner adds a DXF element to the Assembly-Tree.

Note: The DXF element is usually at the bottom of the Assembly-Tree. It may move to the top of the Assembly-Tree, above the Mechanism element - see image left.

If necessary, add a new Part.

Do Add menu > Mechanism sub-menu > Add Part.

The CAD-Line is along the centre of the Part.

If necessary, use the Selection-Window to find and open the CAD-Line dialog-box.

The CAD-Line dialog-box opens.

If necessary, expand Select DXF Element separator.

STEP 1:

Click the down-arrow to expand the 'Select DXF-Element' list box

The name [DXF : trace2.DXF] in the drop-down list box has two[2] parts. The:

  Name of the DXF element, as it is in the Assembly-Tree.

In this case, the name of the DXF element : 'DXF'.

Name of the DXF file you opened with 'File menu > Open DXF file'

In this case, the name of the DXF file you opened was 'Trace1.DXF'.

The name of the DXF element shows in the 'DXF Element' box, after you select the element in the box.

Options:

'Edit-Layer' button - click to explore the 'Layers' that might be in the DXF drawing. See Edit Layers dialog-box

'Clear Link' button - click to remove the DXF Drawing from the CAD-Line.

The DXF-Outline of the DXF Drawing shows in the graphic-area.

Note 1: If the DXF Drawing is far from the origin of the DXF file, you may need to zoom out!

Note 2: If the DXF Drawing is very small, or it is in 'inches' and you are working in 'mm', you may need to zoom in!

Use the DXF Element dialog-box to change the units of the DXF file to the original units of the DXF Drawing, and reload DXF File.

OPTIONAL ALIGNMENT.  If the DXF Drawing does not align  with the CAD-Line as you want click the 'Alignment of DXF' separator.

You may need to Toggle OFF and Toggle ON the Display DXF Points tool to show DXF Points.

STEP 3:

Click in the 'DXF Point at Origin' box to make it active

The selection box is active when it is the colour English skin after a swim in the North-Sea

The Point (with a number) should show in the 'DXF Point at Origin' box

STEP 5:

Click in the 'DXF Point Along Origin'

Each box is active when it is the colour of English skin after a swim in the North-Sea. Then you can select a Point.

The box becomes green after you select a Point.

The DXF Drawing moves to the new alignment with the CAD-Line.

If you make a mistake, or want to select other Points: