One of the most commonly used translations is exporting SOLIDWORKS drawings to DXF or DWG formats to open in 2D CAD packages. SOLIDWORKS supports translation, enabling it to interact with and exchange data with other common CAD platforms.
Organizations use a variety of CAD tools for different tasks, often choosing the tool that best suits the task at hand. The most important thing to keep in mind is that all the tools can talk to each other, supporting the transition of files from one to another without duplicating effort.
Why Export SOLIDWORKS Drawings to DXF or DWG?
DXF and DWG are the most common file formats used in engineering. As a result, being able to communicate with other CAD systems in a neutral format extends collaboration beyond your organization.
How SOLIDWORKS Exports 2D Data
SOLIDWORKS has many export options to communicate with CAD formats that are used throughout industries. When exporting, there are options on how the CAD data is converted.
Exporting a DXF from SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS DXF/DWG exports can include model geometry, bend lines, and sketches, and can be converted into a standard AutoCAD standard or any other custom standard. The scale can also be adjusted to fine-tune your exports to downstream applications.
How to Save A SOLIDWORKS Drawing as DXF/DWG
To save a SOLIDWORKS drawing as a DXF/DWG, follow these steps:
- Open the SOLIDWORKS drawing.
- Navigate to File > Save as.
- In the file format dropdown, select either DXF or DWG.
- Optionally, select Advanced Options to access additional export settings.
- Click Save.
2D CAD Export Options
When exporting SOLIDWORKS drawings, you have additional options to fine-tune the final export. These are found under the Export section in the SOLIDWORKS System Options.
Additional settings to export SOLIDWORKS drawings to DXF
- Versions: Select the version of AutoCAD you want the DWG or DXF to be formatted in.
- Fonts & Line styles: Switch between SOLIDWORKS line fonts and AutoCAD stock line types.
- Scale output: Select the basis used for the 1:1 scale output of geometry, based on the various drawing view scales on the sheet.
- Endpoint merging & High-quality DWG export: Clean up and remove gaps between line endpoints for less than the specified tolerance.
- High-quality DWG export: Create a DXF file at a higher quality. Choosing this option may increase the export time.
- Spline export options: Display splines as polylines in 2D drafting apps such as DraftSight and AutoCAD.
- Views as blocks: Export geometry in drawing views as blocks. This saves time for any recipient working with the exported files, as it organizes the lines of each view together and groups them for editing convenience.
Exporting More than DXF From SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS has tools to enable external collaboration with other organizations that might not be using SOLIDWORKS, which doesn’t stop with 2D CAD. Whether that is with CATIA files through 3DEXPERIENCE or directly translating third-party CAD data to usable geometry, SOLIDWORKS supports your entire development journey.
Need help working with other CAD formats? TriMech and Javelin can help find the best workflows that support your goals.
To learn more about working with external CAD data, schedule a Client Care Visit here.
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