Is there any way of importing dxf/dwg or bitmaps (bmp/jpg) file into library symbols. Specifically schematics (or even gerber). We use a set drawing border with logo's and a standard layout which is different to the border supplied. I want to be able to import this border shape into both pcb and schematic libraries (we use A3 and A4 sizes also).
Some early versions did allow direct import of DXF files, but there were some problems with matching structures, so the facility was removed. You can still do it at arms length by importing into a design of the same type, then copying and pasting into the symbol editor.
Don't use bitmaps if you can avoid them. There are two reasons. The most important is that they won't reproduce in Gerber files, as they're raster and the Gerber files are vector. The second reason is just to do with scaling. With bitmaps there's a risk of aliasing when printing. If you use DXF instead, it's vector, so the risk doesn't exist.
How would I go about importing a dxf into the schematic (this is our most important symbol rather than the pcb)? When you say import into a design of the same type, do you mean import into a schematic then copy and pasting into the schematic symbol library? I am new to EasyPC and have not been able to get in contact with support as yet
Open a new schematic design. File | Import. Select the DXF file you want to bring in. Choose the appropriate units etc on the dxf dialog.
When the import is complete, you should then be able to select the shapes you want to use in your symbol, and Copy & Paste them across into the schematic symbol.
Thank you for the reply. I have used AutoCad to create a vector logo over the original bitmap and imported that into the schematic symbol. I now have a different issue for the same component. The drawing border has a number of value entries that need to be completed when the drawing title is imported. I understand how to use the value properties but I can not work out how to create new values like:- Drawing number; drawing title; version/issue; change request number; drawn by; etc. How can you add these new values into a schematic symbol? I have read how to do this to a component but not a symbol.
Library Imports
Posted - 12 Oct 2010 : 10:35:29
