Import from DWG and DXF Formats

ProfiCAD is a specialized tool for electrical drawings and documentation. It is not a replacement for a full-featured CAD editor. Importing DWG/DXF files is an additional feature – for example when you need a drawing as a background or reference. For active editing of DWG files we recommend a specialized tool such as AutoCAD.
⚠️ The quality of the import depends on the complexity of the drawing and on the software it was created in. Better test this feature on your own drawings before you buy.

The program offers two ways to import from AutoCAD:

a) Raster graphics

This option is ideal for complex drawings. The file is converted to a bitmap – the result faithfully preserves the look of the original but cannot be edited.

Procedure:

  1. Choose Insert - DWG or DXF file and select the Raster graphics option. In the dialog, open the DXF or DWG file with the Open button. The conversion takes a few seconds – then a preview of the document appears.
  2. Use the Insert button to insert the document directly into the drawing.

    With the Save button you can save the document as PNG. You can then edit it in any graphics editor and insert it into the drawing later with the command Insert - Image....

  3. Stretch the imported drawing to the required size with the mouse.

b) Vector graphics

This option is suitable for schematic symbols and simple drawings. The file is converted to editable graphic objects (lines, curves, circles, etc.).

Procedure:

  1. Choose Insert - DWG or DXF file and select the Vector graphics option. In the dialog, open the DXF or DWG file with the Open button. The conversion takes a few seconds – then a preview of the document appears.
  2. Use the Insert button to insert the document into the drawing.

    With the Save button you can save the symbol directly to the library.

  3. Stretch the imported drawing to the required size with the mouse.
  4. To break the imported drawing down into individual graphic elements, right-click it and choose Decompose (explode).
  5. If the decomposed drawing contains grouped areas, you can break them down further by using Decompose (explode) again.

💡 Pro tip: Always start with the raster option – you will see what the drawing looks like. If you need to edit it, try the vector import. For complex drawings the raster option tends to be more reliable.

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