Data exchange
DXF Import-Export Component
Read and write DXF geometry and attributes in CAD applications, including workflows with embedded ACIS bodies.
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DXF reader and writer for Open CASCADE
The DXF Import-Export SDK translates DXF geometry into Open CASCADE shapes and writes OCCT shapes to DXF. Its XDE integration handles names, colors and assembly structures alongside geometry.
Supported workflows include DXF groups and assemblies, as well as entities with embedded ACIS bodies such as BODY, 3DSOLID and REGION. OCCT shapes can be exported as polyface meshes or ACIS bodies, depending on the intended output.
Two integration layers for shapes and document data
The BRep conversion layer can be used independently for geometry translation. DXF groups and assemblies become OCCT compound shapes; embedded ACIS bodies are translated along with the other supported geometric entities. Shape Healing operations can be configured through resource files for the input models being processed.
The XDE layer adds names, colors and assembly structures. It exposes those attributes through the same document framework used by other OCCT exchange interfaces, including STEP and IGES. For export, attributes associated with OCCT shapes are translated back to their DXF equivalents.
This separation lets an application choose between a shape-only processing workflow and a document workflow that also retains structure and appearance. The output choice between polyface meshes and ACIS bodies should follow the receiving application’s needs.
BRep and mesh conversion routes
DXF supports mesh import and export alongside BRep and curve data. Existing meshes can pass to other supported mesh writers; BRep surfaces can be tessellated for those destinations. Curve-only drawings need surface construction when the target requires a surface mesh.
See DXF to STL, DXF to STEP and STEP to DXF for representation-specific workflows.
DXF to STEP
Read the DXF source with the commercial reader, inspect the resulting OCCT geometry, and export using OCCT’s STEP writer. Define the expected result first: curves from a drawing and a model containing solid bodies have different downstream uses.
A DXF-to-STEP conversion does not automatically turn a 2D drawing into a designed 3D solid. Check source entities, units, geometry validity and required attributes with representative data.
STEP to DXF
Use OCCT’s STEP reader to load the source model, then select the DXF writer’s representation for the receiving application. Decide whether the destination needs a polyface mesh, ACIS bodies or a separately prepared drawing workflow.
Writing a DXF file does not by itself create a dimensioned engineering drawing, hidden-line view or sheet-metal flat pattern. Those operations need their own application logic. For material flattening, explore the Unfolding component.
Compatibility and data handling
| Item | What to establish before integration |
|---|---|
| DXF version | Published coverage lists reading R10 through 2013 and writing R10 through 2010; confirm the selected delivery |
| Entity types | Curves, groups, assembly structure, embedded ACIS bodies and the required output representation |
| Appearance and structure | Names, colors and assembly information that must survive conversion |
| Healing | Tolerance and repair settings suitable for the source geometry |
| DWG input | A separate requirement; DXF support does not imply a DWG reader |
For standalone SAT or SAB data, see the ACIS exchange SDK. Compare readers and writers in the CAD data exchange matrix.
Evaluate DXF integration
Specify the source application’s DXF version, relevant entities, conversion direction and receiving application. Include your OCCT version and platform, plus an example of the expected geometric result.
Discuss a DXF SDK evaluation or CAD application integration.
Convert scene meshes and CAD models to DXF
DXF mesh and BRep writing allow many input readers to share the same destination. USD to DXF, glTF to DXF, OBJ to DXF and STL to DXF use mesh entities. STEP, STEP XML, IGES and Parasolid can supply supported CAD geometry through their respective readers.
Assimp inputs can also feed DXF mesh export, including 3MF, COLLADA DAE and Blender BLEND. Select entities supported by the receiving application and check units, placements and attribute mapping. Browse all DXF input routes.