Import / Export
Import/Export enables seamless connectivity with diverse CAD platforms, manufacturing systems, and design environments.
Import/Export enables seamless connectivity with diverse CAD platforms, manufacturing systems, and design environments.
This sophisticated data exchange framework supports over 30 industry-standard file formats, ranging from legacy PCB design tools to modern mechanical CAD systems, ensuring that engineers can leverage existing design assets while maintaining compatibility with supply chain partners and manufacturing requirements. Through intelligent format conversion and data mapping, the Import/Export system eliminates design data silos and enables efficient collaboration across multi-disciplinary engineering teams working with different software platforms.
The Import/Export architecture operates as a bidirectional data bridge that maintains design integrity while adapting to the specific requirements of target platforms and manufacturing processes. This system incorporates intelligent data validation, automatic unit conversion, and sophisticated layer mapping algorithms that ensure accurate translation of complex design elements including hierarchical structures, component libraries, and design rule sets. The framework supports both automated batch processing for large-scale migrations and interactive conversion processes that enable engineers to fine-tune translation parameters for optimal results in specific workflow scenarios.
Import designs from major PCB and schematic tools including Eagle, OrCAD, Mentor Graphics, and KiCad while preserving component relationships, design rules, and hierarchical structures, enabling efficient migration of existing design assets and seamless collaboration with partners using different CAD platforms.
Export precise manufacturing data including Gerber files, Excellon drill data, pick-and-place files, and assembly documentation in formats compatible with global fabrication and assembly suppliers while maintaining full traceability and version control throughout the production pipeline.
Exchange 3D design data with mechanical CAD systems including SolidWorks, Inventor, and Creo through STEP, IGES, and native format support, enabling bidirectional design validation, enclosure fit checking, and coordinated electro-mechanical development workflows that ensure optimal product integration.
DXF/DWG - imports drawings in DXF or DWG formats. These formats are commonly used in CAD programs for technical drawings. Allows loading geometric elements as part of the schematic.
Protel DOS Schematic - imports schematics from old Protel versions (predecessor of Altium Designer). This is a legacy format for maintaining compatibility with older projects.
Add Importer... - adds new import plugins. Allows extending the list of supported formats through third-party converters.
DXF/DWG - exports current schematic to DXF/DWG formats for use in other CAD programs or for documentation creation.
Netlist Schematic - exports the schematic netlist (connections list). The netlist contains information about all components and their electrical connections, necessary for PCB layout or simulation.
Orcad SDT Schematic - exports to OrCAD SDT (Schematic Design Tools) format. Allows working with schematics in OrCAD.
Orcad v7 Capture Design - exports to OrCAD Capture version 7 format. A newer OrCAD format than SDT.
P-CAD V16 Schematic Design - exports to P-CAD version 16 format. P-CAD is another popular PCB design system.
Add Exporter... - adds new export plugins, extending conversion capabilities to various formats.
These functions provide interoperability between different EDA (Electronic Design Automation) systems and allow project exchange between different electronic design tools.
Altium PCB - imports PCB files from other Altium Designer projects or older Altium versions.
DXF/DWG - imports CAD drawings for mechanical outlines, keepout areas, or reference geometry.
Gerber Batch - imports multiple Gerber files at once. Gerber files are industry-standard manufacturing files for PCB fabrication.
Gerber File - imports individual Gerber files for viewing or reverse engineering existing PCB designs.
IDF Board - imports IDF (Intermediate Data Format) files for mechanical integration with MCAD systems.
P-CAD PDIF - imports P-CAD database interchange format files for migrating from P-CAD systems.
Spectra Design - imports from Cadence Spectra routing tools.
Spectra Route - imports routing results from Cadence Spectra autorouter.
Tango PCB - imports from Tango PCB design system (legacy format).
Add Importer... - adds custom import plugins for additional formats.
Ansoft Neutral - exports for Ansys electromagnetic simulation tools.
CircuitMaker - exports to CircuitMaker format (Altium's community PCB tool).
CircuitStudio - exports to CircuitStudio format (entry-level Altium tool).
DXF/DWG - exports mechanical data for CAD systems and documentation.
HyperLynx - exports for Mentor Graphics signal integrity and power integrity simulation.
IDF Board - exports mechanical data for MCAD integration.
MathWorks - exports for MATLAB/Simulink RF and antenna toolboxes.
PARASOLID - exports 3D mechanical data in PARASOLID format for CAD systems.
P-CAD ASCII - exports to P-CAD text format.
PCB 3D Print - exports STL files for 3D printing of PCB models.
PCBWorks - exports to PCBWorks format.
Protel Netlist - exports connection data in Protel netlist format.
Protel PCB 2.8 ASCII - exports to legacy Protel ASCII format.
Spectra Design - exports for Cadence Spectra tools.
STEP 3D - exports 3D mechanical data in STEP format (industry standard).
VRML - exports 3D visualization in VRML format for web viewing.
PDF3D - exports interactive 3D PDF files for documentation and review.
Add Exporter... - adds custom export plugins for additional formats.
These functions enable integration with manufacturing processes, simulation tools, mechanical CAD systems, and legacy design tools.
Add Importer... - adds custom import plugins to extend supported file formats for importing 3D models, substrates, or other design data.
3D-MID - exports the design in 3D-MID (Molded Interconnect Device) format. MID technology combines mechanical and electrical functions in a single 3D molded part, commonly used in automotive, medical, and consumer electronics for compact, integrated solutions.
Add Exporter... - adds custom export plugins for additional output formats specific to 3D-MID manufacturing or other specialized processes.
Quick Load... - rapidly loads multiple manufacturing files at once with predefined settings.
Gerber... - imports Gerber files (RS-274X format), the industry standard for PCB manufacturing data including copper layers, solder mask, and silk screen.
ODB++... - imports ODB++ database format, a comprehensive manufacturing format that includes all PCB data in a single database structure.
Netlist... - imports electrical connection data for verification and testing purposes.
Drill... - imports NC (Numerical Control) drill files containing hole location and size information.
Mill/Rout... - imports milling and routing data for board outline cutting and internal cutouts.
Aperture File (using Wizard formats)... - imports aperture definition files that define the shapes and sizes used in Gerber files.
Custom Aperture Library File (*.LIB)... - imports custom aperture libraries with specialized shapes.
Gerber... - exports manufacturing data in Gerber format for PCB fabrication.
ODB++... - exports complete manufacturing database in ODB++ format.
Netlist... - exports connection data for electrical testing and verification.
IPC-D-350... - exports in IPC-D-350 format (industry standard for electronic design data exchange).
Drill... - exports NC drill files for drilling machines.
Save Drill... - saves drill data with specific formatting options.
Mill/Rout... - exports milling and routing toolpaths for CNC machines.
DXF... - exports mechanical outline data for CAD systems.
Part Centroids... - exports component placement coordinates for pick-and-place machines.
Aperture List - exports a list of all apertures used in the design.
Aperture Library - exports aperture definitions for reuse in other projects.
Bitmap (*.BMP)... - exports visual representations as bitmap images for documentation.
Export to PCB - sends modified data back to the PCB document.
Graphite... - exports to Graphite format (specialized manufacturing format).
These functions prepare and verify all manufacturing data needed for PCB fabrication, assembly, and testing.
AutoCAD - imports schematic symbols from AutoCAD drawings. This allows converting AutoCAD electrical symbols or drawings into Altium schematic library components.
Add Importer... - adds custom import plugins to support additional library formats from other EDA tools or legacy systems.
AutoCAD - exports schematic library symbols to AutoCAD format for use in AutoCAD Electrical or for creating documentation drawings.
Orcad Capture Schematic library - exports symbols to OrCAD Capture library format, enabling library sharing with OrCAD users or migration between systems.
P-CAD V16 Schematic library - exports symbols to P-CAD version 16 library format for compatibility with P-CAD design systems.
Add Exporter... - adds custom export plugins for additional library formats or specialized output requirements.
Import Wizard - provides a guided interface for importing complex library files with step-by-step configuration options for symbol mapping and parameter conversion.
Run Script... - executes automation scripts for batch library operations, symbol modifications, or automated library generation.
These functions enable library interoperability between different EDA systems and allow for library migration, sharing, and format conversion. This is particularly important when working in mixed design environments or when transitioning between different design tools while preserving existing component libraries.
AutoCAD - imports PCB footprints from AutoCAD drawings. This allows converting AutoCAD mechanical drawings or existing footprint designs into Altium PCB library components.
Add Importer... - adds custom import plugins to support additional footprint library formats from other EDA tools, legacy systems, or specialized footprint databases.
AutoCAD - exports PCB footprints to AutoCAD format for creating mechanical drawings, documentation, or for use in AutoCAD-based design flows.
P-CAD V16 PCB Library - exports footprints to P-CAD version 16 PCB library format for compatibility with P-CAD design systems or for sharing libraries with P-CAD users.
Add Exporter... - adds custom export plugins for additional library formats, specialized manufacturing outputs, or integration with other CAD systems.
These functions enable PCB footprint library interoperability between different EDA and CAD systems. This is essential for component library management, especially when working with suppliers' CAD models, migrating from other design tools, or sharing libraries across different design environments.