You can use a DXF file as a background layer for entering objects. In contrast to the DXF import, where the entire model is converted into nodes and lines, the background layers represent a type of layer for modeling.
You can also define a new background layer using the
button in the CAD toolbar.
To use a background layer, set it to Active. Furthermore, the object snap with the 'Background layers' option must be activated (see chapter Object snaps). This can also be quickly controlled with the
button in the .
Categories
The background layer must be in the .dxf format. Set the 'File name' by selecting the file in the Windows dialog box using the
button.
Define the coordinate system to which the background layer refers. You can select a user-defined coordinate system in the list or create a new one using the
button.
The 'Rotation sequence' describes the order of angles by which the axes can be rotated.
The 'Insertion point' determines which location on the "bounding box" of the background layer is placed at the Origin point. Various options are available for selection in the list:
If you select the 'Select in preview' check box, you can determine the insertion point graphically: To do this, click the right button
in the 'Origin point' section and then define the insertion point in the preview area.
Origin point
The Insertion point of the background layer is placed at the 'Origin point' in the model. Enter the coordinates of this point or define it graphically in the work window using the left button
or in the preview area using the right button
.
Options
If a 'Non-uniform scale' is to be used for scaling the layer in the spatial directions, select the check box. This makes the corresponding input fields in the 'Scale' section accessible.
If you do not want to automatically adopt the 'Length units of the DXF template' from the DXF file, you can select the appropriate unit from the list.
Scale
In this section, you can scale the size of the background layer, for example, to compensate for discrepancies in the units. The standard case is a 'Uniform scale' Δ with an even scaling in all directions. For a non-uniform scale, select the corresponding check box in the 'Options' section.
You can switch between relative and absolute input using the
button.
Using background layer
When the background layer is Active, it is displayed with a gray background. You can now place nodes, lines, members, and surfaces at the intersections of the layer lines – provided the object snap for background layers is activated.
