You can use a DXF file as a background layer for entering objects. In contrast to DXF import, where the complete model is imported converted into points and lines, background layers provide a kind of layer for modeling.
You can also define a new background layer using the button
in the CAD toolbar.
Categories
The background layer must be in the .dxf format. Set the 'File name' by selecting the file in the Windows dialog using the button
.
The 'Insertion point' determines which point on the "envelope" of the background layer is placed at the origin point. Various options are available in the list:
If you check the 'Select in Preview' 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 in the model at the 'origin point'. 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, activate the check box. This makes the corresponding input fields in the 'Scale' section accessible.
If the import is to be carried out only from certain layers, first activate the 'Import from selected layers' check box. Then select the corresponding layers in the 'Layer' tab.
If the 'Length units of the DXF template' are not to be adopted automatically from the DXF file, you can select the appropriate unit in the list.
Scale
In this section, you can scale the size of the background layer, for example to compensate for inconsistencies in the units. The standard case is a 'Uniform scale' Δ with uniform scaling in all directions. For a non-uniform scale, activate the corresponding check box in the 'Options' section.
With the button
you can switch between relative and absolute input.
Using the background layer
If the background layer is Active, it is displayed with a gray background. You can now set points, lines, members, and surfaces at the intersections of the background layer lines.