You can use a DXF file as a background layer for entering objects. Unlike the DXF import, where the complete model is read in 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 Active. Furthermore, the object snap must be activated with the 'Background layers' option (see the chapter Object Snaps). This can also be controlled quickly with 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 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 with the
button.
The 'Rotation sequence' describes the order of the angles with which a rotation of the axes can be performed.
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 tick 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 with the left
button, or in the preview area with 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 accessible in the 'Scale' section.
If the 'Length unit of DXF template' is 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 an even 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 the relative and absolute input.
Using Background Layer
When the background layer is Active, it is displayed with a gray background. You can now set nodes and members at the intersections of the layer lines – provided the object snap for background layers is activated.
