Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Vector graphics- Intermediate/Importing from CAD
Instead of designing something in Inkscape, you can also import a file from a CAD software.
If you are using Onshape, for example, right-click on the sketch and select export as DXF/DWG.
A dialog box will appear where you will be prompted to choose either DXF or DWG. In this example, DXF R14(Release 14) is chosen.
Click on Export once the format chosen.
Open the file on Inkscape, and the following prompt will appear:
Select Read from file to ensure that the design in Inkscape has the exact dimensions as the CAD design. Once this is done, you will be able to edit the stroke width of your design to specify if you want a cut or an engraving.
You can save the file as an SVG for any further editing and finally as a PDF when you are ready to send the file to a laser-cutter.
Alternatively, it is also possible to use an online DXF/DWG to SVG converter to convert a CAD file to an Inkscape-compatible file.
- For SolidWorks drawings, follow the steps in the video below:
- For Fusion 360 to Inkscape, follow the steps in the video below: