You can export either a 2D .dxf format file or a 3D .step or .stp format file from AutoCAD.
Exporting a 3D STEP/STP file from AutoCAD
You can save your design as a STEP/STP file in AutoCAD if desired. Take a look at our STEP/STP file requirements before exporting your file!
Exporting a 2D DXF file from AutoCAD
To export the flat, primary face of your part to a DXF from AutoCAD, right click on the face you’d like to export & halfway down you will see the “export face as…” option. You can then save the 2D face as a DXF.
DXF Export Tips
If bends are needed for your design, please mark the center of each bend with a dashed line (not a hidden line).
In your export options, please be sure to select Export splines as splines. If the option is set for polylines, arcs and circles will export as segmented shapes instead of smooth curves.
For general preflight, the free, open source program QCAD is great for checking 2D files. If you end up liking it, we have guidance on reviewing designs in QCAD here: How To Preflight Your Designs Using QCAD
Upload your file!
After exporting, you can upload your file to our website and check the part preview to verify that the overall dimensions are correct. All files need to be at 1:1 scaling in either millimeters or inch units, with no intersecting or duplicate paths. We have more information about our design requirements here: SendCutSend Design Guidelines
In Summary
To export the flat, primary face of your part to a DXF from AutoCAD, right click on the face you’d like to export & halfway down you will see the “export face as…” option. You can then save the 2D face as a DXF. If bends are needed for your design, please mark the center of each bend with a dashed line (not a hidden line).
In your export options, please be sure to select Export splines as splines. If the option is set for polylines, arcs and circles will export as segmented shapes instead of smooth curves.
You can also save your design as a STEP/STP file in AutoCAD if desired. Take a look at our STEP/STP file requirements here!
