Needed downstreamDXF by purpose
Every downstream program expects different content, cleanly on layers of its own.
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SeriesEFA CAMverse compact · episode 06 of 06 Feature in focusDXF export
from every format.
Depaneling, mechanical design and documentation each need a different DXF file. With EFA CAMverse you create it from every one of the 9 formats, automatically by purpose or with the layers you choose yourself.
Every department needs a different DXF ..
Depaneling software needs the outline and milling channels, mechanical design needs drill holes and component outlines, documentation needs every layer. But the PCB data arrives as Gerber, ODB++, KiCad or another format.
Already in the data9 formats
Outline, drill holes and components are in the source data, in a different place in each format.
A DXF file is only as good as the next program’s ability to read it.
Automatically by purpose. Or layer by layer ..
- Start the DXF exportOpen Gerber, ODB++, KiCad or one of the other formats as usual. Start the DXF export in the “Tools” tab.
- Choose the contentEFA CAMverse chooses the content automatically by purpose: depaneling, mechanical design or documentation. Or you decide layer by layer what goes into the file: the export takes over your selection from the layer list. For copper, solder mask and silkscreen, choose the purpose documentation as well.
- SaveSave one DXF file or one file per layer. A report lists anything noteworthy such as open contours.
Clean DXF. From every format ..
Whether depaneling software, CAD program or drawing: the file fits the software that processes it next.
The right content for every purpose.
Every preset can be adjusted. EFA CAMverse remembers your settings per purpose.
- Depaneling: outline, cutouts, milling channels and tabs, drill holes with plated and non-plated separated, slots, tooling holes and fiducials. On panels, frame and number for each board are added.
- Mechanical design: the same geometry with filled areas, component outlines with top and bottom separated, and components as blocks with reference, value and package.
- Documentation: everything from mechanical design, plus copper of every layer, solder mask, solder paste, silkscreen and the documentation layers of the source data.
- If you like, component outlines go into the file only for the components of the assembly variant.
What ends up in the file depends on what the source data provides.
More about the DXF export →Made for your downstream software.
EFA CAMverse takes care of clean geometry and clear layers.
DXF 2000 OR R12Millimetres or inches
ContoursThe outer contour and cutouts arrive cleanly closed. Whatever stays open goes onto a layer of its own and into the report.
ArcsArcs and circles stay arcs and circles as far as the source data contains them.
LayersEvery kind of content sits on its own layer, top and bottom separated. You adapt names and colours with a layer profile.
PanelsFor panels from ODB++, IPC-2581 or GenCAD, every board comes at its position, or one board plus a position list.
A clean DXF from every format.
Automatic or layer by layer: EFA CAMverse chooses the content to suit the purpose. Or you decide yourself which layers go into the file: the export takes over your selection from the layer list.
Good to know ..
Which formats can EFA CAMverse create a DXF file from?
From all 9 formats EFA CAMverse opens: Gerber X/X2/X3, ODB++, IPC-2581, EAGLE, KiCad, PADS Layout, GenCAD 1.4, IPC-D-356 and DXF. What ends up in the file depends on what the source data provides. IPC-D-356, for example, provides no outline.
Can I choose the layers myself?
Yes. The export takes over your selection from the layer list, and you can still change it in the dialog. For copper, solder mask and silkscreen, choose the purpose documentation as well.
Which DXF version, which unit?
The default is DXF 2000 in millimetres. Choose DXF R12 for older programs and inches for inch-based environments. Filled areas and blocks are only available in DXF 2000.
What happens to open contours?
EFA CAMverse closes small gaps automatically. Whatever stays open goes onto a layer of its own and is listed in the report, so you see at once where the source data needs fixing.
Try it yourself? ..
EFA CAMverse is free to use as a viewer – unlock advanced features such as the DXF export whenever you need them. Native on Windows, your data stays local.
EFA CAMverse 2026 · free viewer · Windows 10/11 · 64-bit