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DXF Export
AutoCAD to STAAD Pro
STAAD Pro software has the ability to import drawing files from AutoCAD for which can save the user a
lot of time of geometry creation, for a successful and error free import of AutoCAD file into STAAD Pro a
user shall first understand the correct procedure for importing DXF and the following given example will
help you in understanding the procedure.

Step-1: Creating a DXF

AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format
developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
A user can create a DXF by using a write block command or by using save as function from file menu, in
our example we have created a 2d frame in X-Y plane using line command. When imported into STAAD
all the lines will be treated as members thus a user must import only centerline plans using only single
lines for all the beam members.

Figure 2
Figure 1

Alok Dixit

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In fig-1 you can see we have created a dwg file in X-Y plane using line command, the unit settings which I
have used for my dwg is given in the fig-2.

Figure 2

Now select your created geometry & use write block command w , the following window will appear
on the screen.

Figure 3

Alok Dixit

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Now define a file location & save your file as DXF & keep the insert units same as your default drawing
units.
Step-2: Importing DXF
Now go to staad pro welcome screen & create a new file and make sure that you set your length units as
inches same as that of your dxf units (fig-4).

Figure 4

Now after successfully creating a new staad pro file go to File>>Import the following window will open.

Figure 5

Choose 3D DXF & click import, choose the file location where you have saved your DXF & click ok. The
following window will appear on the screen.

Alok Dixit

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Figure 6

This option is given to the user to change the orientation of coordinate axis of the DXF file, as we know
the coordinate axis directions are different in AutoCAD as comparison to STAAD. In Auto CAD Z axis is UP
while in STAAD Pro Y axis is UP. Suppose for example if you create a 2d floor plan in autocad you will
draw it in X-Y plane with the length span in X & width span in Y but when you will import this floor beam
plan in staad pro you will have to choose Y-Up so that STAAD Pro will make all the adjustments &
replace the coordinate values of Y in Z, thus by doing this it will import the plan created in X-Y plane into
X-Z plane.
In our example we have created a frame in X-Y & we dont need to change the structure convention so
we will select No Change & Click Ok. Set current input units dialogue box will appear.

Figure 7

Now, choose Inch from this dialogue box & click ok. You will find that your geometry has been imported
in STAAD Pro. You can use display node to node distance command available in Tools menu to check the
dimensions of the imported members.
Note: If the imported dxf contains any of other things such as dimension lines or other lines they also
will be imported. So make sure that the created DXF doesnt contain any unnecessary objects.

Alok Dixit

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Figure 8

If the user wishes to change the current display units he/she can change the units by using current
display units available in quick access toolbar (fig-9).

Figure 9

set current input units as Meter & you can now check the structure again, this time the dimensions will
be displayed in meters (fig-10).

Alok Dixit

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Figure 10

Alok Dixit