Imported DXF/DWG File Entities

Entities that are imported from a .dxf or .dwg file can appear to be dimensioned and to be related to one another. To actually add the dimensions and relations, you must attach the dimensions and fully define the entities. You can then create a sketch in a part or assembly from the imported entities.

Attach Dimensions

To attach dimensions:

With an imported .dxf or .dwg file drawing document active, click Tools > Dimensions > Attach Dimensions.

Fully Define Sketch

To solve relations in an imported drawing:

Click Tools > Dimensions > Fully Define Sketch.

The SOLIDWORKS software adds all the apparent relations.

Sketch from Drawing

To insert entities from a drawing to an open part or assembly sketch:

  1. With the drawing document open, open a sketch in a part or assembly.
  2. In the sketch, click Insert > Sketch from Drawing.
    If this item does not appear on the menu, click Insert > Customize Menu, and select Sketch from Drawing.
  3. Make your drawing the active window and select the sketch entities.
    The sketch entities must lie entirely within the drawing view border.
  4. Make your part or assembly the active window to see the sketch entities in the open sketch.