Preparing DXF/CAD files

Clean CAD files quote faster and reduce import warnings. This guide covers the most common DXF preparation steps for laser/plasma/waterjet quoting.

Working with 3D CAD? NanoQuote also supports STEP files (.step, .stp). See Working with STEP files for 3D import guidance.

Before you export DXF

• Use 2D profiles (lines/arcs/polylines) for cut paths.
• Put cut geometry on clear layers (optional, but helps when you want layer-based sources).
• Remove non-cutting clutter: dimensions, construction lines, notes, title blocks.

Convert text to paths

Text entities are not cuttable geometry. Convert text to vector outlines before export.

Common tools:

• AutoCAD: TXTEXP or EXPLODE (depends on font type and workflow)
• LibreCAD: Modify → Explode Text
• QCAD: Modify → Convert → Text to Paths
• Inkscape (if you started from SVG): Path → Object to Path

Explode blocks and simplify

DXFs with nested blocks or complex entities can import slowly or unexpectedly.

• Explode blocks to basic geometry when possible.
• Prefer polylines/arcs over splines if your CAD exporter creates heavy splines.
• Remove duplicate/overlapping lines (they can double-count cut length).

Confirm units (mm vs inches)

Many DXF exports do not embed unit metadata.

In NanoQuote’s upload wizard:

• Use the Units selector per file/layer when needed.
• Sanity-check part dimensions (a 25.4× mismatch is almost always mm vs inches).

Layer and source tips

• If you want NanoQuote to treat layers as separate sources, keep cut geometry cleanly separated by layer.
• If you see unexpected parts, check which sources are enabled and whether Include paper space is on.

Related:

• Quotes overview (upload wizard)
• Troubleshooting