Import Export Preferences: Difference between revisions

From FreeCAD Documentation
(Minor change to IGES intro. Added OpenSCAD. Left out BIM as it is external.)
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{{Docnav
{{Docnav
|[[Preferences Editor|Preferences Editor]]
|[[Preferences_Editor|Preferences Editor]]
|[[Start_up_and_Configuration|Start up and Configuration]]
|[[Interface Customization|Interface Customization]]
}}
}}


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The preferences for the importing and exporting tools are found in the [[Preferences Editor|Preferences Editor]], in the menu {{MenuCommand|Edit → Preferences → Import-Export}}.
FreeCAD can import and export many file formats. For some formats dedicated preferences exist. These can be found in the [[Preferences_Editor|Preferences editor]], in the menu {{MenuCommand|Edit → Preferences → Import-Export}}.


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Not all import and export preferences tabs are available by default. For some a workbench has to be loaded first.
The number of tabs varies depending on the file types available to perform conversion.


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==Notes== <!--T:237-->
* Provided by the [[Image:Workbench_Arch.svg|24px]] [[Arch Workbench|Arch Workbench]]: DAE, IFC
* Provided by the [[Image:Workbench_Draft.svg|24px]] [[Draft Workbench|Draft Workbench]]: DWG, DXF, OCA, SVG
* Provided by the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM Workbench|FEM Workbench]]: INP, VTK
* Provided by the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh Workbench|Mesh Workbench]]: Mesh Formats
* Provided by the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px]] [[PartDesign Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]]: IGES, STEP
* Provided by the [[Image:Workbench_TechDraw.svg|24px]] [[TechDraw Workbench|TechDraw Workbench]]: SVG


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===TechDraw pages=== <!--T:229-->
The Import-Export settings affect how files are imported and exported to and from FreeCAD. Note that the Import-Export preferences dialog offers file type settings for most workbenches but not every workbench is able to import/export all file types.


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The DXF and SVG preferences listed here are not used by the [[File:TechDraw_ExportPageSVG.svg|24px]] [[TechDraw_ExportPageSVG|Export Page as SVG]] and [[File:TechDraw_ExportPageDXF.svg|24px]] [[TechDraw_ExportPageDXF|Export Page as DXF]] commands of the [[Image:Workbench_TechDraw.svg|24px]] [[TechDraw_Workbench|TechDraw Workbench]], or by the [[TechDraw_Workbench|TechDraw]] export option: {{MenuCommand|File → Export → Technical Drawing (*.svg *.dxf *.pdf)}}.
FreeCAD supports many file formats. For the following file formats it offers to apply special settings:


== Related == <!--T:224-->
===OpenSCAD files=== <!--T:238-->

<!--T:239-->
The import and export preferences for OpenSCAD files are listed in a different part of the [[Preferences_Editor|Preferences editor]]. See the [[OpenSCAD_Preferences|OpenSCAD Preferences]].

==Related== <!--T:224-->


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See the following pages for more details:
See the following pages for additional information:
* {{Emphasis|[[Import Export]]}}: A shorter more concise description table of file formats.
* [[Import_Export|Import Export]]: A table listing all supported file formats.
* {{Emphasis|[[FreeCAD Howto Import Export]]}}: A list of tutorials that can help users convert data from one format to another
* [[FreeCAD_Howto_Import_Export|FreeCAD Howto Import Export]]: A list of tutorials that can help users convert data from one format to another.


==DAE== <!--T:146-->
==Available preferences== <!--T:231-->

===DAE=== <!--T:146-->


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The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COLLADA Collada] DAE (Digital Asset Exchange) format is a standard file format for exchange of Mesh data. FreeCAD can import meshes from {{FileName|.dae}} files, and export Arch and other [[Part Module|Shape]]-based objects to the {{FileName|.dae}} format.
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COLLADA Collada] DAE (Digital Asset Exchange) format is a standard file format for exchange of Mesh data. FreeCAD can import meshes from {{FileName|.dae}} files, and export [[Part_Workbench|Shape]]-based objects to the {{FileName|.dae}} format.

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Note for Linux users: To handle this file format FreeCAD requires the [[Extra_python_modules|pyCollada module]].


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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Scaling factor}}
| {{MenuCommand|Scaling factor}}
| All dimensions in the file will be scaled with the specified factor
| All dimensions in the file will be scaled with the specified factor.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Mesher}}
| {{MenuCommand|Mesher}}
| Sets the meshing program that should be used. If using ''Netgen'', make sure that it is available. This can be checked by using the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh module]] and [[Mesh FromPartShape|creating a mesh]] using Netgen. If it is not available another version of FreeCAD, compiled with Netgen, must be installed.
| Sets the meshing program that should be used. If using ''Netgen'', make sure that it is available. This can be checked by using the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]] and [[Mesh_FromPartShape|creating a mesh]] using Netgen. If it is not available another version of FreeCAD, compiled with Netgen, must be installed.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Tessellation}}
| {{MenuCommand|Tessellation}}
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Segments per edge}}
| {{MenuCommand|Segments per edge}}
| The maximum number of segments per edge
| The maximum number of segments per edge.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Segments per radius}}
| {{MenuCommand|Segments per radius}}
| The number of segments per radius
| The number of segments per radius.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Second order}}
| {{MenuCommand|Second order}}
| Allow a second order mesh
| Allow a second order mesh.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Optimize}}
| {{MenuCommand|Optimize}}
| Allows optimization
| Allow optimization.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Allow quads}}
| {{MenuCommand|Allow quads}}
| Allow [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_mesh#Two-dimensional quadrilateral faces]
| Allow [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_mesh#Two-dimensional quadrilateral faces].
|}
|}


==DWG== <!--T:150-->
<!--T:251-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_DAE.png]]

===DWG=== <!--T:150-->


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DWG (from drawing) is a proprietary, closed source, binary file format used for storing two- and three- dimensional design data and metadata. FreeCAD requires the [[FreeCAD_and_DWG_Import|external ODA file converter]] to process DWG files.
DWG (from drawing) is a proprietary, closed source, binary file format for storing 2D and 3D design data and metadata. FreeCAD requires external converters to process DWG files.


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For the DWG format you can only specify the path to ODA. '''Note:''' All settings for DXF file format also apply to DWG.
'''Note:''' All settings for the DXF file format also apply to DWG.

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For the DWG format you can specify the following:


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!style="width: 66%;"|Description
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Path to ODA (formerly Teigha) File Converter}}
| {{MenuCommand|Conversion method}}
| Sets the path to the ODA file converter
| Select the DWG converter to use:
* '''Automatic''': FreeCAD will try to find a converter automatically following the order of the rest of this list. {{Version|0.21}}: For LibreDWG the OS search path is searched ({{Incode|os.getenv("PATH")}}), for the other converters default installation paths are assumed.
* '''LibreDWG''': [https://www.gnu.org/software/libredwg/ LibreDWG] is an open-source DWG reading and writing library. It lacks support for several DWG entities, and may not always give faithful results.
* '''ODA Converter''': The [https://www.opendesign.com/guestfiles/oda_file_converter ODA File Converter] is a free utility provided by the Open Design Alliance. It gives very good and reliable results.
* '''QCAD pro''': [https://qcad.org/en/qcad-command-line-tools#dwg2dwg QCAD pro] is the paid version of the open-source QCAD DXF-based 2D CAD platform. Its DWG converter uses the Teigha libraries from the OpenDesign Alliance and therefore gives the same good results as the ODA File Converter.

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{{Version|0.20}}
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Path to file converter}}
| If FreeCAD is unable to find a converter you need to specify a path here:
* LibreDWG: {{FileName|dwg2dxf}} or {{FileName|dxf2dwg}} on Linux and macOS, {{FileName|dwg2dxf.exe}} or {{FileName|dxf2dwg.exe}} on Windows. Either filename can be specified for both the conversion from DWG and to DWG.
* ODA Converter: {{FileName|ODAFileConverter}} on Linux and macOS, {{FileName|ODAFileConverter.exe}} on Windows.
* QCAD pro: {{FileName|dwg2dwg}} (a bash script) on Linux and macOS, {{FileName|dwg2dwg.bat}} on Windows.

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{{Version|0.20}}

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{{Version|0.21}}: The path must contain the correct filename.
|}
|}


==DXF== <!--T:154-->
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[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_DWG.png]]

===DXF=== <!--T:154-->


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AutoCAD [[DXF]] (Drawing eXchange Format) is a proprietary format to exchange CAD data between AutoCAD and other programs.
AutoCAD [[DXF|DXF]] (Drawing eXchange Format) is a proprietary format to exchange CAD data between AutoCAD and other programs.


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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show this dialog when importing and exporting}}
| {{MenuCommand|Show this dialog when importing and exporting}}
| This preferences dialog will be shown when importing or exporting DXF files
| If checked, this preferences dialog will be shown when importing or exporting DXF files.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use legacy python importer}}
| {{MenuCommand|Use legacy python importer}}
| If checked, the Python importer is used, otherwise the newer C++ one. The C++ importer is faster, but has not as many features yet.
| If checked, the Python importer is used, otherwise the newer C++ one. The C++ importer is faster, but has not as many features yet.

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The Python importer uses the {{MenuCommand|Edit → Preferences... → Draft → General settings → Internal precision level}} preference. For an accurate import result set this value to 8 or higher.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use legacy python exporter}}
| {{MenuCommand|Use legacy python exporter}}
| If checked, the Python exporter is used, otherwise the newer C++ one. The C++ exporter is faster, but has not as many features yet. {{Version|0.19}}
| If checked, the Python exporter is used, otherwise the newer C++ one. The C++ exporter is faster, but has not as many features yet.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Allow FreeCAD to automatically download and update the DXF libraries}}
| {{MenuCommand|Allow FreeCAD to automatically download and update the DXF libraries}}
| By checking this, you will allow FreeCAD to download the [https://github.com/yorikvanhavre/Draft-dxf-importer Python converter] for DXF import and export. This converter cannot be bundled with FreeCAD because it has a different software license.
| By checking this, you will allow FreeCAD to download the [[FreeCAD_and_DXF_Import|Python converter]] for DXF import and export. This converter cannot be bundled with FreeCAD because it has a different software license.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import}}
| Select what will be imported.
| Select what will be imported.<br/>If '''texts and dimensions''' is unchecked, texts and [https://www.autodesk.com/techpubs/autocad/acad2000/dxf/mtext_dxf_06.htm mtexts] won't be imported.

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If '''texts and dimensions''' is unchecked, texts and [https://www.autodesk.com/techpubs/autocad/acad2000/dxf/mtext_dxf_06.htm mtexts] won't be imported.


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If '''layouts''' is checked, paper space objects will be imported too.<br/>Check '''*blocks''' if you want the non-named blocks (beginning with a *) to be imported too.
If '''layouts''' is checked, paper space objects will be imported too.

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Check '''*blocks''' if you want anonymous blocks (which have names beginning with a *) to be imported too.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Create}}
| {{MenuCommand|Create}}
| Select what will be created.<br/>If '''simple Part shapes''' is selected, only standard Part objects will be created. This is the fastest.
| Select what will be created.

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If '''simple Part shapes''' is selected, only standard Part objects will be created. This is the fastest.


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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Scale factor to apply to imported files}}
| {{MenuCommand|Scale factor to apply to imported files}}
| Scale factor to apply to DXF files on import. The factor is the conversion between the unit of your DXF file and millimeters. Example: for files in millimeters: 1, in centimeters: 10, in meters: 1000, in inches: 25.4, in feet: 304.8
| Scale factor to apply to DXF files on import. The factor is the conversion between the units of your DXF file and millimeters. Example: for files in millimeters: 1, in centimeters: 10, in meters: 1000, in inches: 25.4, in feet: 304.8.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Get original colors from the DXF file}}
| {{MenuCommand|Get original colors from the DXF file}}
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Group layers into blocks}}
| {{MenuCommand|Group layers into blocks}}
| If checked, objects from the same layers will be joined into [[Draft Block|Draft Blocks]], turning the display faster, but making them less easily editable. <!-- Draft Blocks are internal elements in Draft, basically a Part.Compound; they aren't exposed in the graphical interface; see Draft.makeBlock in the source code.-->
| If checked, objects from the same layers will be joined into Draft Blocks, which display faster, but are less easily editable. <!-- Draft Blocks are internal elements in Draft, basically a Part.Compound; they aren't exposed in the graphical interface; see Draft.makeBlock in the source code.-->
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use standard font size for texts}}
| {{MenuCommand|Use standard font size for texts}}
| If checked, imported texts will get the standard [[Draft_Text|Draft Text]] size, instead of the size they have in the DXF document
| If checked, imported texts will get the standard [[Draft_Text|Draft Text]] size, instead of the size they have in the DXF document.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use VisGroups}}
| {{MenuCommand|Use Layers}}
| If checked, DXF layers will be imported as [[Draft_VisGroup|Draft VisGroups]]
| If checked, DXF layers will be imported as [[Draft_Layer|Draft Layers]].
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import hatch boundaries as wires}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import hatch boundaries as wires}}
| If checked, hatches will be converted into simple wires
| If checked, hatches will be converted to simple wires.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Render polylines with width}}
| {{MenuCommand|Render polylines with width}}
| If checked, if polylines have a width defined, they will be rendered as closed wires with the correct width
| If checked, if polylines have a width defined, they will be rendered as closed wires with the correct width.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Treat ellipses and splines as polylines}}
| {{MenuCommand|Treat ellipses and splines as polylines}}
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The setting '''Max Spline Segment''' is then the maximum length of each of the polyline segments. If it is set to '0' the whole spline is treated as a straight segment.
The setting '''Max Spline Segment''' is then the maximum length of each of the polyline segments. If it is set to '''0''' the whole spline is treated as a straight segment.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export 3D objects as polyface meshes}}
| {{MenuCommand|Export 3D objects as polyface meshes}}
| If checked, all objects containing faces will be exported as 3D polyfaces
| If checked, all objects containing faces will be exported as 3D polyfaces.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export Drawing Views as blocks}}
| {{MenuCommand|Export Drawing Views as blocks}}
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Project exported objects along current view direction}}
| {{MenuCommand|Project exported objects along current view direction}}
| If checked, the exported objects will be projected to reflect the current view direction
| If checked, the exported objects will be projected to reflect the current view direction. This option only works if the legacy Python exporter is used.
|}
|}


==IGES== <!--T:158-->
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[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_DXF.png]]

===IGES=== <!--T:158-->


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The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGES Initial Graphics Exchange Specification] (IGES) file format is a file format that allows the digital exchange of information among CAD systems. After publication of the [[Preferences_Editor#STEP|STEP]] file format, IGES development was stopped in 1996, but it is still supported by many CAD programs.
The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGES Initial Graphics Exchange Specification] (IGES) file format is a file format that allows the digital exchange of information among CAD systems. After publication of the [[Preferences_Editor#STEP|STEP]] file format, IGES development was stopped in 1996, but it is still supported by many CAD programs. IGES files have the {{FileName|.iges}} or {{FileName|.igs}} extension.


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The tab ''IGES'' is only shown in the preferences if you are in the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Module|Part]], [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign]] or [[Image:Workbench_OpenSCAD.svg|24px]] [[OpenSCAD_Workbench|OpenSCAD]] workbenches or if you have been in these workbenches before.
The tab ''IGES'' is only shown in the preferences if the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Workbench|Part Workbench]], [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]], or [[Image:Workbench_OpenSCAD.svg|24px]] [[OpenSCAD_Workbench|OpenSCAD Workbench]] has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.


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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Units for export of IGES}}
| {{MenuCommand|Units for export of IGES}}
| Selection what unit will be used when exporting IGES files
| Select what unit will be used when exporting IGES files.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Write solids and shells as}}
| {{MenuCommand|Write solids and shells as}}
| Selection how solids and shells should be output.
| Select how solids and shells should be output.


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If '''Groups of Trimmed Surfaces (type 144)''' is selected, they will be exported as [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Trimmed_Surface_.28Type_144.29 trimmed surface].
If '''Groups of Trimmed Surfaces (type 144)''' is selected, they will be exported as [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Trimmed_Surface_.28Type_144.29 trimmed surfaces].


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If '''Solids (type 186) and Shells (type 514) / B-REP mode''' is selected, solids will be exported as [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Manifold_Solid_B-Rep_Object_.28Type_186.29 manifold solid B-Rep object], shells as [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Shell_.28Type_514.29 shell].
If '''Solids (type 186) and Shells (type 514) / B-REP mode''' is selected, solids will be exported as [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Manifold_Solid_B-Rep_Object_.28Type_186.29 manifold solid B-Rep objects], shells as [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Shell_.28Type_514.29 shells].
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Skip blank entities}}
| {{MenuCommand|Skip blank entities}}
| If checked, blank [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Entities entities] will not be imported
| If checked, blank [https://wiki.eclipse.org/IGES_file_Specification#Entities entities] will not be imported.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Company}}
| {{MenuCommand|Company}}
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the company
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the company.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Author}}
| {{MenuCommand|Author}}
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the author
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the author.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Product}}
| {{MenuCommand|Product}}
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the product
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the product.
|}
|}


==IFC== <!--T:162-->
<!--T:254-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_IGES.png]]

===IFC=== <!--T:162-->


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<!--T:163-->
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Foundation_Classes Industry Foundation Classes] (IFC) is a wide spread format to interchange data between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling BIM] applications, used in architecture and engineering.
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Foundation_Classes Industry Foundation Classes] (IFC) is a wide spread format to exchange data between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling BIM] applications. It is used in architecture and engineering.

<!--T:242-->
Note for Linux users: To handle this file format FreeCAD requires the [[Extra_python_modules|IfcOpenShell module]].

====IFC import==== <!--T:246-->


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For the IFC format you can specify the following:
For import of the IFC format you can specify the following:


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!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show this dialog when importing}}
| If checked, this preferences dialog will be shown when importing IFC files.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show debug messages}}
| {{MenuCommand|Show debug messages}}
| Shows verbose debug messages during import and export of IFC files in the [[Report view|Report view]] [[Std_Panels|panel]].
| Shows verbose debug messages during import and export of IFC files in the [[Report view|Report view]].
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Create clones when objects have shared geometry}}
| {{MenuCommand|Create clones when objects have shared geometry}}
| IFC objects can share a same geometry definition between several objects, only their placement is different. So when this option is enabled, clones are used to achieve the same result in FreeCAD. One object is the base object, the others are clones.
| IFC objects can share a same geometry definition between several objects, only their placement is different. When this option is enabled, clones are used to achieve the same result in FreeCAD. One object is the base object, the others are clones.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Number of cores to use (experimental)}}
| Specify the number of CPU cores to use for IFC import. The maximum number should be smaller than the number of actually available cores. Use '''0''' to disable this feature.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import arch IFC objects as}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import arch IFC objects as}}
| What will be created in FreeCAD for arch IFC objects
| What will be created in FreeCAD for arch IFC objects.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import struct IFC objects as}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import struct IFC objects as}}
| What will be created in FreeCAD for struct IFC objects
| What will be created in FreeCAD for struct IFC objects.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Root element}}
| {{MenuCommand|Root element}}
| Only subtypes of the specified element will be imported. Keep the predefied element ''[http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifckernel/lexical/ifcproduct.htm IfcProduct]'' to import all building elements.
| Only subtypes of the specified element will be imported. Keep the predefined element [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifckernel/lexical/ifcproduct.htm IfcProduct] to import all building elements.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Separate openings}}
| {{MenuCommand|Separate openings}}
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Split multilayer walls}}
| {{MenuCommand|Split multilayer walls}}
| Split walls made of multiple layers
| Split walls made of multiple layers.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Prefix names with ID number}}
| {{MenuCommand|Prefix names with ID number}}
| If checked, object names will be prefixed with the [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcutilityresource/lexical/ifcgloballyuniqueid.htm IFC ID] number.
| If checked, object names will be prefixed with the [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcutilityresource/lexical/ifcgloballyuniqueid.htm IFC ID] number.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Merge materials with same name}}
| {{MenuCommand|Merge materials with same name and same color}}
| If several materials with the same name are found in the IFC file, they will be treated as one.
| If several materials with the same name are found in the IFC file, they will be treated as one.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import Ifc Properties in spreadsheet}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import Ifc Properties in spreadsheet}}
| If checked, each object will have their [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcpropertyresource/lexical/ifcproperty.htm IFC properties] stored in a spreadsheet object.
| If checked, each object will have their [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcpropertyresource/lexical/ifcproperty.htm IFC properties] stored in a spreadsheet object.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Allow invalid shapes}}
| If unchecked invalid shapes are not imported.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Exclude list}}
| {{MenuCommand|Exclude list}}
| A comma-separated list of [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/toc-5.htm IFC entities] to be excluded from imports
| A comma-separated list of [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/toc-5.htm IFC entities] to be excluded from imports.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Fit view while importing}}
| {{MenuCommand|Fit view while importing}}
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To get the FreeCAD properties, the model must have been exported using the option {{MenuCommand|Export full FreeCAD parametric model}}. {{Version|0.19}}
To get the FreeCAD properties, the model must have been exported using the option {{MenuCommand|Export full FreeCAD parametric model}}.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Replace 'Project', 'Site', 'Building' and 'Storey' with 'Group'}}
| If checked, groups will be used to replace the mentioned objects.
|}

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[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_IFC_import.png]]

====IFC export==== <!--T:247-->

<!--T:248-->
For export of the IFC format you can specify the following:

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{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show this dialog when exporting}}
| If checked, this preferences dialog will be shown when exporting IFC files.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export type}}
| Select how the model should be exported: as '''Standard model''', '''Structural Analysis''', or '''Standard + structural'''.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Force export as Brep}}
| {{MenuCommand|Force export as Brep}}
| Some IFC viewers don't like objects exported as extrusions. Use this to force all objects to be exported as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundary_representation BREP] geometry. However, please notice that this makes the object non-parametric. Avoid exporting as Brep if possible.
| Some IFC viewers don't like objects exported as extrusions. Use this to force all objects to be exported as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundary_representation BREP] geometry. But avoid exporting as Brep if possible as this makes objects non-parametric.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use DAE triangulation options}}
| {{MenuCommand|Use DAE triangulation options}}
| Use triangulation options set in the DAE options page
| Use triangulation options set in the DAE options page.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Join coplanar facets when triangulating}}
| {{MenuCommand|Join coplanar facets when triangulating}}
| Curved shapes that cannot be represented as curves in IFC are decomposed into flat facets. If this is checked, some additional calculation is done to join coplanar facets.
| Curved shapes that cannot be represented as curves in IFC are decomposed into flat facets. If this is checked, some additional calculation is done to join coplanar facets.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Store IFC universal ID in FreeCAD objects}}
| {{MenuCommand|Store IFC unique ID in FreeCAD objects}}
| When exporting objects without [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcutilityresource/lexical/ifcgloballyuniqueid.htm unique ID] (UID), the generated UID will be stored inside the FreeCAD object for reuse next time that object is exported. This leads to smaller differences between file versions.
| When exporting objects without a [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcutilityresource/lexical/ifcgloballyuniqueid.htm unique ID] (UID), the generated UID will be stored inside the FreeCAD object for reuse the next time the object is exported. This leads to smaller differences between file versions.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use IfcOpenShell serializer if available}}
| {{MenuCommand|Use IfcOpenShell serializer if available}}
| [[Extra_python_modules#IfcOpenShell|IFCOpenShell]] is a library that allows to import IFC files. Its ''serializer'' functionality allows to give it an [[Glossary#OCC|OCC]] shape and it will produce an adequate IFC geometry: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-uniform_rational_B-spline NURBS], faceted, or anything else.<br/>Note that the serializer this is still an experimental feature.
| [[Extra_python_modules#IfcOpenShell|IFCOpenShell]] is a library for IFC files. Its ''serializer'' functionality can produce valid IFC geometry from [[Glossary#OCC|OCC]] shapes.

<!--T:250-->
Note that this is still an experimental feature.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export 2D objects as IfcAnnotations}}
| {{MenuCommand|Export 2D objects as IfcAnnotations}}
| If checked, 2D objects will be exported as [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcproductextension/lexical/ifcannotation.htm IfcAnnotation]
| If checked, 2D objects will be exported as [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcproductextension/lexical/ifcannotation.htm IfcAnnotation].
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export full FreeCAD parametric model}}
| {{MenuCommand|Export full FreeCAD parametric model}}
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Disable IfcRectangleProfileDef}}
| {{MenuCommand|Disable IfcRectangleProfileDef}}
| When possible, IFC objects that are extruded rectangles will be exported as [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcprofileresource/lexical/ifcrectangleprofiledef.htm IfcRectangleProfileDef]. However, some other applications might have problems importing that entity. If this is your case, you can disable this and then all profiles will be exported as [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcprofileresource/lexical/ifcarbitraryclosedprofiledef.htm IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef].
| Whenever possible, IFC objects that are extruded rectangles will be exported as [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcprofileresource/lexical/ifcrectangleprofiledef.htm IfcRectangleProfileDef]. For applications that have problems importing these entities, select this option to ensure that all profiles are exported as [http://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcprofileresource/lexical/ifcarbitraryclosedprofiledef.htm IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef] instead.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Auto-detect and export as standard cases when applicable}}
| {{MenuCommand|Auto-detect and export as standard cases when applicable}}
| Some IFC types such as [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcwall.htm IfcWall] or [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcbeam.htm IfcBeam] have special standard versions like [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcwallstandardcase.htm IfcWallStandardCase] or [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcbeamstandardcase.htm IfcBeamStandardCase]. If this option is turned on, FreeCAD will automatically export such objects as standard cases when the necessary conditions are met. {{Version|0.19}}
| Some IFC types such as [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcwall.htm IfcWall] or [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcbeam.htm IfcBeam] have special standard versions like [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcwallstandardcase.htm IfcWallStandardCase] or [https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/ADD1/HTML/schema/ifcsharedbldgelements/lexical/ifcbeamstandardcase.htm IfcBeamStandardCase]. If this option is selected, FreeCAD will automatically export such objects as standard cases when the necessary conditions are met.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Add default site if one is not found in the document}}
| {{MenuCommand|Add default site if one is not found in the document}}
| When exporting an IFC file, if no site is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one will be added. A site is not mandatory by the IFC standard, but a common practice to have at least one in the file. {{Version|0.19}}
| When exporting an IFC file, if no site is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one is added. A site is not mandatory according to the IFC standard, but it is common practice to have at least one in the file.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Add default building if one is not found in the document (no standard)}}
| {{MenuCommand|Add default building if one is not found in the document (no standard)}}
| When exporting an IFC file, if no building is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one will be added.
| When exporting an IFC file, if no building is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one is added.


<!--T:203-->
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<!--T:204-->
<!--T:204-->
However, at FreeCAD we believe having a building should not be mandatory, and this option is there to have a chance to demonstrate our point of view. {{Version|0.19}}
However, at FreeCAD we believe having a building should not be mandatory, and this option is there to have a chance to demonstrate our point of view.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Add default building storey if one is not found in the document}}
| {{MenuCommand|Add default building storey if one is not found in the document}}
| When exporting an IFC file, if no building storey is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one will be added. A building storey is not mandatory by the IFC standard, but a common practice to have at least one in the file. {{Version|0.19}}
| When exporting an IFC file, if no building storey is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one is added. A building storey is not mandatory according to the IFC standard, but it is common practice to have at least one in the file.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|IFC file units}}
| Select which units will be used when exporting IFC files.
|}
|}


==INP== <!--T:166-->
<!--T:256-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_IFC_export.png]]

===INP=== <!--T:166-->


<!--T:167-->
<!--T:167-->
INP is the input file format for the FEM software [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abaqus Abaqus]. It is used for the solver [[FEM_CalculiX|CalculiX]] in the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM_Module|FEM Workbench]].
INP is the input file format for the FEM software [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abaqus Abaqus]. It is used for the [[FEM_CalculiX|CalculiX]] solver in the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM_Workbench|FEM Workbench]].


<!--T:168-->
<!--T:168-->
The tab ''Abaqus INP'' is only shown in the preferences if you are or if you have been in the [[FEM_Module|FEM Workbench]] before.
The tab ''INP'' is only shown in the preferences if the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM_Workbench|FEM Workbench]] has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.


<!--T:205-->
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Which mesh elements to export}}
| {{MenuCommand|Which mesh elements to export}}
| Selection what mesh element parameters should be exported.
| Select which mesh elements should be exported.


<!--T:206-->
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<!--T:207-->
<!--T:207-->
If '''Highest''' is selected, only the highest elements will be exported. This means for means volumes for a volume mesh and faces for a shell mesh.
If '''Highest''' is selected, only the highest elements will be exported. This means volumes for a volume mesh and faces for a shell mesh.


<!--T:208-->
<!--T:208-->
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|}
|}


==Mesh Formats== <!--T:170-->
<!--T:257-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_INP.png]]

===IPT=== <!--T:266-->

<!--T:267-->
{{Version|0.21}}

<!--T:268-->
TBD.

===Mesh Formats=== <!--T:170-->


<!--T:171-->
<!--T:171-->
Meshes are a special type of 3D object, composed of triangular faces connected by their [[Glossary#Vertex|vertices]] and edges. They are widely used for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing additive manufacturing]. FreeCAD provides the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]] to create and handle meshes.
Meshes are a special type of 3D object, composed of triangular faces connected by their [[Glossary#Vertex|vertices]] and edges. They are widely used for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing additive manufacturing]. FreeCAD provides the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]] to create and handle meshes.
FreeCAD supports several mesh file formats.
FreeCAD supports the file formats [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Additive_manufacturing_file_format AMF] and its predecessors [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format) STL], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavefront_.obj_file OBJ], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OFF_(file_format) OFF], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PLY_(file_format) PLY] and [http://people.sc.fsu.edu/~jburkardt/data/smf/smf.html SMF].


<!--T:172-->
<!--T:172-->
The tab ''Mesh Formats'' is only shown in the preferences if you are in the [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]] or if you have been in this workbench before.
The tab ''Mesh Formats'' is only shown in the preferences if the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]] has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.


<!--T:209-->
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Maximum mesh deviation}}
| {{MenuCommand|Maximum mesh deviation}}
| Specification of the maximal deviation between the mesh and the object
| Specification of the maximal deviation between the mesh and the object.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export AMF files using compression}}
| {{MenuCommand|Export AMF files using compression}}
| If checked, ZIP compression is used when writing a mesh file in AMF format
| If checked, ZIP compression is used when writing a mesh file in AMF format.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Width}}
| Width of Asymptote page.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Height}}
| Height of Asymptote page.
|}
|}


==OCA== <!--T:174-->
<!--T:258-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_Mesh_Formats.png]]

===OCA=== <!--T:174-->


<!--T:175-->
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import OCA areas}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import OCA areas}}
| If checked, the areas (3D faces) will be imported too
| If checked, the areas (3D faces) will be imported too.
|}
|}


==STEP== <!--T:178-->
<!--T:259-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_OCA.png]]

===STEP=== <!--T:178-->


<!--T:179-->
<!--T:179-->
The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10303 standard for the exchange of product model data] (STEP) file format is an ISO standard for the computer-interpretable representation and exchange of product manufacturing information. STEP is therefore commonly used to exchange 3D data between CAD software. STEP files have the suffix {{FileName|.step}} or sometimes {{FileName|.stp}}.
The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10303 Standard for The Exchange of Product model data] (STEP) file format is an ISO standard for the computer-interpretable representation and exchange of product manufacturing information. STEP is commonly used to exchange 3D data between CAD software. STEP files have the {{FileName|.step}} or {{FileName|.stp}} extension. For compressed files the {{FileName|.stpz}} extension is used.


<!--T:180-->
<!--T:180-->
The tab ''STEP'' is only shown in the preferences if you are in the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Module|Part]] or [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign]] workbench or if you have been in these workbenches before.<br/>For the STEP format you can specify the following:
The tab ''STEP'' is only shown in the preferences if the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Workbench|Part Workbench]], [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]], or [[Image:Workbench_OpenSCAD.svg|24px]] [[OpenSCAD_Workbench|OpenSCAD Workbench]] has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.

<!--T:227-->
For the STEP format you can specify the following:


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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Units for export of STEP}}
| {{MenuCommand|Units for export of STEP}}
| Selection what unit will be used when exporting STEP files
| Select which units will be used when exporting STEP files.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Write out curves in parametric space of surface}}
| {{MenuCommand|Write out curves in parametric space of surface}}
| If checked, parametric curves (curves in parametric space of surface) will be written into the STEP file. Unchecking the option can be helpful to minimize the size of the resulting STEP file.
| If checked, parametric curves (curves in parametric space of surfaces) will be written into the STEP file. Unchecking the option can be helpful to minimize the size of the resulting STEP file.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export invisible objects}}
| Uncheck this to skip invisible object when exporting, which is useful for CAD applications that do not support invisibility STEP styling.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export single object placement}}
| Check this option to keep the placement information when exporting a single object. Please note that when re-importing the STEP file, the placement will be encoded into the shape geometry, instead of keeping it inside the Placement property.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use legacy exporter}}
| Use the legacy exporter.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Scheme}}
| {{MenuCommand|Scheme}}
| Selection what STEP application protocol (AP) will be used for the export.
| Select the STEP application protocol (AP) to be used for the export.


<!--T:210-->
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<!--T:211-->
<!--T:211-->
'''AP 204''' is the protocol for core data for automotive mechanical design processes.
'''AP 214''' is the protocol for core data for automotive mechanical design processes.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Enable STEP Compound merge}}
| {{MenuCommand|Enable STEP Compound merge}}
| If checked, a [[Glossary#Compound|compound]] merge will be done during file reading. This is slower but results in higher details.
| If checked, a [[Glossary#Compound|compound]] merge will be done during file reading. This is slower but results in higher details.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use LinkGroup}}
| Select this to use App::LinkGroup group containers instead of App::Part group containers.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import invisible objects}}
| Select this to import invisible objects.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Reduce number of objects}}
| Reduce the number of objects using Link arrays.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Expand compound shape}}
| Expand compound shapes with multiple solids.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show progress bar when importing}}
| Show a progress bar when importing.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Ignore instance names}}
| Do not use instance names. Useful for some legacy STEP files with non-meaningful auto-generated instance names.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Mode}}
| Select the required document structure.

<!--T:232-->
'''Single document'''

<!--T:233-->
'''Assembly per document'''

<!--T:234-->
'''Assembly per document in sub-directory'''

<!--T:235-->
'''Object per document'''

<!--T:236-->
'''Object per document in sub-directory'''
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Company}}
| {{MenuCommand|Company}}
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the company
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the company.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Author}}
| {{MenuCommand|Author}}
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the author
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the author.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Product}}
| {{MenuCommand|Product}}
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the product
| If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the product.
|}
|}


==SVG== <!--T:182-->
<!--T:260-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_STEP.png]]

===SVG=== <!--T:182-->


<!--T:183-->
<!--T:183-->
[[SVG|Scalable Vector Graphics]] (SVG) is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics vector image] format for two-dimensional graphics. The vectors make SVG are very useful for technical drawing programs like FreeCAD's [[TechDraw_Module|TechDraw Workbench]] because a vector image can be scaled to any size without losing its shape or amount of details. SVG can be scaled to any required resolution and converted to bitmap formats like PNG or JPEG for printing.
[[SVG|Scalable Vector Graphics]] (SVG) is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics vector image] format for two-dimensional graphics. A vector image can be scaled to any size without losing its shape or details. An SVG image can be converted to bitmap formats like PNG or JPEG for printing.


<!--T:184-->
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Import style}}
| {{MenuCommand|Import style}}
| Selection how SVG object colors and line widths will be imported.
| Select how SVG object colors and line widths will be imported.


<!--T:212-->
<!--T:212-->
If '''None (fastest)''' is selected no color and line width settings will be imported.
If '''None (fastest)''' is selected no color or line width settings will be imported.


<!--T:213-->
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Disable units scaling}}
| {{MenuCommand|Disable units scaling}}
| If checked, no units conversion will occur. One unit in the SVG file will translate as one millimeter.
| If checked, no unit conversion will occur. One unit in the SVG file will translate as one millimeter.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Export style}}
| {{MenuCommand|Export style}}
| Selection how Sketches are exported to SVG.
| Select how Sketches are exported to SVG.


<!--T:215-->
<!--T:215-->
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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Translate white line color to black}}
| {{MenuCommand|Translate white line color to black}}
| If checked, all white lines will appear in black in the SVG for better readability against white backgrounds
| If checked, all white lines will appear in black in the SVG for better readability against white backgrounds.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Max segment length for discretized arcs}}
| {{MenuCommand|Max segment length for discretized arcs}}
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|}
|}


==VTK== <!--T:186-->
<!--T:261-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_SVG.png]]

===VTK=== <!--T:186-->


<!--T:187-->
<!--T:187-->
The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTK Visualization Toolkit] (VTK) is an open-source, freely available software system for 3D computer graphics, image processing and visualization. VTK files are used by the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM_Module|FEM workbench]] for the [[FEM_Post_Processing_based_on_VTK|post processing]] of simulation results.
The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTK Visualization Toolkit] (VTK) is an open-source, freely available software system for 3D computer graphics, image processing and visualization. VTK files are used by the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM_Workbench|FEM Workbench]] for the [[FEM_Post_Processing_based_on_VTK|post processing]] of simulation results.


<!--T:188-->
<!--T:188-->
The tab ''VTK'' is only shown in the preferences if you are or if you have been in the [[FEM_Module|FEM Workbench]] before.
The tab ''VTK'' is only shown in the preferences if the [[Image:Workbench_FEM.svg|24px]] [[FEM_Workbench|FEM Workbench]] has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.


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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Which object to import into}}
| {{MenuCommand|Which object to import into}}
| Selection what objects should be imported.
| Select what objects should be imported.


<!--T:218-->
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If '''FreeCAD result object''' is selected, the imported data will be converted into a FreeCAD FEM Result object. '''Note:''' this setting needs the exact result component names and thus it only works properly with VTK files exported from FreeCAD.
If '''FreeCAD result object''' is selected, the imported data will be converted into a FreeCAD FEM Result object. '''Note:''' this setting needs the exact result component names and thus it only works properly with VTK files exported from FreeCAD.
|}
|}

<!--T:262-->
[[Image:Preferences_Import_Export_Tab_VTK.png]]



<!--T:193-->
<!--T:193-->
{{Docnav
{{Docnav
|[[Preferences Editor|Preferences Editor]]
|[[Preferences_Editor|Preferences Editor]]
|[[Start_up_and_Configuration|Start up and Configuration]]
|[[Interface Customization|Interface Customization]]
}}
}}


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{{Userdocnavi{{#translation:}}}}
{{Userdocnavi{{#translation:}}}}
[[Category:Common Questions{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Common Questions{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Formats{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Preferences{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:File_Formats{{#translation:}}]]

Latest revision as of 15:50, 28 June 2023

Introduction

FreeCAD can import and export many file formats. For some formats dedicated preferences exist. These can be found in the Preferences editor, in the menu Edit → Preferences → Import-Export.

Not all import and export preferences tabs are available by default. For some a workbench has to be loaded first.

Notes

TechDraw pages

The DXF and SVG preferences listed here are not used by the Export Page as SVG and Export Page as DXF commands of the TechDraw Workbench, or by the TechDraw export option: File → Export → Technical Drawing (*.svg *.dxf *.pdf).

OpenSCAD files

The import and export preferences for OpenSCAD files are listed in a different part of the Preferences editor. See the OpenSCAD Preferences.

Related

See the following pages for additional information:

Available preferences

DAE

The Collada DAE (Digital Asset Exchange) format is a standard file format for exchange of Mesh data. FreeCAD can import meshes from .dae files, and export Shape-based objects to the .dae format.

Note for Linux users: To handle this file format FreeCAD requires the pyCollada module.

For the DAE format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Scaling factor All dimensions in the file will be scaled with the specified factor.
Mesher Sets the meshing program that should be used. If using Netgen, make sure that it is available. This can be checked by using the Mesh Workbench and creating a mesh using Netgen. If it is not available another version of FreeCAD, compiled with Netgen, must be installed.
Tessellation The tessellation value to use with the Builtin and the Mefisto meshing program.
Grading The grading value to use for meshing using Netgen. This value describes how fast the mesh size decreases. The gradient of the local mesh size h(x) is bound by abs(Δh(x)) ≤ 1/value.
Segments per edge The maximum number of segments per edge.
Segments per radius The number of segments per radius.
Second order Allow a second order mesh.
Optimize Allow optimization.
Allow quads Allow quadrilateral faces.

DWG

DWG (from drawing) is a proprietary, closed source, binary file format for storing 2D and 3D design data and metadata. FreeCAD requires external converters to process DWG files.

Note: All settings for the DXF file format also apply to DWG.

For the DWG format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Conversion method Select the DWG converter to use:
  • Automatic: FreeCAD will try to find a converter automatically following the order of the rest of this list. introduced in version 0.21: For LibreDWG the OS search path is searched (os.getenv("PATH")), for the other converters default installation paths are assumed.
  • LibreDWG: LibreDWG is an open-source DWG reading and writing library. It lacks support for several DWG entities, and may not always give faithful results.
  • ODA Converter: The ODA File Converter is a free utility provided by the Open Design Alliance. It gives very good and reliable results.
  • QCAD pro: QCAD pro is the paid version of the open-source QCAD DXF-based 2D CAD platform. Its DWG converter uses the Teigha libraries from the OpenDesign Alliance and therefore gives the same good results as the ODA File Converter.

introduced in version 0.20

Path to file converter If FreeCAD is unable to find a converter you need to specify a path here:
  • LibreDWG: dwg2dxf or dxf2dwg on Linux and macOS, dwg2dxf.exe or dxf2dwg.exe on Windows. Either filename can be specified for both the conversion from DWG and to DWG.
  • ODA Converter: ODAFileConverter on Linux and macOS, ODAFileConverter.exe on Windows.
  • QCAD pro: dwg2dwg (a bash script) on Linux and macOS, dwg2dwg.bat on Windows.

introduced in version 0.20

introduced in version 0.21: The path must contain the correct filename.

DXF

AutoCAD DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) is a proprietary format to exchange CAD data between AutoCAD and other programs.

For the DXF format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Show this dialog when importing and exporting If checked, this preferences dialog will be shown when importing or exporting DXF files.
Use legacy python importer If checked, the Python importer is used, otherwise the newer C++ one. The C++ importer is faster, but has not as many features yet.

The Python importer uses the Edit → Preferences... → Draft → General settings → Internal precision level preference. For an accurate import result set this value to 8 or higher.

Use legacy python exporter If checked, the Python exporter is used, otherwise the newer C++ one. The C++ exporter is faster, but has not as many features yet.
Allow FreeCAD to automatically download and update the DXF libraries By checking this, you will allow FreeCAD to download the Python converter for DXF import and export. This converter cannot be bundled with FreeCAD because it has a different software license.
Import Select what will be imported.

If texts and dimensions is unchecked, texts and mtexts won't be imported.

If points is unchecked, points won't be imported.

If layouts is checked, paper space objects will be imported too.

Check *blocks if you want anonymous blocks (which have names beginning with a *) to be imported too.

Create Select what will be created.

If simple Part shapes is selected, only standard Part objects will be created. This is the fastest.

If Draft objects is selected, parametric Draft objects will be created whenever possible.

If Sketches is selected, sketches will be created whenever possible.

Scale factor to apply to imported files Scale factor to apply to DXF files on import. The factor is the conversion between the units of your DXF file and millimeters. Example: for files in millimeters: 1, in centimeters: 10, in meters: 1000, in inches: 25.4, in feet: 304.8.
Get original colors from the DXF file If checked, colors will be retrieved from the DXF objects whenever possible. Otherwise default colors will be applied.
Join geometry If checked, FreeCAD will try to join coincident objects into wires. Note that this can take a while!
Group layers into blocks If checked, objects from the same layers will be joined into Draft Blocks, which display faster, but are less easily editable.
Use standard font size for texts If checked, imported texts will get the standard Draft Text size, instead of the size they have in the DXF document.
Use Layers If checked, DXF layers will be imported as Draft Layers.
Import hatch boundaries as wires If checked, hatches will be converted to simple wires.
Render polylines with width If checked, if polylines have a width defined, they will be rendered as closed wires with the correct width.
Treat ellipses and splines as polylines The export of ellipses and splines is poorly supported. Use this option to export them as polylines instead.

The setting Max Spline Segment is then the maximum length of each of the polyline segments. If it is set to 0 the whole spline is treated as a straight segment.

Export 3D objects as polyface meshes If checked, all objects containing faces will be exported as 3D polyfaces.
Export Drawing Views as blocks If this is checked, Drawing Views will be exported as blocks. This might fail for post DXF R12 templates.
Project exported objects along current view direction If checked, the exported objects will be projected to reflect the current view direction. This option only works if the legacy Python exporter is used.

IGES

The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) file format is a file format that allows the digital exchange of information among CAD systems. After publication of the STEP file format, IGES development was stopped in 1996, but it is still supported by many CAD programs. IGES files have the .iges or .igs extension.

The tab IGES is only shown in the preferences if the Part Workbench, PartDesign Workbench, or OpenSCAD Workbench has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.

For the IGES format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Units for export of IGES Select what unit will be used when exporting IGES files.
Write solids and shells as Select how solids and shells should be output.

If Groups of Trimmed Surfaces (type 144) is selected, they will be exported as trimmed surfaces.

If Solids (type 186) and Shells (type 514) / B-REP mode is selected, solids will be exported as manifold solid B-Rep objects, shells as shells.

Skip blank entities If checked, blank entities will not be imported.
Company If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the company.
Author If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the author.
Product If not empty, the entered text will be used in the IGES file header for the product.

IFC

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is a wide spread format to exchange data between BIM applications. It is used in architecture and engineering.

Note for Linux users: To handle this file format FreeCAD requires the IfcOpenShell module.

IFC import

For import of the IFC format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Show this dialog when importing If checked, this preferences dialog will be shown when importing IFC files.
Show debug messages Shows verbose debug messages during import and export of IFC files in the Report view.
Create clones when objects have shared geometry IFC objects can share a same geometry definition between several objects, only their placement is different. When this option is enabled, clones are used to achieve the same result in FreeCAD. One object is the base object, the others are clones.
Number of cores to use (experimental) Specify the number of CPU cores to use for IFC import. The maximum number should be smaller than the number of actually available cores. Use 0 to disable this feature.
Import arch IFC objects as What will be created in FreeCAD for arch IFC objects.
Import struct IFC objects as What will be created in FreeCAD for struct IFC objects.
Root element Only subtypes of the specified element will be imported. Keep the predefined element IfcProduct to import all building elements.
Separate openings If checked, openings will be imported as subtractions, otherwise wall shapes will already have their openings subtracted.
Detect extrusions If checked, the importer will try to detect extrusions. Note that this might slow things down.
Split multilayer walls Split walls made of multiple layers.
Prefix names with ID number If checked, object names will be prefixed with the IFC ID number.
Merge materials with same name and same color If several materials with the same name are found in the IFC file, they will be treated as one.
Import Ifc Properties in spreadsheet If checked, each object will have their IFC properties stored in a spreadsheet object.
Allow invalid shapes If unchecked invalid shapes are not imported.
Exclude list A comma-separated list of IFC entities to be excluded from imports.
Fit view while importing Fit view during import on the imported objects. This will slow down the import, but one can watch the import.
Import full FreeCAD parametric definitions if available Creates a full parametric model on import using stored FreeCAD object properties.

To get the FreeCAD properties, the model must have been exported using the option Export full FreeCAD parametric model.

Replace 'Project', 'Site', 'Building' and 'Storey' with 'Group' If checked, groups will be used to replace the mentioned objects.

IFC export

For export of the IFC format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Show this dialog when exporting If checked, this preferences dialog will be shown when exporting IFC files.
Export type Select how the model should be exported: as Standard model, Structural Analysis, or Standard + structural.
Force export as Brep Some IFC viewers don't like objects exported as extrusions. Use this to force all objects to be exported as BREP geometry. But avoid exporting as Brep if possible as this makes objects non-parametric.
Use DAE triangulation options Use triangulation options set in the DAE options page.
Join coplanar facets when triangulating Curved shapes that cannot be represented as curves in IFC are decomposed into flat facets. If this is checked, some additional calculation is done to join coplanar facets.
Store IFC unique ID in FreeCAD objects When exporting objects without a unique ID (UID), the generated UID will be stored inside the FreeCAD object for reuse the next time the object is exported. This leads to smaller differences between file versions.
Use IfcOpenShell serializer if available IFCOpenShell is a library for IFC files. Its serializer functionality can produce valid IFC geometry from OCC shapes.

Note that this is still an experimental feature.

Export 2D objects as IfcAnnotations If checked, 2D objects will be exported as IfcAnnotation.
Export full FreeCAD parametric model If checked, all FreeCAD object properties will be stored inside the exported objects, allowing to recreate a full parametric model on reimport using the option Import full FreeCAD parametric definitions if available.
Reuse similar entities If checked, similar entities will be used only once in the file if possible. This can reduce the file size a lot, but will make it less easily readable.
Disable IfcRectangleProfileDef Whenever possible, IFC objects that are extruded rectangles will be exported as IfcRectangleProfileDef. For applications that have problems importing these entities, select this option to ensure that all profiles are exported as IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef instead.
Auto-detect and export as standard cases when applicable Some IFC types such as IfcWall or IfcBeam have special standard versions like IfcWallStandardCase or IfcBeamStandardCase. If this option is selected, FreeCAD will automatically export such objects as standard cases when the necessary conditions are met.
Add default site if one is not found in the document When exporting an IFC file, if no site is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one is added. A site is not mandatory according to the IFC standard, but it is common practice to have at least one in the file.
Add default building if one is not found in the document (no standard) When exporting an IFC file, if no building is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one is added.

Warning: The IFC standard asks for at least one building in each file. By turning this option off, you will produce a non-standard IFC file.

However, at FreeCAD we believe having a building should not be mandatory, and this option is there to have a chance to demonstrate our point of view.

Add default building storey if one is not found in the document When exporting an IFC file, if no building storey is found in the FreeCAD document, a default one is added. A building storey is not mandatory according to the IFC standard, but it is common practice to have at least one in the file.
IFC file units Select which units will be used when exporting IFC files.

INP

INP is the input file format for the FEM software Abaqus. It is used for the CalculiX solver in the FEM Workbench.

The tab INP is only shown in the preferences if the FEM Workbench has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.

For the INP format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Which mesh elements to export Select which mesh elements should be exported.

If All is selected, all elements will be exported.

If Highest is selected, only the highest elements will be exported. This means volumes for a volume mesh and faces for a shell mesh.

If FEM is selected, only FEM elements will be exported. This means only edges not belonging to faces and faces not belonging to volumes.

Export group data If checked, mesh groups are exported too. Every constraint and, if there are different materials, material consists of two mesh groups, faces and nodes where the constraint or material is applied.

IPT

introduced in version 0.21

TBD.

Mesh Formats

Meshes are a special type of 3D object, composed of triangular faces connected by their vertices and edges. They are widely used for additive manufacturing. FreeCAD provides the Mesh Workbench to create and handle meshes. FreeCAD supports several mesh file formats.

The tab Mesh Formats is only shown in the preferences if the Mesh Workbench has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.

For the Mesh formats you can specify the following:

Name Description
Maximum mesh deviation Specification of the maximal deviation between the mesh and the object.
Export AMF files using compression If checked, ZIP compression is used when writing a mesh file in AMF format.
Width Width of Asymptote page.
Height Height of Asymptote page.

OCA

The OCA file format is a community project to create a free, simple and open CAD file format. OCA is largely based on the GCAD file format generated by gCAD3D. Both formats can be imported in FreeCAD and the OCA files exported by FreeCAD can be opened in gCAD3D.

For the OCA format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Import OCA areas If checked, the areas (3D faces) will be imported too.

STEP

The Standard for The Exchange of Product model data (STEP) file format is an ISO standard for the computer-interpretable representation and exchange of product manufacturing information. STEP is commonly used to exchange 3D data between CAD software. STEP files have the .step or .stp extension. For compressed files the .stpz extension is used.

The tab STEP is only shown in the preferences if the Part Workbench, PartDesign Workbench, or OpenSCAD Workbench has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.

For the STEP format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Units for export of STEP Select which units will be used when exporting STEP files.
Write out curves in parametric space of surface If checked, parametric curves (curves in parametric space of surfaces) will be written into the STEP file. Unchecking the option can be helpful to minimize the size of the resulting STEP file.
Export invisible objects Uncheck this to skip invisible object when exporting, which is useful for CAD applications that do not support invisibility STEP styling.
Export single object placement Check this option to keep the placement information when exporting a single object. Please note that when re-importing the STEP file, the placement will be encoded into the shape geometry, instead of keeping it inside the Placement property.
Use legacy exporter Use the legacy exporter.
Scheme Select the STEP application protocol (AP) to be used for the export.

AP 203 is the protocol for configuration controlled 3D designs of mechanical parts and assemblies.

AP 214 is the protocol for core data for automotive mechanical design processes.

Enable STEP Compound merge If checked, a compound merge will be done during file reading. This is slower but results in higher details.
Use LinkGroup Select this to use App::LinkGroup group containers instead of App::Part group containers.
Import invisible objects Select this to import invisible objects.
Reduce number of objects Reduce the number of objects using Link arrays.
Expand compound shape Expand compound shapes with multiple solids.
Show progress bar when importing Show a progress bar when importing.
Ignore instance names Do not use instance names. Useful for some legacy STEP files with non-meaningful auto-generated instance names.
Mode Select the required document structure.

Single document

Assembly per document

Assembly per document in sub-directory

Object per document

Object per document in sub-directory

Company If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the company.
Author If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the author.
Product If not empty, the entered text will be used in the STEP file header for the product.

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a vector image format for two-dimensional graphics. A vector image can be scaled to any size without losing its shape or details. An SVG image can be converted to bitmap formats like PNG or JPEG for printing.

For the SVG format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Import style Select how SVG object colors and line widths will be imported.

If None (fastest) is selected no color or line width settings will be imported.

If Use default color and linewidth is selected FreeCAD will use its default color and line width.

If Original color and linewidth is selected FreeCAD will use the color and linewidth from the SVG objects.

Disable units scaling If checked, no unit conversion will occur. One unit in the SVG file will translate as one millimeter.
Export style Select how Sketches are exported to SVG.

If Translated (for print & display) is selected, SVG objects are encapsulated in a group that is scaled and moved to the correct place in the SVG document to fit into a printable area.

If Raw (for CAM) is selected, SVG objects are placed as they are - at the same coordinates as in the FreeCAD model (1:1 export).

Translate white line color to black If checked, all white lines will appear in black in the SVG for better readability against white backgrounds.
Max segment length for discretized arcs Versions of Open CASCADE older than version 6.8 don't support arc projection. In this case arcs will be discretized into small line segments. This value is the maximum segment length.

VTK

The Visualization Toolkit (VTK) is an open-source, freely available software system for 3D computer graphics, image processing and visualization. VTK files are used by the FEM Workbench for the post processing of simulation results.

The tab VTK is only shown in the preferences if the FEM Workbench has been loaded in the current FreeCAD session.

For the VTK format you can specify the following:

Name Description
Which object to import into Select what objects should be imported.

If VTK result object is selected, a FreeCAD FEM VTK result object will be imported (equals to the object which was exported).

If FEM mesh object is selected, the results in the VTK file will be omitted, only the mesh data will be imported and a FreeCAD FEM mesh object will be created.

If FreeCAD result object is selected, the imported data will be converted into a FreeCAD FEM Result object. Note: this setting needs the exact result component names and thus it only works properly with VTK files exported from FreeCAD.