Can you convert a dxf to svg?

[rbcustomz]

Most of my files are dxf and they will not open up in inkscape... So I would like to convert them to svg or something I can open in inkscape so I can modify them. Any suggestions?

[AndrewMawson]

Inkscape will open DXF files - on the file menu go to IMPORT and select the DXF file type from the drop down menu.

(I've just done it to prove to myself I'm not imagining it !!!!)

[rbcustomz]

Thanks that seemed to work for me! I was always just opened the file instead of importing it. No matter what scaling factor I choose the file seems to import so small that you can barely tell if it is the file or a spec of dust on the computer screen. But wince i found it i was able to select it and enlarge to correct size.

[acourtjester]

In Inkscape the import if for images (BMP, PNG, clip art) and open is for file format like SVG and DXF.
For some DXF files I have opend them in QCAD and save them with a different name (add a letter to the original) that then will open in Inkscape.
Not all software plays nice with each other.

[rbcustomz]

I have been using AutoCAD and im unable to save them as anything other than DXF unfortunately. if i Save as a dwg it just comes up with an error message.

[steel 35]

Make sure you save them in a older version like R14.
I have been able to open some with solid edge then save as dxf like acourt suggests then they (might) open with inkscape.

[Frank W]

I'm about to pull my hair out. Some dxf files will import with Inkscape and others nothing shows up.

I spent a couple of hours this morning getting my old copy of AutoCAD 2000 to install and then trying Qcad so I could open and save them again. They open fine in AutoCAD and in Qcad but it keeps opening distorted in Inkscape.

Any advice?

[acourtjester]

There are a few different versions of DXF to use when you save in QCAD, try them until you find one that works for you.
When you bring them into Inkscape use open in place of import, it seems that DXF and SVG use open and images use import that may help too.

[Frank W]

Thanks for the reply, I've tried saving each version as well as opening and importing each version. Even saving as a dwg and open/import.

[Bigstax]

Inkscape assumes mm.
If your dxf was done in inch manual scale to 25.475 while importing. That has worked for me

[acourtjester]

You can change Inscape to inch see attached image.
But you will need to do it for each drawing.

inch.jpg (50.57 KiB) Viewed 2971 times

inch.jpg (50.57 KiB) Viewed 2971 times

[Brewmaster]

Good info