1. 4) Exporting an IDF file with CircuitWorks

2. CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assemblies
as IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems

3. CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assemblies
as IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems
This is an example of an assembly created by
processing an IDF file with CircuitWorks

4. This is an example of an assembly created by
These two components are in a position that’s going to cause a problem in our SolidWorks assembly
This is an example of an assembly created by
processing an IDF file with CircuitWorks

5. The two components are moved in SolidWorks

6. We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF
file, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

7. We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF
To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu
We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF
file, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

8. …or click the ‘Save As IDF’ icon
To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu
…or click the ‘Save As IDF’ icon

9. CircuitWorks will display the IDF Export Wizard with
two Options: Express export or Full export

10. Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved

11. Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved
Full export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made

12. As we’ve only moved two components, Express export has been selected
Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved
Full export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made
As we’ve only moved two components,
Express export has been selected

13. Click Next > to continue the export process

14. CircuitWorks prompts for a filename and
location for the newly created IDF file

15. Type a filename

16. Type a filename
and click Save

17. CircuitWorks reports that the file has been successfully exported

18. Click ‘Cancel’ to close the export wizard

20. CircuitWorks can also write out IDF data when more
major changes have been made to the board or assembly

22. Here the sketch profile has been modified,
additional holes added and components moved

23. Click ‘Save As IDF…’ to save the assembly to an IDF file

24. CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

25. This time full export is selected
CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

26. Click Next > to continue the export process

27. The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for board options

28. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0
The next page of the Export Wizard
prompts for board options

29. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0
Set an alternative board thickness if required

30. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0
Set an alternative board thickness if required
If holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here

31. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0
Set an alternative board thickness if required
If holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here
Click Next > to continue the export process

32. The next page of the Export Wizard
prompts for other features to export

33. Select which features to export from the list
The next page of the Export Wizard
prompts for other features to export

34. The next page of the Export Wizard
If you’re exporting the file in IDF 3.0 format, the owner of the features can be set here
The next page of the Export Wizard
prompts for other features to export

35. Click Next > to continue the export process

36. The final page of the Export Wizard
prompts for advanced export options

37. The name of the exporting system can be set here
The final page of the Export Wizard
prompts for advanced export options

38. The name of the exporting system can be set here
Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators
The final page of the Export Wizard
prompts for advanced export options

39. The name of the exporting system can be set here
The other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems
The name of the exporting system can be set here
The name of the exporting system can be set here
Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators
The final page of the Export Wizard
prompts for advanced export options

40. The name of the exporting system can be set here
The other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems
The name of the exporting system can be set here
The name of the exporting system can be set here
Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators
Click Next > to start the export process

41. CircuitWorks will prompt for a filename and location for the IDF file

42. Click Save to save the IDF file and start the export process

43. CircuitWorks reports its progress as the
board and components are exported

44. CircuitWorks will display a message when export is complete

45. Click OK to close the Export Wizard

46. If you want to check your assembly has exported correctly,
you can open the newly created IDF file in CircuitWorks

47. Browse to and open the IDF file CircuitWorks has just exported

48. The Import wizard shows the new board outline profile

49. The exported assembly re-imported into SolidWorks

50. For more information or to download an evaluation copy of CircuitWorks, visit or