PDF import and scale to right size

PDF import and scale to right size

lichtpark
Contributor Contributor
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Message 1 of 7

PDF import and scale to right size

lichtpark
Contributor
Contributor

Hello community,

 

I just runnig a test trail of Fusion 360. I need to import a PDF or an 2D DXF file (technical drawing).

But my generell question as a beginner is, how to place a PDF or DXF in my drawing and how to make it scaled?

 

Thank you

Stefan

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17,406 Views
6 Replies
Replies (6)
Message 2 of 7

Bud_Schroeder_ADESK
Alumni
Alumni
Hi Stefan,

Thanks for posting your question to the A360 Forum. I'm going to move your message to the Fusion forum so that the Fusion guys can help answer your question.

If you have any questions about A360 feel free to let us know and hope this helps get you pointed in the right direction for help with Fusion.
Bud Schroeder
AutoCAD Customer Council Beta Programs
Autodesk Inc.

Join the AutoCAD Customer Council Beta Program.


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Message 3 of 7

odolyte
Advocate
Advocate

Hi lichtpark,

 

To my knowledge you can't import a pdf in a design, but you can import dxf files without pb. When you export your dxf, be sure to use the right scale, it should scale the same when imported in fusion.

 

When imported, it should appear like this in your browser :

DXF_imported.jpg

 

Then you can select the sketch(es) and scale them with the Modify Menu > Scale :

modify-scale.jpg

 

Hope that helps..

 

Moebius Factory
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Message 4 of 7

colin.smith
Alumni
Alumni

Hi Stefan, 

 

Are you looking to bring in an image as a background to use as a reference for modeling?

If so, you can't use a PDF as a background image but you can use the most common image files as a background for reference and then calibrate the image so that it is the correct scale.

 

To import and calibrate an image to the background:

Select Model > Insert > Attache Canvas

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 12.13.21 PM.png

 

Select the plane you want the image attached to 

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 12.13.35 PM.png

 

Click on Select Image in the window and pick the image from your computer that you want to use

Use the manipulator on the image to orient it correctly on the plane don't worry to much about the scale yet.

 

While still in the Attach Canvas window change the Opacity of the image (I use 45% depending on the image) and click on Display Through so the image won't block you from modeling.

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 12.17.50 PM.png

 

Select OK

 

Now go to the browser and click on the Canvases folder and the right click on the image file you imported above.

Select Calibrate from the drop down list.

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 12.19.39 PM.png

 

The Calibrate tool allows you to select two points on the image and set the real distance to scale the image to.

On the canvas select two points and enter the desired distance and hit enter.  The canvase will scale accordingly.

For my example I chose the lenght of the handle for the BBQ lid and set it to 12 in.

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 12.19.55 PM.png

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 12.20.12 PM.png

 

 

Hope that helps.

 

Colin

 

Colin Smith
Sr. Product Manager
SketchBook
Alias Create VR (aka Project Sugarhill)
Automotive & Conceptual Design Group
Message 5 of 7

lichtpark
Contributor
Contributor

Hi all,

 

thank you very much for all replys.

Actually I want insert an technical drawing from this side http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/a-series/nc5fah (see Downloads). The DXF or the PDF (vector based) wont load properly. The PDF I can upload to my library, but can't insert. The DXF is obviously to heavy and will Fusion360 to get stuck on insert. I tried both files successfully at a friends place who owns AutoCAD.

I tried the available STEP file which I could import and also insert. Now, I really couldn't figure out how to measure the sizes (width, etc) if this is the excact size.

Screenshot 2015-06-09 um 09.48.56.jpg

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Message 6 of 7

odolyte
Advocate
Advocate

Hi Stefan,

 

Hope this will explain everything : http://autode.sk/1dsq0yG

Moebius Factory
Message 7 of 7

lichtpark
Contributor
Contributor

Hi all,

 

thank you for your replies. They helped a lot.

 

Take care

Stefan

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