Free DXF Files

Inkscape is a great open program, that allows you to create & edit many types of vector files. What I found was that Inkscape had an issue with saving AutoCAD DXF files that will open in many, If not all cad programs. Being the type of person that can't leave well enough alone, & knowing that dxf files are really just simple text files that can be edited in any text editor, I set out to search the net with my trusty sidekick Google.

Now my goal is to get Inkscape to save a dxf file as a version 12 format. After looking at the modified Inkscape files over on bobcookdev.com , I had a good idea what needed to be done to get Inkscape exporting in R12 dxf format.

With the help of cnczone members, two sample files were tested to see If either dxf file had any issues, as of this blog post, no problems.

I have only tested this with Inkscape 0.46 on Windows XP.

Installation:

Download the zip file Inkscape_R12_Dxf.zip (4.51kb). It contains:

*******************************************************************

simpletransform.py (this replaces an existing file)

mydxf_templates.py

mydxf_outlines.inx

mydxf_outlines.py

*******************************************************************

Extract the four files and install them into ( C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\extensions ) this should be the default path that Inkscape saves to when first installing Inkscape, then restart Inkscape to activate.

When you are ready to save a file in Inkscape, the new extension is DXF R12 (*.DXF) , listed in the "Save As..." window.

Free Inkscape training videos are available on my Inkscape video blog.