Supported File Formats

File formats supported by the ProtoMAX

A partial list of supported files follows. Not all "flavors" of these files may be supported. These file filters are provided "as is" to provide very basic support. They are included in the event that you are otherwise unable to get the file in DXF format. Preferred file formats are indicated with bold text. If you are having trouble importing a file through one of these filters, then consider using a different file type. AutoCAD Release 12 ASCII DXF files are recommended for most applications. Adobe Illustrator AI files are recommended when the data is generated using Adobe Illustrator.

NOTE

Even though a file appears in the list of files available when you use Import from Other CAD, this does not mean that it will necessarily import successfully. Some extensions are used for many different types of files. In other cases, even though the file is a drawing file, it may use an unsupported format.

Extension	Type	Where used	Description	Notes
AI	Vector	LAYOUT 's Import From Other CAD	Adobe Illustrator file	This is the preferred file format for importing files that come from Adobe Illustrator. For best results, always use AI, and do not use DXF files when working with Adobe Illustrator. See AI Note below.
DWG	Vector	Import From Other CAD	AutoCAD DWG file	This is a preferred file format for importing vector data. Three different DWG file importers are available for maximum compatibility. Supports up to AutoCAD version 2018.
DXF	Vector	Import From Other CAD, and "Open"	AutoCAD DXF file	This is the preferred file format for importing vector data. Four different DXF file importers are available for maximum compatibility. Supports up to AutoCAD version 2018.
OMX	Vector	LAYOUT and MAKE	an OMAX file format	Tool path file created in MAKE or other software. Supported also by many 3rd party software products. The OMX file is a text file that can be viewed and edited in standard text editors.
PDF	Raster and Vector	LAYOUT 's Import From Other CAD and Intelli-TRACE	Portable Document Format	PDF files often are low-resolution and precision is lost in conversion. However this format can be convenient for rough estimating. PDF files can contain a mix of both Raster and Vector data. The vector portion is automatically translated upon importing, but the raster portion must be "traced" using either the manual or automatic image tracing functions, if it is needed.
SVG	Vector	LAYOUT 's Import from Other CAD	Scalable Vector Graphics	Used primarily in artistic vector drawing programs—a recommended way to import from many vector illustration programs

Extension

Type

Where used

Description

Notes

Vector

LAYOUT 's Import From Other CAD

Adobe Illustrator file

This is the preferred file format for importing files that come from Adobe Illustrator. For best results, always use AI, and do not use DXF files when working with Adobe Illustrator. See AI Note below.

DWG

Vector

Import From Other CAD

AutoCAD DWG file

This is a preferred file format for importing vector data. Three different DWG file importers are available for maximum compatibility. Supports up to AutoCAD version 2018.

DXF

Vector

Import From Other CAD, and "Open"

AutoCAD DXF file

This is the preferred file format for importing vector data. Four different DXF file importers are available for maximum compatibility. Supports up to AutoCAD version 2018.

OMX

Vector

LAYOUT and MAKE

an OMAX file format

Tool path file created in MAKE or other software. Supported also by many 3rd party software products. The OMX file is a text file that can be viewed and edited in standard text editors.

PDF

Raster and Vector

LAYOUT 's Import From Other CAD and Intelli-TRACE

Portable Document Format

PDF files often are low-resolution and precision is lost in conversion. However this format can be convenient for rough estimating. PDF files can contain a mix of both Raster and Vector data. The vector portion is automatically translated upon importing, but the raster portion must be "traced" using either the manual or automatic image tracing functions, if it is needed.

SVG

Vector

LAYOUT 's Import from Other CAD

Scalable Vector Graphics

Used primarily in artistic vector drawing programs—a recommended way to import from many vector illustration programs