Validate before export
Catch issues before export, with clear statuses for checks that need review or must be resolved first.
Material missingAmbiguous orientationOvercam requiredComplex curvesBall-cut path missingIncompatibleDouble-sided milling
Clean, layered DXF output from Onshape models.
Validate your models, preview the generated files, and export structured DXFs from Onshape for 2.5-axis CNC and sheet-based manufacturing workflows.
Free downloads during beta. No subscription required yet.
Works with part studios, assemblies, and imported STEP/Parasolid geometry.
Features
A faster route from 3D model to machine-ready DXF.
Avoid drawing workarounds, face-by-face exports, and manual DXF assembly.
Address validation issues
A companion Onshape custom feature resolves overcam and ball-cut warnings by adding the relief and toolpath edges the exporter needs, and marks parts to exclude from the DXF package.
OvercamBall-cut edgesExclude from DXF
Set grain and part orientation
A second companion custom feature sets grain directions and flips which face is treated as the back, including on sheet metal parts.
Grain directionFace orientation
Catch changes before export
If the design history or configuration changes after validation, you’ll be warned so you can revalidate the model before generating files.
Design historyConfiguration
Preview layered DXFs
Review generated DXFs in the browser before downloading, with colours showing toolpath type and layer names giving tool size and depth for machinists.
Cut outsideCut insidePocketHoleBall cutV-cut
Example layer: 3MM_HOLE_8MM
indicates a 3 mm hole, 8 mm deep
FAQs
Questions before you install?
What manufacturing workflows is it for?
DXF Exporter is designed for 2.5-axis and sheet-based workflows. That includes CNC routing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, and similar processes. People use workflows like this for cabinetry, casework, staircases, furniture, and plenty of other things we probably haven't thought of yet.
What is Onshape?
Onshape is browser-based 3D CAD software. DXF Exporter runs inside Onshape, and Onshape has a free plan for public documents. You can create an account at onshape.com.
Can I use models from Fusion, SOLIDWORKS, or other CAD tools?
Yes. If you can import the model into Onshape, you can use it with DXF Exporter. Common routes include STEP and Parasolid.
Does it work on sheet metal parts?
Yes. Onshape sheet metal parts export from the unfolded flat-pattern body as a through-cut 2D profile. That works from Part Studios and assemblies, and downloads are still organised by material. See the Sheet metal flat pattern exports guide for supported geometry.
What does the downloaded DXF package include?
Downloads are organised by material and include generated DXF files plus a report to help you review what was exported. Layer names add machining detail such as tool type, tool size, and depth.
Do I need to prepare my model before exporting?
Not perfectly. Validation helps identify anything that needs attention before export. Assigning materials controls how files are organised in the download, and the companion custom features can help with geometry prep, grain direction, and face orientation.
Are there usage limits?
DXF Exporter analyses your model through Onshape, and each Onshape account has a processing limit on that analysis. Professional and enterprise users rarely reach it in normal use; Free and Education accounts have a stricter limit. When the limit is reached, analysis pauses until Onshape resets it. See the Onshape usage limits guide.
Will it work for 3-axis or complex 3D machining?
No magic here, unfortunately. DXF Exporter is built for 2.5-axis and sheet-based DXF workflows. For complex 3D toolpaths, a full CAM system is still the right tool.
What manufacturing workflows is it for?
DXF Exporter is designed for 2.5-axis and sheet-based workflows. That includes CNC routing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, and similar processes. People use workflows like this for cabinetry, casework, staircases, furniture, and plenty of other things we probably haven't thought of yet.
Can I use models from Fusion, SOLIDWORKS, or other CAD tools?
Yes. If you can import the model into Onshape, you can use it with DXF Exporter. Common routes include STEP and Parasolid.
What does the downloaded DXF package include?
Downloads are organised by material and include generated DXF files plus a report to help you review what was exported. Layer names add machining detail such as tool type, tool size, and depth.
Are there usage limits?
DXF Exporter analyses your model through Onshape, and each Onshape account has a processing limit on that analysis. Professional and enterprise users rarely reach it in normal use; Free and Education accounts have a stricter limit. When the limit is reached, analysis pauses until Onshape resets it. See the Onshape usage limits guide.
What is Onshape?
Onshape is browser-based 3D CAD software. DXF Exporter runs inside Onshape, and Onshape has a free plan for public documents. You can create an account at onshape.com.
Does it work on sheet metal parts?
Yes. Onshape sheet metal parts export from the unfolded flat-pattern body as a through-cut 2D profile. That works from Part Studios and assemblies, and downloads are still organised by material. See the Sheet metal flat pattern exports guide for supported geometry.
Do I need to prepare my model before exporting?
Not perfectly. Validation helps identify anything that needs attention before export. Assigning materials controls how files are organised in the download, and the companion custom features can help with geometry prep, grain direction, and face orientation.
Will it work for 3-axis or complex 3D machining?
No magic here, unfortunately. DXF Exporter is built for 2.5-axis and sheet-based DXF workflows. For complex 3D toolpaths, a full CAM system is still the right tool.
BETA
Free downloads during beta
Try the full workflow now. We are improving DXF Exporter during beta. See recent updates, or send feedback.