Menu path
File > Import
What it does
The Import function allows you to bring external file types into your Roof Wizard project. This includes geometry data from other CAD systems, aerial measurement services, and AppliCad's proprietary formats.
Supported file formats
Format | Description |
XML | RXF format file with XML headers |
RXF | AppliCad proprietary Roof eXchange Format files |
DXF | Universal ASCII CAD file format |
GRIM | ASCII text file in AppliCad Roof Wizard GRIM format (refer to that section for details) from the SupplyOnly and Supply+Install dialog |
🧾 XML Import
XML import brings in roof geometry data saved in XML format. This typically contains roof geometry data and line type descriptions in either 3D or 2D format.
The XML format is essentially the same as AppliCad's proprietary RXF format but includes XML header information.
Automatic processing: XML import automatically runs Tools Check and Delete Free lines and Points operations before importing the data.
File formatting: XML files without carriage returns are automatically formatted to include them, improving readability and import accuracy.
🧾 RXF Import
RXF import brings in roof geometry saved in AppliCad's proprietary RXF format. This contains roof geometry data and line type descriptions in 3D or 2D format.
Industry applications: RXF files are used to exchange 3D roof geometry with external programs and may include data from:
Aerial measurement services (Geospan, Eagleview, Hover)
Truss frame designers and builders (Mitek, Pryda)
Other external programs
Version compatibility: RXF import can bring 3D roof geometry into older AppliCad software versions that don't support the version 6.n+ AppliCad database file format.
🧾 GRIM Import
GRIM import lets you import job details from existing GRIM files.
How to import GRIM files:
Select File > Import > GRIM
Choose a .gri file when prompted
The system recognises specific key text strings during import
For complete details and key text string listings, refer to the GRIM file import/export documentation.
🧾 DXF Import
DXF import allows .dxf files to be read as Roof Wizard models.
Model clearing: If there's an active model in the graphics display area, you'll be prompted whether to clear the current model. Select Yes to clear, or No/Cancel to terminate the command.
🔧 DXF Conversion Files
DXF files use AppliCad conversion files for layers, line styles, colours, and fonts. Conversion files must have the .cvt extension and be in the correct format.
Filename | Description |
dwglayer.cvt | Most common layer conversion |
dwgltype.cvt | Most common line type conversion |
dwgcolor.cvt | Most common colour conversion |
dwgfont.cvt | Most common text font conversion |
💡 Tip: Make copies of default conversion files and store them separately so you always have defaults to refer to.
🔧 DXF Import Settings
When importing DXF files, you'll see the DXF File Input Defaults dialog with these options:
Setting | Description |
Pack points | Yes/No - Performs File Pack command to delete unnecessary entities and increase free entity space. Scans for duplicate points at same coordinates. |
Query each sub-figure | Yes/No - Checks each DXF block name for existence in selected database. Prompts to overwrite if exists. |
Overwrite sub-figures | None/All - Available when Query each sub-figure is No. Controls overwriting of existing sub-figures by DXF blocks. |
Insert dimensions as dimensions | Yes/No - Converts AutoCAD dimensions to AppliCad dimensions (Yes) or keeps as AutoCAD entities (No). |
🛠 DXF Dimension Translation
When Insert dimensions as dimensions is set to Yes, dimensions translate as follows:
DWG Dimension Type | AppliCad Dimension Type |
Rotated | Par |
Horizontal | Par |
Vertical | Par |
Aligned | Par |
Angular | Angular |
Diameter | Diameter |
Radius | Radius |
Ordinate x-type | Hor-Ord |
Ordinate y-type | Ver-Ord |
Angular 3-point | Angular |
⚠️ Important: Diameter and radius dimensions require the relevant circle or arc entity to be present. If multiple entities are found, the first one is used.
🔧 DXF Conversion File Settings
File Type | Description |
Layer conversion file | Maps AutoCAD layer names to AppliCad layer numbers and names. Uses dwglayer.cvt by default. |
Line style conversion file | Maps AutoCAD line types to AppliCad style numbers (0-14). Uses dwgltype.cvt by default. |
Colour conversion file | Maps AutoCAD colours to AppliCad colours and weights. Uses dwgcolor.cvt by default. |
Font conversion file | Maps DWG text font names to AppliCad font names. Uses dwgfont.cvt by default. |
💡 Layer conversion: If AutoCAD layer name is a number with no conversion specified, it transfers to the same AppliCad layer number. Non-numeric names convert to the first free layer.
💡 Colour conversion: BYBLOCK (0) and BYLAYER (256) colours can be mapped to any AppliCad colour. Line weight information is preserved.
💡 Font conversion: Font names are not case sensitive and refer to filenames without extensions. TrueType fonts must be properly installed.
🛠 Completing DXF Import
Configure your import settings in the DXF File Input Defaults dialog
Click OK
Select the DXF file to import
If the file contains block records, select the database for sub-figures
Review layer name and block name translation tables when complete
⚠️ File management: A .lay file is created with conversion information - this can be safely deleted if not needed.