# DXF Export Advice **URL:** \ **Category:** SketchUp\ **Tags:** dxf, cnc, vector-export\ **Created:** [June 2, 2025, 1:58am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746 "2025-06-02T01:58:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ChuckE](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/chucke/32/261634_2.png) [@ChuckE](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ChuckE)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 1:58am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/1 "2025-06-02T01:58:58Z")
I’ve got a real simple Sketchup drawing - just a 2D oval shape - that I need to export to DXF to provide to a shop that will be cutting out a table top on a CNC router. The shop said to keep it as simple as possible, so no 3D elements, labels, dimensions, etc. They can take .skp, .pdf, or .dxf files, but said the .dxf would be best. I see that I can do this by selecting either 3D Model or 2D Graphic on the File-\>Export menu. I’ve tried both and get a successful export, but the file sizes are different. Are there any best practices on which to choose for a 2D shape going to CNC? I also saw a comment on an older thread about always drawing curves in the counter-clockwise direction, and never using the flip tool for best results. Does this imply that the CNC machine will actually follow the curve in the direction I’ve drawn it? Any suggestions will be appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![DaveR](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/daver/32/7601_2.png) [@DaveR](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/DaveR)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 2:16am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/2 "2025-06-02T02:16:35Z")
I would suggest that you copy the table top to a separate file. Set the camera to Parallel Projection and the appropriate standard view. Then use the 3D DXF export option. The 3D DXF exporter will represent the curves as smooth curves instead of individual straight segments. ---
**Author:** ![ChuckE](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/chucke/32/261634_2.png) [@ChuckE](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ChuckE)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 2:56am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/3 "2025-06-02T02:56:06Z")
Thanks, Dave. I do have it in a separate file, with parallel top view as you suggested. Good to know that the exporter will generate smooth curves - I had set all my curves to the highest segment counts that SU would allow, so maybe that step wasn’t necessary. Right now my drawing is just the outline of the curve (i.e. 600 edges but no faces). I’m wondering if I need to add the one bounded face back into the model. I’m sure it all depends on what the CNC machine requires in order to make the cut. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow when I send it over. Just trying to be proactive and avoid a lot of back & forth. ---
**Author:** ![DaveR](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/daver/32/7601_2.png) [@DaveR](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/DaveR)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:03am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/4 "2025-06-02T03:03:48Z")
> [@ChuckE](#): > > 600 edges but no faces That’s excessive but if it works … > [@ChuckE](#): > > I’m wondering if I need to add the one bounded face back into the model. I don’t know that it’s important but it wouldn’t hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Box](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/box/32/235164_2.png) [@Box](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Box)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:09am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/5 "2025-06-02T03:09:31Z")
No, I think from memory adding a face will give you double edges that become confusing. And as Dave noted 600 is overkill, even 360 is one segment per degree, but essentially the default 24 segments will export as a true curve this way. But only if your arcs and circles are recognised as such in entity info, a ‘curve’ will be segmented. ---
**Author:** ![ChuckE](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/chucke/32/261634_2.png) [@ChuckE](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ChuckE)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:22am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/6 "2025-06-02T03:22:00Z")
I would agree that 600 edges is excessive, but I was under the assumption that they would be exported as straight edges so the router would follow them exactly - giving a faceted cut that would need to be smoothed with a sander. The edges all belong to “curves” as shown in Entity Info, but they’re not circular arcs. I originally drew them as circular arcs (inscribed within a 40" square), but then I used the Scale tool to stretch the overall shape to its final dimensions (different x and y dimensions). Now that I know the curves will be converted into actual smooth curves by the exporter, I can easily go back and re-draw using 24 segments each. But I don’t expect it will really matter to the exporter. Any ideas about needing to draw the curves in a certain direction (i.e. counter-clockwise)? ---
**Author:** ![ChuckE](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/chucke/32/261634_2.png) [@ChuckE](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ChuckE)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:23am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/7 "2025-06-02T03:23:47Z")
[Steve’s Table (Final).skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/yHIXK7EV9FSgulZnUSmZhXDZbr4.skp) (30.4 KB) ---
**Author:** ![Box](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/box/32/235164_2.png) [@Box](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Box)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:38am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/8 "2025-06-02T03:38:55Z")
> [@ChuckE](#): > > Any ideas about needing to draw the curves in a certain direction (i.e. counter-clockwise)? I remember there was some talk about that some time back, but wasn’t of much interest to me. I haven’t needed to use .dxf for a long time so my memory of the inticacies is foggy. I use .svg for laser work. ---
**Author:** ![boris.beaulant](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/boris.beaulant/32/31562_2.png) [@boris.beaulant](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/boris.beaulant)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 5:32am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/9 "2025-06-02T05:32:24Z")
Hello @ChuckE Here is what [OpenCutList](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/opencutlist-a-crowdfunded-extension) extension can export after closing the outer drawing with a face and using its [Export Face Tool](https://docs.opencutlist.org/features/smart-export-tool#export-face) : [TableTop.dxf](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/zhtViQY9sSkopQnuVGlndmjgfX.dxf) (12,0 Ko) It contains a DXF polyline (one unique closed line) where elliptical arcs are approximated into several circular arcs. ![Capture d’écran 2025-06-02 à 07.28.56](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/8/189616e8403a9467147555f48a59a54551c94763.png) I hope it can be useful for you. * * * _And for those interested, the thinking behind the arc ellipse approximation algorithm was discussed [here](https://www.lairdubois.fr/questions/12329-defi-comment-trouver-analytiquement-lapproximation-dune-ellipse-par-une-serie-darcs-de-cercle.html)._ ---
**Author:** ![ChuckE](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/chucke/32/261634_2.png) [@ChuckE](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ChuckE)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 8:32pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/10 "2025-06-02T20:32:16Z")
Well, go figure. I sent the 3D export to the shop this morning, but they said it wouldn’t even load. So I sent the 2D export, and it loaded fine and produced a beautiful cut. No segmenting/facets whatsoever. FYI, the piece being cut was edge-glued white oak, about 1 5/8" thick, and they cut it in seven passes (about 1/4" per pass). Thanks all for your input and suggestions! ---
**Author:** ![\_kimga](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/_kimga/32/232476_2.png) [@\_kimga](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/_kimga)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 9:54am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/11 "2025-06-05T09:54:22Z")
Really? Exporting in DXF makes the curve smooth? How did I not known this? I always re-draw it in Layout… ---
**Author:** ![boris.beaulant](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/boris.beaulant/32/31562_2.png) [@boris.beaulant](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/boris.beaulant)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 10:52am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/12 "2025-06-05T10:52:34Z")
It only smooths curves that are still unexploded arcs in the SketchUp model. But it doesn’t create polylines. ---
**Author:** ![tweenulzeven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9dc877/32.png) [@tweenulzeven](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/tweenulzeven)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 5:19pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/13 "2025-06-05T17:19:29Z")
> [@ChuckE](#): > > So I sent the 2D export, and it loaded fine and produced a beautiful cut. No segmenting/facets whatsoever. Probably because of the 600 segments.. So segmented, but the segments are so short you don’t notice them.. ---
**Author:** ![endlessfix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/endlessfix/32/148757_2.png) [@endlessfix](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/endlessfix)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 5:35pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/14 "2025-06-05T17:35:21Z")
Yes, Sketchup has long had this capability of exporting 2D arcs and circles in .dxf. There are two pathways being discussed in this thread, one is the native function that leverages the stored metadata for arcs and circles using the export 3D function and paralel projection, that method is outlined here: > [@Is there a plugin that supports curves?](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/is-there-a-plugin-that-supports-curves/207626/6): > > For 2D toolpaths (CNC router,plasma,laser,water jet…) SketchUp can output true arcs in the .dwg and.dxf formats. Although as a surface modeler SketchUp represents all geometry as lines or collections of lines, for arcs and circles it does store the underlying radius info in the metadata and that can be accessed to export mathematically correct arcs. Basics: Make a 2D shape with either arcs or circles. Place it flat on the XY plane. Set the Camera to Parallel Projection and choose the Top sta… The second is a newer development using the very good extension [OpenCutList](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/opencutlist-a-crowdfunded-extension/301089) which uses a different method of recognizing and building DXF and DWG arcs and curves by recognizing collections of edges and converting them. The advantage of this is that the curves need not be circles or strict arcs in Sketchup. I use this extension too and find it works well as long as there are enough segments to your arc to be recognized. Which method you use I think depends greatly on the complexity and frequency of the files you need to output. I have used the first method for years, but use a combination of both. ---
**Author:** ![\_kimga](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/_kimga/32/232476_2.png) [@\_kimga](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/_kimga)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 7:20pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/15 "2025-06-05T19:20:09Z")
Thank you for the above. It’s very comprehensive. I will make some experiments to see how it works. ---
**Author:** ![boris.beaulant](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/boris.beaulant/32/31562_2.png) [@boris.beaulant](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/boris.beaulant)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 7:26pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/16 "2025-06-05T19:26:56Z")
> [@endlessfix](#): > > […] it works well as long as there are enough segments to your arc to be recognized. Yes, OpenCutList needs at least 5 edges to convert a curve to an arc. ---
**Author:** ![endlessfix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/endlessfix/32/148757_2.png) [@endlessfix](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/endlessfix)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 7:38pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/17 "2025-06-05T19:38:06Z")
> [@\_kimga](#): > > I will make some experiments to see how it works. I would begin with the native export, it’s simple enough and understanding that is a good foundation. Don’t forget to set the export options correctly, export edges only, not faces. > [@boris.beaulant](#): > > OpenCutList needs at least 5 edges to convert a curve to an arc. I have figured this out through the very comprehensive documentation. This has only been a problem a few times when working with large sets of compound curves, sometimes multiple intersecting tangent curves will end up splitting a curve and leaving only 3 or 4 segments behind, this is hard to see until export. Generally 5 is a good number and I understand the line needs to be drawn somewhere, but I have wished it could be adjustable. ---
**Author:** ![boris.beaulant](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/boris.beaulant/32/31562_2.png) [@boris.beaulant](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/boris.beaulant)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 7:45pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dxf-export-advice/329746/18 "2025-06-05T19:45:08Z")
> [@endlessfix](#): > > Generally 5 is a good number and I understand the line needs to be drawn somewhere, but I have wished it could be adjustable. The 5 points limit is a [Math constraint](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9or%C3%A8me_des_cinq_points#:~:text=D%C3%A9termination%20du%20type,-M%C3%B6bius%20a%20%C3%A9tabli&text=Si%20le%20cinqui%C3%A8me%20point%20se,%2C%20c'est%20une%20ellipse.) to be sure to have one unique solution when [searching the ellipse](https://github.com/lairdubois/lairdubois-opencutlist-sketchup-extension/blob/8b1514a7d92a188976345d9465764a56f1be3219/src/ladb_opencutlist/ruby/lib/geometrix/finder/ellipse_finder.rb#L14) equation. And furthermore, below the 5 points, the algorithm could find curves where there were none.