Import tags and device points from AutoCAD DXF and DWG drawings.

Reference → Solution → Designer → Settings and Tools → Import Tags → AutoCAD File

The AutoCAD File Tag Importer creates FrameworX tags, channels, nodes, and device points from block references (INSERT entities) in AutoCAD drawings. Each block reference becomes one tag; the block's ATTRIB values become feature attributes available in the naming patterns.

Typical use: an electrical or process engineer has a one-line diagram or P&ID drawing with standard equipment symbols tagged with their identifiers (ISA-5.1 or site naming), and wants FrameworX tags created for every piece of equipment in the drawing.

Access: Solution → Import Tags → AutoCAD File

Supported File Formats

FormatExtensionsNotes

DXF

.dxf

AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format. ASCII or binary.

DWG

.dwg

AutoCAD native binary format. Contact support for specific version compatibility.

What gets imported

The wizard extracts every INSERT entity (block reference) in the drawing and emits one feature per INSERT:

  • The block name becomes {FeatureType} — used for equipment-type-based naming (PUMP, VALVE, FT, etc.).
  • The layer name becomes {Layer} — useful for per-layer channels.
  • The insertion point (X, Y) is captured as coordinates.
  • All ATTRIB tag/value pairs on the INSERT become feature attributes accessible via {Attr:TagName}.
  • A preferred ATTRIB (commonly TAG or NAME) becomes {Name}; if none is found, the block name is used.

What is NOT imported

  • Geometry primitives without an enclosing INSERT (standalone LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, TEXT).
  • External references (XREFs) are not followed.
  • 3D geometry — the Z coordinate is discarded.
  • Drawing appearance (layer colors, linetypes, hatches).

Import Wizard

The wizard has the same five steps as the GIS File Tag Importer — File Select, Protocol, Mapping, Preview, Generate — with differences noted below.

Step 1 differences (CAD-specific)

  • The file filter shows only .dxf and .dwg.
  • The summary lists block names as feature types (e.g., PUMP, VALVE) rather than GeoJSON geometry types.
  • The coordinate system shows "CAD Units (non-georeferenced)" for typical P&ID drawings, or the detected CRS for georeferenced drawings.

Pattern tokens

All standard tokens apply. For CAD the most useful are:

TokenTypical SourceExample

{FeatureType}

Block name

PUMP, VALVE_BUTTERFLY

{Layer}

AutoCAD layer

Utility_Water

{Attr:TAG}

ATTRIB named TAG

P-101, FT-103

{Attr:SERVICE}

Custom ATTRIB

Feedwater

Example — Typical P&ID

A process and instrumentation diagram with three layers (Pumps, Valves, Instruments) and standard ISA-5.1 tag ATTRIBs on each block.

Suggested mapping

Protocol

ModbusTCPIP (or OPC UA, depending on plant comms)

Tag Name Pattern

{Attr:TAG} produces P-101, V-102A, FT-103, etc.

Channel Name Pattern

{Layer}_Channel — one channel per drawing layer

Node Name Pattern

{FeatureType}_Node — one node per equipment type

Address Pattern

{Attr:ADDRESS} or {Attr:POLL_OFFSET} depending on your ATTRIB scheme

Description Attribute

SERVICE or DESCRIPTION

Hierarchical tag names

Use {Layer}/{Attr:TAG} to produce asset-tree folders per drawing layer: Pumps/P-101, Valves/V-102A, Instruments/FT-103.

Notes and Limitations

  • INSERT entities only. Line/circle/arc primitives outside an INSERT are ignored.
  • Only ATTRIBs attached to INSERT entities are read.
  • Nested blocks — only the outer INSERT is emitted.
  • XREF drawings are not resolved. Import each referenced file separately.
  • Block scale and rotation are ignored. The insertion point is used as-is.
  • Very old DXF files in legacy encodings may need conversion first.
  • Password-protected DWG files cannot be read; unlock before importing.

See Also

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