Guides / Get your drawing ready
DXF or STEP?
Which file should you upload?
DXF is a flat 2D drawing of the shape to cut. STEP is a 3D model. We can use suitable sheet-metal STEP models too, but all parts are cut and supplied flat. Here’s how to choose your file.
Start with the file you have
| Your file | Where to upload it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| DXF: a flat 2D drawing | Upload it straight to your quote. | It should show the part outline, holes and slots at full size in millimetres. |
| STEP/STP: one sheet-metal part | Upload it to your quote. Suitable models are prepared as a flat drawing. | The model needs a consistent sheet thickness. If it has bends, check that it unfolds correctly. |
| SVG, vector PDF, JPG/PNG or DWG | Start in File Workshop, check the drawing, then continue to quote. | Check the file requirements, finished size and every cut-out. DWG needs the conversion service to be available. |
| A 3D assembly, a solid block or an STL file | Prepare a suitable flat drawing in your design software, or ask us for help. | These files cannot be used in the same way as a single sheet-metal part. |
.step and .stp are two file extensions for the same format. Either can be used for a suitable sheet-metal model.
Use DXF for a flat outline
A DXF tells us where to cut: the outside edge of your part and each hole or slot. For a plate, panel or spacer, export a flat view of those edges. Leave out dimensions, notes and other views.
- Export at full size (1:1) in millimetres.
- Include only the lines you want cut.
- Check for gaps in outlines and duplicate lines.
- Reopen the exported DXF and check its measurements.
Our DXF export guide explains what to include and what to leave out.
Use STEP for a sheet-metal model
The model must represent one sheet-metal part with a consistent thickness. A folded model needs to unfold into a flat cutting shape. Check that flat shape in the preview, including the holes, slots and any unfolding warnings.
A folded model helps describe the design, but we supply the flat part cut from sheet. Arrange any bending separately. If the finished bend positions or fit matter, confirm the flat dimensions and bend allowances with whoever will bend the part.
File Workshop edits the flat drawing prepared from your model. If the model does not unfold correctly, fix it in your design software or export a correct flat DXF. See our sheet-metal example.
Check the preview before you order
Whichever file you use, compare the preview with your design. Check the outside shape, width, height and every hole and slot. Then select your material, thickness and quantity in the quote, even if the model already has a thickness.
Metal parts include deburring. Acrylic is CO₂ laser cut and does not need deburring. If a part must fit precisely or needs a particular surface finish, read our quality guide and discuss the details with us before ordering. Our ordering guide explains the rest of the process.
Still stuck? Ask us.
Send us your drawing and tell us what looks wrong or which error you see.
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In File Workshop, choose Save and continue to quote. You can also upload a ready DXF or suitable sheet-metal STEP/STP file straight to your quote.