About Holes

You can create a hole, which consists of removing material from a surface.

This page provides information about hole import options and how hole patterns are handled when importing IDF files (Intermediate Data Format for exchanging data between electrical CAD and mechanical CAD systems).

Related Topics
Importing Boards
Importing Panels

Hole Import Options

Various options for managing holes are available in the Circuit Board Design dialog box when importing boards and panels.




  • To display the contour in the geometry area but not drill holes, select Draw only. This is the default option.
  • To drill holes, select Drill all.
  • To customize how holes will be imported, select Custom and:
    • Select Drill only mounting (MNTG) and tooling (TLG) holes to drill mounting and tooling holes only, and display contours of other holes.
    • Select Drill holes for diameter superior or equal to and enter a diameter in the box to drill holes whose diameter is more than or equal to the specified value.

The following picture illustrates a typical import:



Hole Patterns

When you import an IDF file, hole coordinates are analyzed and the system tries to identify a pattern. If a pattern is recognized, it is re-created.


  • If a rectangular pattern is recognized and you subsequently move or delete the component, the pattern is updated.
  • If no rectangular pattern can be identified, then a user pattern is created but there is no link between the component and the pattern.

The system can only re-create hole patterns, not drill hole patterns.

Before importing, select the Keep link with selected object option (Tools > Options... > Infrastructure > 3D Shape Infrastructure).