Importing in Context

You can import a board or panel and associated components and place them in context.

Before you begin: Open a document defining the context.

  1. Select Insert > New > Mechanical Product... to insert a new mechanical product and associated 3D shape representation.

  2. Double-click to activate the shape representation of the product you just added.



  3. If necessary, switch to the Circuit Board Design workbench (Start > Equipment & Systems > Circuit Board Design).

  4. Click Import in Context .

  5. Select the plane where you want to place the board and components.

    The Circuit Board Design dialog box appears.

  6. To import components, do one of the following:


    • To import components from the database, select an IDF file.

      By default, the Database option under Data Source is selected and component geometry is About IDF Files.

    • To import components from the catalog, click opposite Electronics Catalog. In the Catalog dialog box, select either a database or your favorite catalog.
      Tip: Defining your own catalogs so that you can select your own components will improve the import process performance.
    • To import components from a library (.lib) file on disk or in database:
      • Select None under Data Source to search only in database.
      • Click opposite Library and browse to select a library file.

      For more information about importing an IDF or Library file from the PLM database in Circuit Board Design, please refer to Importing Boards.

    • To import components from both the database and a library file:
      • Leave the Database option selected
      • Select a library file.

        Note: Components found in the database have priority.

  7. Click the Browse button and select the IDF file containing the board or panel data you want to import.

  8. Set options to import components.

    You can Importing Boards from:


    • The database
    • A library file
    • Both the database and a library file.

  9. Optional: To import component data that takes the original MCAD or ECAD environment into account, select Associate a CSV file for placement and browse to select the CSV file of interest.

    Important: This option is only valid if you import components from the database.

    For more information, see About CSV Files.

  10. Optional: Set the hole import option.

    Draw only is the default option.

    For more information, see About Holes.

    Tip: Selecting the right option can reduce processing time.

  11. Click OK to import the board and components.

    The status bar indicates the progression.

    The result should look like this: