Aurora lets you export your system design as a DXF file — a standard CAD format compatible with AutoCAD and other design tools. Use DXF exports to share your layout with structural engineers, permitting teams, or any workflow that requires CAD-ready drawings.
What is a DXF file? DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is an open CAD file format developed by Autodesk. It encodes 2D and 3D geometric data and is widely used for technical drawings, site plans, and permit packages.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How to export a DXF file
- Choosing which layers to include
- What to do with your DXF file
- Troubleshooting
How to export a DXF file
- Open your project in Aurora and navigate to Design Mode.
- Click Export in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Select DXF from the export format options.
- In the layer selection panel, check the boxes next to the layers you want to include in the export.
- Click Export to save the file to your computer.
Choosing which layers to include
You can select or deselect individual layers before exporting. Including only the layers you need keeps the file clean and reduces confusion for downstream reviewers. Common layer selections include:
- Roof outline and obstructions
- Module layout and string configuration
- Setbacks and property boundaries
- Electrical conduit paths (if applicable)
If you're unsure which layers to include, check with the engineer or permitting contact who will be using the file.
What to do with your DXF file
Once exported, you can open your DXF file in AutoCAD or another compatible CAD application. Before editing, confirm your drawing is set to the correct unit system to avoid scaling issues:
- Imperial projects: set units to Feet
- Metric projects: set units to Meters
For step-by-step instructions on opening and scaling your DXF in AutoCAD, see How to import DXF files into AutoCAD.
Troubleshooting
Export button is grayed out or not visible
The Export button is only available in Design Mode. Make sure you have a design open and are not in any active editing sub-mode (e.g., string editing or shade analysis).
Layers appear missing or blank in the exported file
If a layer appears empty after import, confirm the layer was selected in the export panel before downloading. Some CAD tools also hide layers by default — check your layer visibility settings in AutoCAD.
Drawing opens at the wrong scale
This usually means the unit system in your CAD tool doesn't match the project. See How to import DXF files into AutoCAD for how to correct units in AutoCAD.