To import an AutoCAD^® DXF file to use as a drawing grid, use the following procedure.

1. Either:

   On the Geometry ribbon tab, select the Grids > Beam Grid tool in the Structure group.
   
   

   or

   On the Geometry ribbon tab, select the Grids > Triangular Plate Grid tool in the Structure group.
   
   

   or

   On the Geometry ribbon tab, select the Grids > Quad Plate Grid tool in the Structure group.
   
   

   or

   On the Geometry ribbon tab, select the Grids > Solid Grid tool in the Structure group.

   The corresponding Snap Node/Beam, Snap Node/Plate, or Snap Node/Solid dialog opens. If an existing grid is selected in this dialog, this grid is displayed in the view window.
2. Click Import. The Import Options dialog opens.
3. Select the DXF option and click OK. The DXF Import dialog opens.
4. In the File Name field, either:

   type the file path and file name of the DXF file

   or

   click […] locate the file using the Open DXF File dialog

   The layers and line data is read and displayed graphically.
5. Select the layer number containing the line data you want to use from the Layers drop-down list. The lines are displayed in the list view and graphically.
6. (Optional) Uncheck any lines you do not want to include in the imported grid. The lines are hidden in the view window.
7. (Optional) Type a Name for the imported grid. By default, the name of the DXF file is used.
8. Select the Unit to use for the grid.
   Tip: The drop-down list contains most common length units. Use the up or down arrows to navigate through the options.
9. Click OK. The Imported Grid pop-up dialog opens.
10. (Optional) Specify the Angle of Plane and Grid Origin to orient the grid.
11. Click OK.