Using Graphics (Advanced)

Use icons in your parts!

Last updated 2 months ago

Using Graphics (Advanced)

Use icons in your parts!

Using graphics is a bit difficult as it requires external paid software. This guide will show you both how to prepare graphics for Onshape and how to use them.

This guide will start with how to import and use them. We will be helping with the preparation of graphics as not many people have access to paid software.

WARNING! This guide is advanced

Before starting this guide be sure you are comfortable creating your own parts without a guide. This "guide" is to show you how to use graphics and not how to make a part with them. Remember we are always happy to help you with your projects!

Got questions? Ask in our .

Importing and using graphics

This guide will be based on the keychain guide.

Step 0: Obtain a DXF or DWG of your graphic

Follow the guide below if you have Adobe Illustrator or request a graphic in our Discord .

Step 1: Create a Sketch

Assuming you have already read through the . This sketch replaces the sketch with the text on the keychain

Step 2: Import your graphic

Search for or click on Insert DFX or DWG. Select a DFX or DWG file.

Step 3: Insert your graphic

After importing the DXF file into Onshape select it and click the check to insert it

Step 3.5: Onshape bugs

I find Onshape a bit buggy and sometimes graphics do not import properly

In that case, change the unit in the previous to something bigger like inches or centimetres.

Step 4: Scale

After importing you might realize that the graphic is a bit big. You might even need to zoom out to see it

To scale it you need to select two points using the dimension tool. Then you can change the size as usual.

Step 5: (Optional) Create a bounding box

Unlike text, graphics do not come with a bounding box for us to use but we can create one using a center rectangle.

Be sure to make it a construction line!

Create the center rectangle on the origin and enclose the entire graphic

Results

With a bit of modification of the keychain guide we were able to create a keychain with a graphic!

Creating a DXF with Adobe Illustrator

This guide will assume you own and are familiar with Adobe Illustrator in addition to intermediate design con.

Step 1: Open an SVG or Vector

Download and open a Vector that you found online. Make it has multiple shapes that can be later extruded into multiple areas. If your Vector just has a stroke use Illustrator's offset path tool to create a path with thickness.