Problem

When inserting a DXF file as a background in the Standalone version, there is a long delay before the background appears.

How can performance be improved for load time of large CAD file background layers?

Solution

In some cases if the DXF file is very large with a large amount of complex linework, it can take a very long time to load. There are a number of other factors that can influence this.

First, try saving to a different DXF version (such as 2013, 2010, R12, etc.)

Next, if possible, use the AutoCAD or MicroStation integrated platform. AutoCAD integration is available in SewerGEMS, WaterGEMS and HAMMER and an extra cost for your license for WaterCAD, SewerCAD and StormCAD. Version compatibility information cam be found here. This will allow you to load the DXF in the native CAD environment while working on your model.

Another option is to try reducing the complexity of the CAD file. This depends on many factors, but a list of possible operations is as follows:

• Flatten or Explode entities
• Remove xrefs/layouts
• Remove unused/unnecessary layers
• Use the Purge command
• Consolidate layers - Try the AutoCAD "overkill" command to remove duplicates and overlapping linework
• Copy the drawing with base point>Create a new drawing file>paste to original coordinates>save as dxf

If this still does not help and you have access to an application such as ArcGIS, try converting to to Shapefile format, which ModelBuilder also supports. See this article.

Note that further improvements to DXF background loading performance may be investigated for a future release - reference #818847

See Also

Attaching a DWG or DXF as a background

How to increase model performance / reduce run time (recommended minimum system requirements)