Import existing artwork
User manualChoose the right import workflow
File > Import into current page adds compatible content to the active page. File > Import AVAX page creates a separate page from a native .avax or .avx drawing. File > Open project opens .meldraw projects or native drawings; it replaces the active project after offering to save changes.
| Type | Import into current page |
|---|---|
| Native drawing | AVAX, AVX and BLK |
| CAD / plotting | AutoCAD DXF/DWG, HPGL PLT/HPG |
| Vector / geographic | SVG, AVAX XML, ESRI SHP |
| Text | TXT and RTF |
| Images / metafiles | PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, ICO, WMF, EMF, PCX and WebP |
| Animation / video | AAF and AVI; supported animated image content follows the shared drawing control's capabilities. |
For ordinary images, importing starts the image-placement tool: pick the two corners of the placement rectangle. Other supported drawing content is inserted into the current page and selected where possible. Zoom all helps you find content whose coordinates place it beyond the sheet.
Check imported results
Exchange formats contain features that do not always map directly to the application. Check page size, units, fonts, line styles, images, clipping, fills and object positions. CAD import warnings can appear in the status bar. A file with no supported drawable content may be rejected.
SVG import supports a subset of SVG features. In particular, workspace SVG exports using a nonzero safe margin can contain clipping that is outside the current importer subset. Retain .meldraw/native files for round trips where complete editing information matters.
Note: Importing artwork into a page is different from restoring a multi-page project. Use the original .meldraw project when you need its pages, names and native settings.