# Is a DXF enough for an LA factory?

Nestproof: what pattern files to send a Los Angeles factory.

It depends on what your factory's system imports. Ask before you export.

1. **A plain DXF can arrive wrong and still look right.** DXF does not force a unit; a millimetre/inch mismatch makes pieces 25.4 times off while shapes look correct. Set units explicitly and check one known measurement after import. (Minerva Patterns, June 2026, practitioner article.)
2. **AAMA or ASTM DXF carries pieces and grading, sometimes with a separate RUL file.** If the factory's system expects the rule file and it is missing, the factory sees only the base size (reported for CLO exports opened in Gerber; user-reported, version-dependent).
3. **Markers are not pattern files.** The pattern exchange practice covers pieces and grading, not marker, plotter or cutter instructions, so "graded and marked" is two jobs. A marker also needs the cutting-table length, fabric width and size ratio. (ASTM D6673-10 public scope; Fashion-Incubator, 2009, older.)
4. **"ASTM-compliant" is not something to ask for.** ASTM D6673 is marked withdrawn with no replacement.

## What each kind of file carries (general guide)

| File | Scale | All sizes | Notches | Markers |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Plain DXF | no unit forced | base size only | can import as plain lines | no |
| AAMA or ASTM DXF (+ RUL if expected) | if units are set | inside the file or in the RUL file | if mapped | no |
| Native files, same system | yes | yes | yes | separate marker file |

## Three questions to send your factory today

1. Which system and version do you cut on?
2. AAMA DXF or ASTM DXF, and do you expect a separate RUL rule file?
3. Inches or millimetres, and seam allowance included or net?

Then start your transfer scope at https://nestproof.meetinggrove.com/?from=formats : the three questions stay open for the factory, and you describe what you have.

## Sources

- Fixing common DXF import errors in pattern CAD, Minerva Patterns (practitioner article), June 24, 2026: https://minervapatterns.com/blog/fixing-common-dxf-import-errors-in-pattern-cad
- No RUL file when exporting DXF-AAMA (grading lost), CLO user forum (user-reported), about 2019: https://support.clo3d.com/hc/ko/community/posts/360029369973-No-RUL-file-when-exporting-DXF-AAMA-Grading-lost
- ASTM D6673-10, Sewn Products Pattern Data Interchange: Data Format, ASTM International (public summary), marked withdrawn, no replacement; updated January 9, 2019: https://store.astm.org/d6673-10.html
- Where and how to get markers printed, Fashion-Incubator, Kathleen Fasanella, January 20, 2009 (older; practice may have changed): https://fashion-incubator.com/where-and-how-to-get-markers-printed/

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