Mitch: It sounds like your particular interest is for Shields, perhaps developed in MCAD (M=mechanical) first, then utilized in ECAD (Electrical). Have you considered driving your Soldermask and Solderpaste shapes as a function of a shield component? Let the MCAD component be the controlling component and require the ECAD librarian to derive his shield component details, from the MCAD imported data, matched orientation, etc. With a reference designator assigned on the MCAD side and the proper linkages set up between (MCAD-ECAD),(see algroidf), then you should have "correct by design" data in Allegro, automatically done for you. The only pre-requisite is that you will need to have your Allegro design packaged and netlisted before loading in the updated (IDF file from MCAD). (It is not a far reach to instantiate a shield symbol in the schematic either.) I am not 100% clear how the MCAD format and the final ECAD format is for the Shapes you mentioned. At worst it should only be an ent! ity issue, ie. curves may now be a polygon but they should look the same you should not have to redraw anything. The greatest benefit is that you are also rock-solidly engaged in an optimal (MCAD-ECAD)librarian process. Look in C:\Cadence\PSD_15.1\doc\algroidf.pdf for the document that Andy mentioned on another reply thread. You should have a local copy as well. Sincerely yours, Michael Baumstark Staff PCB Designer - BSEE, CID+ Motorola - Advanced Product Technology Center -----Original Message----- From: Mitch S. Morey [mailto:cadpro2k@xxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2004 12:38 PM To: icu-pcb-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [PCB_FORUM] Pro-E import of soldermask/solderpaste shapes. Hi all, Thought I'd run this thru ya before I search SL. How do you import things like soldermask/solderpaste SHAPES into Allegro from Pro-E? Our shields require soldermask openings and the solderpaste shapes for stensil creation inside allegro. We want them as shapes (like they're drawn in Pro-E. Now they come across as 2D lines though.) like the PLACEMENT/KEEPOUTS come across, so we don't have to redraw them. Does anyone know how that's done on the pro-e side? Thanks in advance. Good day. ----------------------------------------- This email was sent using http://cafemail.pcbcafe.com . ----------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe/unsubscribe: Send a message to icu-pcb-forum-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with a subject of subscribe or unsubscribe To view the archives of this list please login at //www.freelists.org. Our list name is icu-pcb-forum or go to //www.freelists.org/archives/icu-pcb-forum/ Problems or Questions: Send an email to icu-pcb-forum-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Want to post a job listing ? DON'T DO IT HERE! Better yet, join our jobs listing forum. SUBSCRIBE: icu-jobs-forum-subscribe@xxxxxxxxxx POST: icu-jobs-forum@xxxxxxxxxx -----------------------------------------------------------