Use the DXF Import form to select the grid system; specify the components with possible assignments to be included in or excluded from the import; and the story level of the entities to be imported.
Use the Coord drop-down list, choose the coordinate system for importing the file. Also select the units of the DXF file from the DXF File Units drop-down list.
Select Layers to Import display area. Click on an item in this display list to select it. Use the Shift and Ctrl keys on the keyboard to make multiple selections.
Default Properties drop-down lists. Use the Beam Properties, Column Properties, Brace Properties, Floor Properties, Wall Properties and Ramp Properties drop-down lists to select the default property definition to be applied to the imported items. Those definitions will be imported as assignments. ETABS will import 3dFace and Polyline entities in the DXF drawing as floors or openings and line entities as beams/columns.
Global Up Direction drop-down list. Use this drop-down list to specify the global up direction for the imported items.
Ignore Lines Shorter Than edit box. As the name indicates, specify that lines of a specified length be ignored.
Access the DXF Import form for importing a 3D Model as follows:
Click the File menu > Import > .DXF/.DWG of 3D Model command to access the .DXF/.DWG Import form
Use the form to locate the filename/path of the .DXF file to be imported.
Highlight the filename and double click it or click the Open button to access the DXF Import form.