The procedure for loading AutoCAD files into BEEST is to export AutoCAD data to a DXF file and then load the DXF file into BEEST.

Creating the DXF file

1. Open a file in AutoCAD.
2. Click File → Save As and select Release12V as the file format. In the options tab, choose "Select Objects."
3. Make sure all lines, polylines, circles, arcs, etc. have a "z value" of 0.
4. Turn off text in drawing that is not needed in the exported file.
5. Save the file with a .DXF extension.
6. If loading the file fails, you may have too many AutoCAD layers in your file. If so, reduce the number of layers and save the file again.

Loading the DXF file

1. Open a model in BEEST.
2. Click the "Open DXF File" button.
3. Click the "File" button and select the .DXF file you previously saved.
4. Select the units for the file and click the "Load DXF" button.
5. To remove the DXF file from BEEST, click the "Open DXF File" button again and click the "Unload DXF" button.