- Open the DXF in a CAD program (LibreCAD, QCAD, Fusion 360, Onshape…) and make a 1:1 PDF.
- Open the PDF in TrueScale Print and calibrate from a known dimension to confirm.
- Print at Actual size, check the ruler, assemble.
- Glue to the degreased plate, centre-punch holes, scribe the outline, cut.
1. Convert the DXF to a 1:1 PDF
TrueScale Print doesn’t read DXF files directly yet, so the first step is a PDF at exactly 1:1. Any CAD program that opens DXF can do it:
- LibreCAD / QCAD (free): open the DXF, check the drawing units are correct (mm or inches), then print or export to PDF with the scale set to 1:1 and a paper size large enough for the part (or a custom size).
- Fusion 360 / Onshape / SolidWorks: import the DXF into a sketch or drawing, place a view at 1:1 and export a PDF.
- Inkscape can open DXF and save PDF, but check the import units – DXF files don’t always say whether they’re in mm or inches.
2. Open, confirm and lay out
Open the PDF in TrueScale Print. It opens at the size in the PDF. Use Calibrate on a known dimension – a bolt-circle diameter or overall width – to confirm the units came through correctly. For opposite-hand parts use Mirror. Turn on the Square grid (10 mm or ½ in) if you want a layout reference.
Print settings that keep the scale
Most “wrong size” prints come from the print dialog, not the file. Whatever program you print from:
- Choose Actual size or 100%. In Chrome or Edge, set Scale to Default or 100 – not “Fit to printable area”.
- On a Mac, untick Scale to fit paper size under Paper Handling.
- Turn off borderless printing; it enlarges the page slightly so the ink reaches the edge.
- Make sure the paper size in the print dialog matches the paper you chose in TrueScale Print (A4 vs. US Letter).
3. Mark the metal
- Degrease the plate. Templates won’t stay put on oily mill scale.
- Glue the template with spray adhesive and smooth it flat, matching the diagonals at each join.
- Centre-punch every hole centre and the ends of straight cuts through the paper.
- Scribe or soapstone the outline, then peel the paper off before plasma or oxy-fuel cutting – paper scorches.
- Cut on the waste side and allow for kerf; the printed line is about 0.3 mm wide.
Paper templates are ideal for layout, hand cutting, plasma and oxy-fuel work. For tight-tolerance machined features, mark out from the template and confirm critical dimensions with a rule or calipers.
Print your template
Open TrueScale PrintFAQ
Can TrueScale Print open DXF files?
Not directly yet. Open the DXF in a CAD program such as LibreCAD, QCAD or Fusion 360 and export or print it to PDF at 1:1, then open that PDF.
How accurate is a paper template for metal cutting?
Home printers are typically within about 0.5%. Check the ruler on sheet one before cutting, and confirm critical dimensions with a rule or calipers.
Should I cut through the paper with plasma?
No – centre-punch the holes and scribe the outline, then remove the paper before cutting, as it can scorch.