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The following steps should be performed when preparing an AutoCAD .dxf or .dwg file for import:

1. Remove all unnecessary information: AutoCAD files typically include much information that is unnecessary to the simulation. Typically, all a simulation needs is a basic layout. Removing information that is extraneous to the simulation will make your model more clear and reduce the burden on your graphics card. As a result it will be easier to build and present the model. Remove any parts of the drawing that are not pertinent to the simulation study.
2. Adjust the scale to FlexSim units: AutoCAD files are often scaled in inches. FlexSim models are often scaled in feet or meters. It is important that the AutoCAD file be rescaled to work appropriately in FlexSim. For instance, to convert from an AutoCAD file in inches to a FlexSim model in feet, the scale factor will be 1/12. To determine how much to scale, follow these steps:
   1. Measure a known distance in AutoCAD ("_dist").
   2. Apply the following equation: scale factor = FlexSim distance / ACAD distance.
   To scale objects in AutoCAD follow these steps:
   1. Select the objects you want to scale.
   2. Type "_scale" in the command prompt or select the scale command from the menus.
   3. Specify a reference point.
   4. Type in the calculated scale factor in the command prompt.
3. Move objects to the origin: AutoCAD drawings are usually drawn using a specific coordinate system. This usually means that the objects are not located near the origin (0,0,0). When a .dxf file is imported into FlexSim, it is positioned in FlexSim's coordinate system according to the .dxf's positioning. So if the origin point of your AutoCAD file is very far away from the actual drawing, when that .dxf file is imported into FlexSim, the layout will also be very far away from the model's origin position in FlexSim. This can be quite frustrating for the modeler. For this reason, move your AutoCAD objects to the origin. Do so by completing the following steps:
   1. Select the objects you want to move.
   2. Type "_move" in the command prompt or select the move command from the menus.
   3. Specify a reference point.
   4. Type in the desired location of that point in the command prompt.
4. Explode compound objects. FlexSim can only import basic shapes, so it is important to explode any compound objects in the AutoCAD drawing into their basic shapes. To explode compound objects in AutoCAD follow these steps:
   1. Select the objects you want to explode.
   2. Type "_explode" in the command prompt or select the explode command from the menus.
   3. Repeat the above steps until there are no objects that were exploded.

In FlexSim:

1. Drag a Background object into the model from the Library window under Visual.
2. Follow the steps in the Background Drawing Wizard.