---
title: Import from AutoCAD
description: Attach an AutoCAD DXF to a job watcher — FrameAI re-analyses the structure automatically when the source drawing updates.
category: Integration
---

## Import from AutoCAD

FrameAI can monitor a remote drawing URL and automatically re-process your job when the source file changes. This is useful when you're collaborating with an architect or engineer who sends updated drawings by email or hosts them on an FTP/S3 location.

## Supported source types

| Source | Format | Refresh trigger |
|--------|--------|-----------------|
| HTTP(S) URL | PDF, DXF | HTTP ETag or last-modified header change |
| S3 pre-signed URL | PDF, DXF | Auto-sensed from pre-signed URL parameters |
| Email attachment | PDF (Postmark inbound) | New email with attachment |

## Setting up a job watcher

1. Open your job
2. Click **Watchers** in the sidebar
3. Enter the source URL or email address
4. Set the poll interval (5 min / 15 min / 1 hr)
5. Click **Save**

```
<div class="screenshot-placeholder">
  📸 Screenshot: The watcher setup form showing URL field and poll interval dropdown.
  TODO: replace with actual screenshot
</div>
```

## How re-processing works

When FrameAI detects a file change:

1. The new file is downloaded and parsed
2. GPT-4o re-runs extraction on updated pages
3. Members that changed are flagged for review
4. Eurocode checks re-run against the updated geometry
5. If all checks pass, a new revision is created
6. You're notified by email with a summary of what changed

## Diff view

The revision diff shows exactly what changed between versions:

```
<div class="screenshot-placeholder">
  📸 Screenshot: The diff panel showing changed members highlighted in orange.
  TODO: replace with actual screenshot
</div>
```

Each change is categorised:
- **New member** — added since last revision
- **Modified** — profile or length changed
- **Removed** — member deleted
- **Override** — manual correction applied

## AutoCAD DXF tips

For best results when exporting from AutoCAD to DXF:

1. Explode all blocks and external references
2. Flatten all geometry to 2D (Z = 0)
3. Use layer names that describe the content (e.g., `STEEL-BEAMS`, `STEEL-COLUMNS`)
4. Set INSUNITS to millimetres
5. Purge unused blocks and layers before exporting

FrameAI reads the layer structure to distinguish beams from columns from secondary members.

## Email inbound (Studio)

Studio workspaces can set up a dedicated inbound email address:

`your-project@intake.frameai.polsia.app`

Forward any updated drawings to that address and they'll be ingested as a new revision automatically. The routing token in the address ensures the correct project receives the update.