SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Import data > Advanced import tools

Advanced import tools in AutoCAD

Import data easily using wizards, palettes, or batch tools

Import objects into the current AutoCAD drawing or let the application create a new one automatically. Speed up repetitive workflows by skipping unnecessary steps in the import wizard. Use intuitive palette options or right-click on a data source to trigger a quick import. For higher productivity, perform batch imports from entire folders, with the ability to separate contents into different layers.

Editions: Basic Standard Professional
What's included in the feature Advanced import tools

Discover the full potential of this set of tools designed to enhance GIS data integration and editing within AutoCAD.

Objects imported into a new or open drawing

Import processes can be performed in the current AutoCAD drawing or in a new drawing. The application opens a new drawing automatically if needed.

Objects imported into a new or open drawing<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
Play video

Speed up the processes skipping some wizard steps

Skip unnecessary steps for a particular job and go directly to the execution of the import process, to follow all the guidelines set by the import wizard.

Speed up the processes skipping some wizard steps<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>

Use the intuitive palette options or the quick import function

Use the right-click menu on a particular data source to import from this source, or run the import command that avoids having to open the application palette if you do not want it.

Use the intuitive palette options or the quick import function<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>

Batch import

Import all the files (even raster images) from a folder in one go. If needed, separate the content of each file in different Layers.

Batch import<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
Related features
Geometry options<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../geometry-options/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Geometry options

Import as points or block references, fill polygons, or create centroids

Import options<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-options/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import options

Assign layers, label features, filter spatially, and control elevation

Data import<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../data-import/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Data import

Import attribute data as XDATA for smarter AutoCAD drawings

* Only available in Standard and Professional editions

Import tasks<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-tasks/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import tasks

Save Tasks in AutoCAD to replay import processes (including all process parameters) so many times as desired

* Only available in Professional edition

Import files, databases and online services<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-files-databases-and-online-services/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import files, databases and online services

Connect to a wide variety of spatial data sources

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frequently asked questions
Current compatible AutoCAD applications:
  • AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Architecture (Windows Only)
  • Versions: From v.2013 to v.2026 both included. Review the version compatibility page for more details.
Note: AutoCAD LT is not a compatible application because of its intrinsic limitations but you can use Spatial Manager Desktop™ to import/export via DXF files
System requirements:
  • Windows 7 or higher, within the operating system versions supported by the AutoCAD version used
  • 500 MB free disk space, or more
  • Windows Installer 3.1 or later
Spatial files
  • Esri Shape file - (SHP)
  • Google Earth file - (KML, KMZ)
  • OpenStreetMap file - (OSM, PBF, OSC) (1)
  • LiDAR file - (LAS, LAZ)
  • GPS exchange format file - (GPX)
  • Esri ASCII Grid file - (ASC, ASCII) (1)
  • ASCII text file - (ASC, CSV, NEZ, TXT, XYZ, UPT)
  • SQLite file - (SQLITE, DB)
  • GeoPackage file - (GPKG)
  • GML file - (GML, GZ, XML)
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
  • Autodesk SDF file - (SDF) (3)
  • MicroStation v.7 file - (DGN) (2)
  • AutoCAD DXF file - (DXF) (2)
  • Esri ArcInfo export file (ASCII) - (E00) (1) (2)
  • MapInfo file - (TAB) (2)
  • MapInfo interchange format file - (MIF/MID) (2)
  • GeoJSON file - (GEO.JSON)

Spatial raster files
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
    • Georeference sources - (World files, Google Earth .GEPRINT, etc.)
  • Variable resolution Raster image file - (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF/COG TIFF) (1) (4)

Spatial data servers and Geo-databases
  • Esri Geodatabase File - (GDB) (1)
  • PostGIS database
  • Microsoft SQL Server Spatial database
  • MySQL database (1) (3)

Image map servers
  • WMS/OGC API Maps Web Map Services (4)
  • WMTS/OGC API Tiles Web Map Tile Services (4)
  • XYZ/TMS Tile Map Services (4)

Other spatial data sources
  • Open Database Connectivity ODBC (1)
  • WFS/OGC API Features data store (1)
  • WFS data store (FDO) (1) (3) (6)
  • WFS data store (OGR) (1) (2) (5) (6)

(1) Read-only
(2) OGR data source
(3) FDO provider
(4) Background Maps technology
(5) OGR for WFS data stores will not be found in the data Provider list under some circumstances (certain AutoCAD Map versions and others). Please, use the native or FDO variants for this data Provider
(6) DEPRECATED - Whenever possible use the native WFS/OGC API Features data provider

Note: certain data Providers are only valid for some Editions of the application