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WV_146131776-Contributor
6-Contributor
Oct 15, 2026 7:45 AM UTC
Solved

Flat pattern export drawing units set to inch instead of mm

Using CREO 13. I always design in mm, all my files are set up like that.

When I export a sheet metal flat pattern however (via the new direct export feature in CREO 13), the resulting DXF is inches (and the part is huge).

I noticed the DXF contains the following string:

$INSUNITS
 70
1
  0

The “1” is the file setting to inches. Should not be like that.

I don’t know where it comes from.

I have my config.pro set up as following:

pro_unit_length unit_mm
dxf_out_scale_views yes
dxf_out_drawing_scale yes

I also noticed I have a dxf_template.drw. When I open it I notice drawing_units is set to “inch *”, but when I change it it immediately goes back to “inch” when I recheck, so I can’t set it. Not even sure if that file has any relevance. 

Also checked some iso.dtl file, which is has drawing_units set to MM

I’m out of options right now. Any ideas?

WV_14613177Answer
6-Contributor
Oct 21, 2026 7:58 AM UTC

https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS472733 is the link btw.

I just heard it should be fixed in 13.4.2.0

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4 replies

Srinivasan-Iyer15-Moonstone
15-Moonstone
Oct 21, 2026 4:44 AM UTC

check whether your organization has set a configuration in config.sup file. Settings in “.sup” files override whatever you set.

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Knowing, what we know is just a fistful of Earth, brings in humility.
WV_146131776-ContributorAuthor
6-Contributor
Oct 21, 2026 6:39 AM UTC

I just used the built-in AI feature to ask about this and it seems aware that this is a bug:

In Creo Parametric 13.4, there’s a known issue where exporting a Sheetmetal flat pattern via Right‑click on Flat Pattern > Export Flat Pattern writes the DXF INSUNITS as inch even when the model units are mm. This results in a 25.4x scale mismatch in downstream apps.

What you can do now

  • If you must use the new Flat Pattern export:

    • Inform downstream users to interpret units as mm or rescale by 1/25.4 on import, until the SPR is resolved (SPR 17198608).
    • Optionally, open the DXF in your CAM/CAD tool and set/override the drawing units to mm without rescaling geometry (fix INSUNITS only).

  • More stable workaround (recommended until fix):

    • Create a drawing of the flat state and export the drawing to DXF, ensuring drawing units are mm:
      1. In the drawing: File > Prepare > Drawing Properties.
      2. Detail > Change, set drawing_units to mm.
      3. File > Save As > Save a Copy > Type: DXF, then export. This path honors the drawing’s mm units in the DXF.

  • Check/adjust export settings each time:

    • When using Export Flat Pattern, click Settings in the dialog to review properties and mapping as needed (layers, colors, etc.). Unit control is not exposed there for the flat export; it relies on the internal behavior currently affected by the SPR.

 

It provides links to article CS472733: “Using "Export Flat Pattern" from a Sheetmetal part the resulting DXF is in inch in Creo Parametric 13.4” - Modified: 22-Jun-2026. Resolution: Reported to R&D as SPR 17198608 . It explains exactly the issue I have.

So sadly this is a known issue for months.. 

Great that the AI knows these things… I don’t know how I would have found this info without the AI. Also no clue when this will be fixed.

As a temporary fix I vibecoded a quick tool with claude to bulk change my DXF files

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    Srinivasan-Iyer15-Moonstone
    15-Moonstone
    Oct 21, 2026 7:56 AM UTC

    That is great. I am still on Creo 10.

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    Knowing, what we know is just a fistful of Earth, brings in humility.
    WV_146131776-ContributorAuthorAnswer
    6-Contributor
    Oct 21, 2026 7:58 AM UTC

    https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS472733 is the link btw.

    I just heard it should be fixed in 13.4.2.0

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