P2P CAD Workflow - Export DXF Files from the Jobsite

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P2P CAD Workflow —
Export DXF Files from the Jobsite

The DISTO X6 does not just measure—it builds your drawing. Capture a complete set of dimensions onsite, export 2D or 3D DXF files via Bluetooth, and open them directly in AutoCAD, Revit, or any CAD platform. No transcription, no re-entry, no errors.

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Leica DISTO X6 CAD export feature showing DXF file workflow from field to AutoCAD

Field to CAD in One Step

Traditional field-to-CAD workflows involve writing measurements on paper or in a notes app, then re-entering every number into your CAD software back at the office. Every transcription step introduces opportunities for errors—and a single wrong digit can mean costly rework. The DISTO X6 eliminates this entirely.

Using the DISTO Plan app via Bluetooth, the X6 streams measurements directly to a 2D or 3D sketch on your phone or tablet. As you shoot each point, the drawing builds itself. When done, export the DXF file and open it immediately in any CAD software. The drawing you built onsite is the CAD file.

The P2P CAD Workflow, Step by Step

1

Set Up the DISTO X6 on the DST 360-X Adapter

Mount the X6 to the DST 360-X tiltable tripod adapter at a reference position. Connect to your phone or tablet running DISTO Plan via Bluetooth and open or create a new project in the app.

2

Shoot Your Measurement Points

Aim the laser at each target and press the measurement button. P2P dimensions use two shots per point pair (A and B). The X6 calculates the 3D vector automatically and each result populates the DISTO Plan drawing in real time.

3

Build the Drawing Onsite

DISTO Plan assembles your floor plan, elevation, or 3D sketch as you measure. Add room labels, annotations, and notes directly in the field. Review the drawing before leaving—if something looks wrong, reshoot immediately rather than discovering the error at the office days later.

4

Export the DXF File

When your site capture is complete, export the drawing as a 2D or 3D DXF file directly from DISTO Plan. Send it via email, save to cloud storage, or open in a CAD app immediately. The exported DXF contains all your measured geometry at true scale, ready for design work.

5

Open in Any CAD Software

Import the DXF into AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, or any other CAD platform. Your as-built geometry is already there—clean, accurate, and ready to design on top of. No re-entry, no transcription, no guesswork.

Why P2P CAD Beats Traditional Methods

TaskTraditional MethodDISTO X6 P2P CAD
Capturing hard-to-reach pointsLadder, scaffold, or second person required  Single operator, ground level
Getting measurements into CADManual re-entry from handwritten notes  Direct DXF export, zero transcription
Error checkingBack at the office (too late to re-measure)  Review drawing onsite before leaving
3D coordinatesTotal station or laser scan setup required  Built-in with P2P + DST 360-X
CAD compatibilityProprietary formats, import friction  Standard DXF, works with everything
Equipment costTotal station: $10,000–$50,000+  DISTO X6 P2P Package: fraction of the cost

Compatible CAD Software

DXF is the universal language of CAD. Files exported from DISTO Plan open cleanly in every major platform:

AutoCADAutodesk
RevitAutodesk BIM
SketchUpTrimble
RhinoRobert McNeel
ArchiCADGraphisoft
BricsCADBricsys
ZWCADZWSOFT
LibreCADOpen Source

DXF is an open standard. If your CAD software can open DXF files, it works with DISTO Plan exports.

Key Benefits

Eliminate Transcription Errors

Every number in the DXF file came directly from the laser. No human re-entry at any stage. The data is exactly what the instrument measured.

Cut Revisit Trips

Review your drawing onsite while you still have access. Catch missing dimensions and reshoot before leaving, not days later back at the office.

Work Alone

P2P with the DST 360-X means one person captures the full measurement set. No helper, no assistant, no coordination overhead.

Deliver Faster

Skip the office re-entry step entirely. Your client gets accurate drawings the same day you visit the site, not two days later.

True 3D Data

Export 3D DXF files with full X/Y/Z coordinates for any P2P-measured point. Ideal for BIM workflows and complex geometry.

Professional Credibility

Delivering Leica-accurate drawings from a Leica instrument builds client trust. People notice when your as-builts match reality perfectly.

Build Better Drawings, Starting Today

The Leica DISTO X6 P2P Package includes everything you need: the DISTO X6 laser distometer, DST 360-X tiltable adapter, and access to DISTO Plan for full onsite CAD workflow capability.

Buy the Leica DISTO X6 P2P Package