Automation

LinkCAD supports several automation approaches for integrating format conversion into production workflows.

Approaches

Method	Best For
Command Line	Single conversions from scripts, CI/CD pipelines
Batch Mode	Multiple conversions in a single session
Configuration Files	Saved option sets for repeatable conversions
Layer Maps	Layer name/number mapping between formats
Python Scripting	Custom tools, format plugins, complex workflows

Quick Example

Convert a GDSII file to DXF from the command line:

linkcad.exe -i design.gds -o design.dxf --quit

Convert with a layer map and tool:

linkcad.exe -i design.gds -o design.dxf `
  --layer-map layers.csv --apply-layer-map `
  --apply-tool "Merge" --quit

Run a Python script:

linkcad.exe -i design.gds --python-script process.py --quit