Command-Line Interface
LinkCAD can be driven entirely from the command line for scripted and automated conversions.
Basic Syntax
linkcad.exe [options]Core Parameters
File I/O
| Parameter | Short | Description |
|---|---|---|
--import <path> | -i | Input file path |
--export <path> | -o | Output file path |
--input-format <fmt> | Input format; chosen from the input file’s extension when omitted | |
--output-format <fmt> | Output format; required for an unattended conversion, as several formats share an extension (.anf) |
Layer Mapping
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
--layer-map <path> | Load a layer map file |
--apply-layer-map | Apply the loaded layer map during conversion |
Processing
| Parameter | Short | Description |
|---|---|---|
--config <path> | -c | Load a command file (.lsn format) |
--top-cell <pattern> | Select the top cell for hierarchical formats | |
--apply-tool <tools> | Apply tools after import (semicolon-separated) | |
--batch-combine | Combine multiple input files into a single output | |
--units <value> | -u | Display units, as a unit code (0–9) |
Control
| Parameter | Short | Description |
|---|---|---|
--quit | -q | Exit after processing (required for unattended operation) |
--console | Enable console output for logging | |
--trace | Enable detailed TRACE-level logging | |
--save-settings | Save settings on exit (default behavior) | |
--no-save-settings | Do not save settings on exit | |
--load-defaults | Reset to default settings before processing |
Python
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
--python-script <path> | Run a Python script and exit (headless mode) |
--python-cmd <code> | Execute a Python code string and exit |
--python-interactive | Open the interactive Python console (with GUI) |
Information
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
--help | Show help text |
--help-all | Show all options, including format-specific dynamic options |
Unattended Conversion
LinkCAD converts without opening a window, then exits, when it is given:
--quit- the input file,
--import - the output file,
--export - the output format,
--output-format; the input format may be left to the file’s extension
Any of them can come from a command file instead (LcExitWhenFinished, LcImportFile, LcExportFile, LcExportFormat). Without all four, LinkCAD opens the conversion wizard with the given values filled in.
The exit code is 0 when the conversion succeeded and 1 when it failed, including an unknown option or a command file that cannot be read.
LinkCAD 10 scripts and command files that set LcSkipSteps=all, or list every wizard step in it, also run unattended and exit when done.
Valid Format Names
Use these names with --input-format and --output-format:
| Name | Import | Export |
|---|---|---|
DXF | Yes | Yes |
DWG | Yes | Yes |
GDSII | Yes | Yes |
GDS-TXT | Yes | — |
CIF | Yes | Yes |
OASIS | Yes | Yes |
Gerber RS-274X | Yes | Yes |
ODB++ | Yes | Yes |
SVG | Yes | Yes |
PostScript/EPS | Yes | — |
PostScript | — | Yes |
PDF | Yes | — |
ACIS SAT | Yes | Yes |
Parasolid XT | — | Yes |
STEP | — | Yes |
IGES | — | Yes |
ANSYS ANF | — | Yes |
ANSOFT ANF V4 | — | Yes |
TETIN | — | Yes |
Sonnet | Yes | Yes |
LASI TLC | Yes | Yes |
Compass Layout | Yes | — |
Modla | — | Yes |
Binary Die Format | Yes | — |
ASCII Data | Yes | — |
Raster Image (Bitmap) | Yes | Yes |
OASIS import/export and ODB++ import/export require LinkCAD 11 or later. DWG supports both import and export in LinkCAD 11; DWG is not available in LinkCAD 10.
Examples
Simple conversion
linkcad.exe --import chip.gds --export chip.dxf --output-format DXF --quitConversion with console output
linkcad.exe -i chip.gds -o chip.dxf --output-format DXF --console -qConversion with layer map
linkcad.exe -i chip.gds -o chip.dxf --output-format DXF ` --layer-map mapping.lmap --apply-layer-map -qSelect a specific top cell
linkcad.exe -i chip.gds --top-cell "TOPCELL" -o chip.dxf --output-format DXF -qApply tools during conversion
linkcad.exe -i input.gds -o output.gds --output-format GDSII ` --apply-tool "Merge;SanitizePolygons" -qRun a Python script headless
linkcad.exe --python-script process.py --consoleUse a command file
linkcad.exe --config my_settings.lsn --console -qOverride format-specific options
linkcad.exe -i chip.gds -o chip.dxf --output-format DXF --DxfOutScaling 1000 -qUse --help-all to see all available format-specific options.
Automation Options
These options control unattended operation and can be set on the command line or in command files. They correspond to Lc* internal key names.
| Parameter | Command-File Key | Description |
|---|---|---|
--load-defaults | LcLoadDefaults | Reset to default settings before processing |
| (command file only) | LcSkipImportOptions | Skip the import options dialog |
| (command file only) | LcSkipExportOptions | Skip the export options dialog |
-LcSkipSteps <steps> | LcSkipSteps | Wizard steps to skip: all, or step names separated by ; |
| (command file only) | LcSelectTopCell | Auto-select the top cell without prompting |
-LcConvertBatch | LcConvertBatch | Enable batch conversion mode |
--batch-combine | LcBatchCombineFiles | Combine multiple files into single output |
--apply-layer-map | LcApplyLayerMap | Apply layer map during processing |
| (command file only) | LcNoRestart | Disable automatic restart on crash |
| (command file only) | LcDeleteEmtpyCells | Delete empty cells after import |
| (command file only) | LcDeleteUnresolvedRefs | Delete unresolved cell references |
| (command file only) | LcAutoAlternatePolarity | Auto-alternate polarity on multi-layer import |
| (command file only) | LcAutoNumberMaterialValues | Auto-number material values |
| (command file only) | LcAutoNumberZValues | Auto-number Z values |
| (command file only) | LcHideUnusedLayers | Hide unused layers after import |
| (command file only) | LcInResolveLayers | Resolve layer references during import |
Dynamic Options
Format-specific options (e.g., DxfOutScaling, GbrInUnits, GdsOutDbScalingUnits) can be passed directly on the command line using their internal key names. Run linkcad.exe --help-all to see the complete list organized by format.
Each format page lists the available option keys under a “CLI / Command-File Options” section.
Legacy Parameters
LinkCAD also accepts LinkCAD 10 command lines unchanged: any option as -Name=value or -Name value (-LcImportFile=chip.gds, -LcApplyLayerMap true), -i=file, and options that have since been renamed (-LcCropX0). See the CLI Parameters Reference for the full mapping.
Tips
- An unattended run needs
--quit, the input and output files and--output-format; see Unattended Conversion - Use
--consoleto see progress and error messages on stdout - The input format is chosen from the input file’s extension unless
--input-formatnames it; the output format must always be named - Use
--no-save-settingsin scripts to avoid modifying the user’s defaults - A command file can set any option; explicit CLI arguments take precedence over values in the command file