import .brd file into Allegro 16

I'm using Allegro Package Designer - L...

 Thanks again.

 Jerry,

 Do you want to open it, or import and convert to a .mcm?

Bill

Bill,

 Ideally, We want to import a .brd file, convert to .mcm, and then export back to .brd.

Our board vendor doesn't have a tool to work in .mcm and they are comfortable with their tool that uses .brd.

Thanks,
Jerry

A couple of things...

In you just need to view the database, in 16.3 you can open a database with a tool other than the native tool (e.g. a .brd with APD) in what we call "foreign design mode" -- intended for two things: 1) viewing 2) setting up design links between different databases with one tool. You just need to click the File-->Open  drop down to "all files" to see it.

In the 16.0 time frame, we actually tightened up the tools so they could not open a different database for editting...  there was now significant differences between the board and package databases, and more opportunity for a user to put the design into an "unexpected state" if, say, you edited an .mcm with Allegro. Ideally, we want you and your vendor to be on the same tool.

There are ways to convert databases from one to the other, but they were not intended for a round-trip. If you want to contact me, either directly using the "Contact" button, or through your local AE, I'd be happy to discuss your particular situation and options.

Bill 

Thanks, Bill,

 Our lead at the board vendor is out of the office for the remainder of the week. I'll get back in touch next week.  She's in the NorthEast and we're in the SouthEast -- I'll ask our local account manager how we should handle the details of getting us on the same tools.

 Cheers,
Jerry