diff --git a/pcbnew/import_gfx/dxf_import_plugin.cpp b/pcbnew/import_gfx/dxf_import_plugin.cpp
index ce9ff76f96..287509327f 100644
--- a/pcbnew/import_gfx/dxf_import_plugin.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/import_gfx/dxf_import_plugin.cpp
@@ -118,7 +118,15 @@ DXF_IMPORT_PLUGIN::~DXF_IMPORT_PLUGIN()
 
 bool DXF_IMPORT_PLUGIN::Load( const wxString& aFileName )
 {
-    return ImportDxfFile( aFileName );
+    try
+    {
+        return ImportDxfFile( aFileName );
+    }
+    catch( const std::bad_alloc& )
+    {
+        reportMsg( _( "Memory was exhausted trying to load the DXF, it may be too large." ) );
+        return false;
+    }
 }