Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing

and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Andrew Warren – BC Design / Ensafe
Terri Humel – Nashville Electric Service

AC2406- Have you ever been asked to open a file that was not from AutoCAD? Most users these days deal
with much more than a DWG™ on a daily basis. In this class, we will discuss the ins and outs of using software
such as Autodesk® Raster Design, Adobe®, CAD2PDF™, and others when working with AutoCAD. We will talk
about file types such as DWF™, DGN, DXF™, image, Autodesk Inventor®, Alias®, SolidWorks®, Revit®, and
others. We will see what the best approach is for importing from and exporting to various other non-Autodesk
products. We will discuss how to gather intelligence on drawing formats and where to look for answers. We will look
at real life examples and work through them. We will also be talking about how to protect your files and how to use
files that are protected (think underlay, not illegal). The class will also cover how to reduce file sizes and get the best
looking image when inserting something. The instructor invites you to submit questions and examples in the weeks
leading up to AU.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
 Use the AEC exchange to share information among Autodesk products
 List the file types that can be imported into and exported out of AutoCAD
 Describe free or inexpensive third-party programs that assist with
importing, converting, and exporting files in AutoCAD
 Improve quality while reducing file size of images inserted into a drawing

About the Speaker

Andy is a designer and software consultant specializing in implementation of CAD and data
management software and 3D design. Based close to Nashville, Tennessee, he has over 15
years of experience with Autodesk® products. He has worked for Striker Systems, a CNC
software company doing software implementations. Working extensively with designing and
programming for CNC machine tools, he was the Autodesk ATC® manager for Striker
Technology Solutions. Having returned to the environmental engineering field to design
treatment systems, he uses various Autodesk software taking designs from AutoCAD® Civil
3D® through Autodesk Inventor® into AutoCAD MEP. Prior to this he worked in the retail store
fixtures industry for several years. Certifications include manufacturing certified
implementation expert, Inventor professional, AutoCAD professional, Lean manufacturing, and
certification in machine programming from Murata Machinery. Andy is president of MTAUG.
[email protected]
Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

In this class we will be discussing 5 main areas involving Files with AutoCAD. This by no
means is all there is or the bible of CAD files. These 5 areas are what I feel I can cover in a 90
minute lecture. I promise this handout is for reference to take home, in class we will be looking
at some real world examples, and discussing your questions.

1. Importing files into and Exporting out of AutoCAD based products

o Definitions

o File Types and File Formats

2. Working with non-native dwg files in AutoCAD

o Tricks to get files to open when they don’t want to

o Cleaning up files once you get them open

3. Working with Vertical Products

o Passing data back and forth

o Tricks when working with that data

4. Protecting Files

o Protection from Yourself

o Protection from Coworkers

o Protection from the world

5. Working with Raster Images

o Importing

o Cleaning them up

o Converting to Vector

Questions are Encouraged!

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

First a couple of Definitions:

 Raster
ras·ter noun \ˈras-tər\

Webster Definition of RASTER

: a scan pattern (as of the electron beam in a cathode-ray tube) in which an area is
scanned from side to side in lines from top to bottom; also : a pattern of closely spaced
rows of dots that form an image (as on the cathode-ray tube of a television or computer
display)

AutoCAD Definition of RASTER Image

Raster images consist of a rectangular grid of small squares or dots known as pixels. For
example, a photograph of a house is made up of a series of pixels colorized to represent
the appearance of a house. A raster image references the pixels in a specific grid.

Andy’s Definition of Raster Graphics

Short Version – Pictures / Images

Long Version – Images to add drawings information such as logos, maps, pictures, etc.
Also things such as reference drawings (scans), Quad Maps, Spec sheets, PDFs, etc when
inserting non cad drawing information from other sources.

 Vector

vec·tor noun \ˈvek-tər\

Webster Definition of Vector

Vector is a quantity that has magnitude and direction and that is commonly represented by
a directed line segment whose length represents the magnitude and whose orientation in
space represents the direction; broadly : an element of a vector space b : a course or
compass direction especially of an airplane

Wikipedia Definition of Vector Graphics

Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and
shapes or polygon(s), which are all based on mathematical equations, to represent images
in computer graphics.

AutoCAD Definition of Vector

A mathematical object with precise direction and length but without specific location

Andy’s Definition of Vector Graphics

Short Version - Objects you can snap to.

Long Version – Objects you can snap to either when inserted into AutoCAD or can
manipulate in other generic CAD file formats such as DXF’s, SAT, STEP, IGES, etc.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Importing files into and Exporting out of AutoCAD based products

File Types

AutoCAD has come a long way baby. We can

now open almost any file within AutoCAD we
need to open. Below is the list of the different
files and their extensions. You have a couple
different ways to insert files into AutoCAD:
Import, Underlay and Insert. If you bring it in as
an Underlay then you can snap to it and draw on
top of it but you cannot manipulate it. Then if you
insert it as a Raster image you can move and
resize but you cannot do anything with it.

Import: When you import a file into AutoCAD

this lets you manipulate the geometry and make
it your own. This is usually what most of us want
to be able to do. This lets us build on the
information in the original file. At a minimum this
information becomes Lines Arcs and Circles to
use in our drawing. This data becomes part of
the dwg, so if the original file changes or moves
it will not affect the dwg.

Import Formats
 Import Autodesk 3ds MAX Files [*.3ds]
® ®
You can import a 3DS file created with Autodesk 3ds MAX .
 Import FBX Files [*.fbx]
FBX files allow you to import and export 3D objects, 2D objects with thickness, lights, cameras,
and materials from one Autodesk program to another.
 Import 3D Point Cloud Files [*.fls, *.fws, *.las, *.xyb]
Index and attach point cloud data created with 3D tripod and LiDAR scanners.
 Import ACIS SAT Files [*.sat]
You can import geometry objects stored in SA (ASCII) files using the ASCISIN command.
 Convert DXF and DXB Files to DWG Format [*.dxf / *.dxb]
DXF and DXB files are two types of drawing interchange files used to transfer data between
various applications.
 Import MicroStation DGN Files [*.dgn]
You can import MicroStation® DGN drawing files into DWG files.
 Import IGES Files [*.iges. *.igs]
You can import an IGES (*.igs or *.iges) file into a DWG file.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

 Import STEP Files [*.stp, *.step]

You can import STEP (*.stp, *.ste, or *.step) files and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import Pro/ENGINEER Files [*.prt, *.asm, *.g, *.neu]
®
You can import models created in Pro/ENGINEER and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import Rhino Files [*.3dm]
®
You can import Rhinoceros (Rhino) models and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import CATIA Files [*.model, *.session, *.exp, *.dlv2, *.catpart, *.catproduct]
® ®
You can import CATIA V4 and CATIA V5 models and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import SolidWorks Files [*.prt, *.sldprt, *.asm, *.sldasm]
®
You can import models created in SolidWorks and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import JT Files [*.jt]
You can import JT models and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import UGS NX Files [*.prt (part), *.prt (assembly)]
You can import NX models and insert them in the current drawing.
 Import Parasolid Files [*.x_b or *.x_t]
You can import Parasolid (*.x_b or *.x_t) files and insert them in the current drawing.
 Insert WMF Files [*.wmf]
WMF (Windows metafile format) files are frequently used to produce clip art and other
nontechnical images that you need for drawings. You can insert a WMF file into a drawing file as
a block. Unlike bitmaps, WMF files contain vector information that can be resized and printed
without losing resolution. If the WMF file contains 2D solids or wide lines, you can turn off their
display to increase drawing speed.
 Import Radiators [*.xml] (MEP/ADT only)
You can add radiators to a drawing using data from an XML file produced by a heating
calculation program such as SOLAR COMPUTER Desktop. The XML file contains an identifier
for one or more of the spaces in the model. Each space identifier in the file precedes a list of the
radiators to be placed into the space.
 Import IFC Files [*.ifc] (MEP/ADT only)
When you import an IFC file, drawing files are created that correspond to each part of the IFC
project structure. The files are xref’d together into a main host file that represents the entire IFC
file. The import process also creates a LOG file which contains object and geographic location
information. This file is stored in the same location as the imported IFC file. IFC files can be
imported into an AutoCAD Architecture project or as standalone drawings.
 Import DuctXML files (MEP/ADT Only)
Prior to importing system data, you can analyze the DDXML file using an external tool.
Component sizes are calculated and written to the DDXML file. Once analyzed, you can import
the DDXML file into your drawing.
 Import Google Earth Location
You can import Google Earth Location Information into your renderings as location information.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

 Import Google Earth Information (Civil only)

You can import Google Earth Images and Surfaces into Civil 3D. They are even Geo-
Referenced to the correct location!
 Import DEM Files [*.dem] (Civil only)
You can import DEM Models to create a surface in Civil 3D.
 Import LandXML Files [*.xml] (Civil only)
You can import LandXML files to create a surface in Civil 3D.
 Import ESRI Shape Files (Civil only)
ESRI SHP files store both geometry and attributes (data) for features. A single shape can have
as many as five physical files with the same filename, but different file extensions:
 .shp— Geometric data. Data for multiple points, polylines, and polygons can be stored in
one SHP file, but each SHP file can store only one type of geometry. For example, a line
SHP file can contain data for rivers, roads, and pipes.
 .shx — a geometric index to the map features, which can be used by some applications to
find features in disparate sections of a large map.
 .dbf— Attribute data associated with the map features.
 .prj—Projection and coordinate system data. This file is created only if your map has an
assigned coordinate system.
 .idx—identifies the index field for the related SHP file, which is the unique identifier for each
entity in the SHP file.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

 Import ESRI Grid Files [*.asc, *.txt, *.adf] (Civil only)

You can import ESRI Grid Files to create surfaces in Civil 3D. ESRI ASCII Grid uses the
extension .asc and .txt, ESRI Binary Grid uses .adf.
 Import MapInfo TAB Files (Civil only)
MapInfo TAB, also referred to as the MapInfo native format, is a two-dimensional format that
stores both feature geometry and attributes (data) in a set of physical files that have the
following file extensions:
 .tab— the main file for a MapInfo table. It is associated with the appropriate .dat, .id, .map,
and .ind files.
 .dat— Tabular data for a table in MapInfo's native format.
 .id— an index to a MapInfo graphical objects .map() file.
 .map— Contains geographic information describing map objects.
 .ind— an index to a MapInfo tabular (.dat) file.
With AutoCAD Map 3D, you can import and export MapInfo TAB up to version 7.
 Import FieldBook Files [*.fbk] (Civil only)
You can import FieldBook files to create points into Civil 3D.
 Import Point Files [*.txt] (Civil only)
You can import Point Files to create points into Civil 3D.
 Import GEOTiff Files [*.tif] (Civil only)
You can import Geo-Referenced Tiff Files into Civil 3D, these are Images set to in space to their
actual location.
 Import Storm Sewer Files [*.stm] (Civil only)
You can import Storm Sewer Files to bring pipe networks back and forth between hydraulic
analysis software into Civil 3D.

[Attach] Underlay: To me underlay means it is either a Mark-Ups or an Xrefs. You can use
these to reference data from another department or even the customer when you know the
data is going to change. You can also use Underlay’s to bring in Red Lines and Mark-Ups to
show you what has changed.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

You can Snap to this information (sometimes, if it was created by AutoCAD) and even bring in
the changes automatically. These files are the ones you do not want moving around if they do
you can break links and start to see warnings in you drawings. Underlay’s are a good way to
only bring in what you need and none of the corruption.

Tip: If you do break a link to a underlay or Xfer the simplest way to fix it is to click on it then use
the ribbon or click the Manage Xref button in the bottom right corner.

Then go to the Xref path and select the Xref that has been orphaned and it will show you where it
was and underneath let you put where it is now.

New Old

Underlay Formats
 Attach DWF Files [*.dwf]
Attach redlines and Mark Ups.
 Attach AutoCAD Drawing Files [*.dwg]
Commonly referred to as a Xref
 Attach PDF Files [*.dwg]
Attach as underlay as opposed to insert as raster.
 Attach DGN Files [*.dwg]
Attach as underlay as opposed to import.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

[Attach] Insert: The Insert I am talking about here is really Insert Raster image. This is where
you can insert pictures, images, labels, etc. This can also be used as basic markups from
someone who has scanned in a jpg or pdf for you to use. Supported Files are pretty broad for
AutoCAD’s Raster Images.

Insert Raster Formats

 BMP-Windows and OS/2 bitmap format- [*.bmp, *.dib, *.rle]
 CALS-I-Mil-R-Raster I- [*.gp4, *.mil, *.rst, *.cg4, *.cal]
 DDS-Microsoft DirectDraw Surface- [*.dds]
 DOQ-USGS Digital Orthophoto Quads- [*.doq]
 ECW-Enhanced Compression Wavelet- [*.ecw]
 FLIC-FLIC Autodesk Animator Animation- [*.flc, .fli]
 GeoSPOT-GeoSPOT (BIL files must be accompanied with HDR and PAL files with
correlation data, in the same directory)- [*.bil]
 HDR-High Dynamic Range Image- [*.hdr]
 IG4-Image Systems Group 4- [*.ig4]
 JPEG2000-Wavelet-based compression standard created by the Joint Photographics
Expert Group-[*.jp2, .j2k]
 JFIF or JPEG-Joint Photographics Expert Group- [*.jpg, .jpeg]
 MrSID-Multiresolution Seamless Image Database- [*.sid]
 NITF-National Imagery Transmission Format
Note: NITF files containing elevation data require AutoCAD Raster Design- [*.nitf]
 OpenEXR-Industrial Light & Magic High-Dynamic Range image- [*.exr]
 PCX-Picture PC Paintbrush Picture- [*.pcx]
 PICT-Picture Macintosh Picture- [*.pct]
 PNG-Portable Network Graphic- [*.png]
 PSD-Adobe Photoshop Document- [*.psd]
 RLC-Run-Length Compressed- [*.rlc]
 TARGA-True Vision Raster-Based Data Format- [*.tga]
 TIFF-Tagged Image File Format- [*.tif, .tiff]

Export: When it comes

to exporting we don’t
have as many options
straight out of the box.
The great thing is dwg/dxf
is the industry standard,
not Autodesk’s industry,
all CAD/ CAM/ CAE/
CNC/ Software’s.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Tip: If you need to get a drawing to the simplest form possible to send to someone. Use the
Export to R12 DXF; this will export only Lines, Arcs and Circles. It is the simplest form of CAD
file and can be read by almost any other CAD Software out there.

Export Formats
 Export DWF and DWFx Files
You can easily assemble a collection of drawings and export them to the DWF or DWFx file
formats.
 Export PDF Files
You can export a drawing as a PDF file to facilitate sharing information with other design
groups.
 Export DXF Files
You can export a drawing as a DXF file, which contains drawing information that can be read by
other CAD systems.
 Export FBX Files
FBX files allow you to import and export 3D objects, 2D objects with thickness, lights, cameras,
and materials from one Autodesk program to another.
 Export MicroStation DGN Files
You can export DWG files created by AutoCAD-based products to the MicroStation® DGN
drawing file format.
 Export IGES files
You can export selected objects to a new IGES (*.igs or *.iges) file, which can be read by other
CAD systems.
 Export WMF Files
You can export selected objects to a WMF (Windows metafile format) file.
 Export Raster Files
You can create a device-independent raster image of the objects in your drawing.
 Export PostScript Files
You can convert a drawing file to a PostScript file, a format that is used by many desktop
publishing applications.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

 Export ACIS SAT Files

You can export certain object types to an ACIS file in ASCII (SAT) format.
 Export Stereolithography STL Files
You can export 3D solid objects in the STL file format compatible with stereolithography or 3D
printing.
 Export to Google Earth
You can export your CAD model out to Google Earth and see it in the actual setting it will be
built.

 Export STEP files (Mechanical Only)

You can export selected objects to a new STEP (*.stp or *.step) file, which can be read by other
CAD systems.
 Export IFC files (MEP/ADT Only)
You can export drawings to the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) (*.ifc) file, which that allow
styles and objects to be classified
 Export GB files (MEP/ADT Only)
You export the engineering and building information in Green Building XML (gbXML) format
that are used in external analysis tools.
 Export DuctXML files (MEP/ADT Only)
Prior to importing system data, you can analyze the DDXML file using an external tool.
Component sizes are calculated and written to the DDXML file. Once analyzed, you can import
the DDXML file into your drawing.
 Export USGS DEM files (Civil Only)
You can export selected objects to a new digital elevation models (USGS DEM) (*.dem) file,
which can be read by other CAD or GIS systems.
 Export GEOTIFF files (Civil Only)

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

You can export selected objects to a new Geo-Referenced Tiff (*.tif) file, which can be read by
other CAD or GIS systems.
 Export LandXML files (Civil Only)
You can export selected objects to a new Land Desktop (*.xml) file, which can be read by
LandDeskTop Users. While some people still use LDD, this is more for Data Collectors and
other software that still use the LDDxml file for transferring information.

Working with non-native files in AutoCAD

Issue: You receive a dwg file from someone else and your version of AutoCAD will not open
it.

One of the most common issues when importing files is they sometimes are not created by
an Autodesk product. Microstation, SolidWorks and others have done a better job lately but
not so much in older versions. Here are a few Tips for opening a drawing not created by
AutoCAD that is giving you problems.

Solutions:

Scenario 1 – It says it was created by a newer version than you have. You can use DWG
True View (it is also part of Design Review) to convert it down to your version. Use the QR
codes below to get to the Autodesk website for TV and DR.

Autodesk True View

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=6703438

Autodesk Design Review

http://usa.autodesk.com/design-review/

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Scenario 2 - You receive a file from another software internally (i.e. you work for or with a
Solid Works Design House, but you are Autodesk in Manufacturing) or, externally, your
Customer /Vendor does not use AutoCAD. This one is not so straight forward.

1. First thing I would just try to open in AutoCAD…

2. Try to use Recover and see if it will open.
3. Try to use True View and convert it to your version.
4. If TV did not work, try to save it to an older version (R2000) and if that does not
work go back to sticks and stones and convert it to a R12 DXF.
5. Next pick up the phone if possible and ask them to try to get them to use a different
conversion process, such as send you a dxf.
6. Download a free DWG editor tool – There are a ton of them out there and not all
are equal. I have found sometimes a developer does not stick to Autodesk’s code
rules and AutoCAD will not open it. But other software developers who do not care,
will open it anyways and let you save it as a new dwg that will then open in
AutoCAD. Some of the free non-Autodesk DWG Edit Software’s; DraftSight from
DSS, Solid Edge 2D Drafting, FelixCAD LT, IntelliCAD

Scenario 3 – Working with DGNs… Once again Autodesk and Bentley have been playing
together much better lately and have fixed some of the more major translation errors.
Design Review can now open DGN’s (with the DGN add in below), this may let you open it
and save it out as an AutoCAD file.

Autodesk Design Review – DGN Add In

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=13635915&linkID=9338138
. You will also find a JT Add In and a Browser add in that will let you use Firefox or
Chrome to view dwfx files. Much the same way as you do in the Internet Explorer.

Tip: AutoCAD does not support translation of ASM (formerly ACIS) based entities such as
regions, 3d solids, bodies, and surfaces.

Trick: If you are having problems exporting a DWG to DGN (before or after it gets to
Microstation), try to export it down to a R12 DXF first, then open it back up and export that
as a DGN. This is the simplest Autodesk file format and easiest for other programs to
read.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Note: Support for complex linetypes in DGN files is improved in AutoCAD 2012. Now when
you import or export using the DGN V8 file format, complex linetypes are maintained.

Scenario 4a – You want to convert a DGN file to a DWG file using Revit®.

To convert a DGN file to a DWG file

1. Click File menu > Import/Link > CAD Formats.
2. In the Import/Link dialog box, select DGN Files from Files of Type drop-down
list.
3. Select the DGN file and click Open.
4. Select the view that you want to import and click OK.
5. Click File menu > Export > CAD Formats
6. In the Export dialog box, select DWG File from the Save As Type drop-down
list, enter a name for the file, and click Save.

For Revit 2010 & 2011:

1. Open the view you wish to insert / link the DGN file.
2. Insert > Link or Import CAD.
3. In the Import/Link dialog box, select DGN Files from Files of Type drop-down
list.
4. Select the DGN file and click Open.
5. R > Export > CAD Formats > DWG.
6. Click Export.
7. Enter a name for the file, and click Export.

Tip: Only Microstation® Version 7 DGN files are exported and supported by Revit®.

Scenario 4b – You just want to reference the DGN but not change it.

This is where you may just want to use a DGN as an Underlay. Much like an Xref you
can still turn layers on and off, but it saves a full Import. This will usually give you a
better and quicker result.

Tip: If you do end up importing in several DGNs

or Import from the same source multiple times,
the Action Recorder command is the way to go.
You can easily use it to create a routine to clean
all of them up.

Issue: After you import or open a DWG from outside sources you notice AutoCAD becomes
unstable and crashes frequently.

Solution: You need to clean files before bringing them into your drawing. And I don’t mean
layers, standards or even drawing quality, only get the minimum of what you need.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Follow these simple steps when importing files in or even when inserting DWGs from other
users and/or companies.

1. Open /Import the file by itself in a clean/blank DWG (not a template file).
2. Run the Audit Command - (Y) when it asks you if you want to fix errors.
3. Purge – Make sure you have it turned on to purge Unnamed / Zero length objects.
This is especially true when getting files from other software’s.

4. Set the Units of the file.

5. OverKill / Delete Duplicates - This removes overlapping geometry. (It is now a core
command instead of an Express Tool command.)
6. Purge a second time.
7. WBlock - to new drawing.
8. If it is going to be a new drawing, open your template then insert in the Block.
9. If you are inserting it into an existing drawing, Purge and Audit before you insert it.
Tip: When possible use it as an Xref instead of importing it. This will give you the
geometry you need without any of the corruption.

Note: If you have to do this frequently with drawings from the same person or CAD Standard,
once again use the action recorder and only do it one time.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

Importing / Exporting Files into and out of Vertical Products

What happens in AutoCAD doesn’t always stay in AutoCAD…

This class is an AutoCAD based class, so most of what we talk about is in relationship to what
happens in AutoCAD.

Inventor Issue: You can get a part into Inventor but the solid will not let you do anything to it.

Solution: I have found a sometimes Pro-E and UG files don’t play well after you import them.
If you have a solid that will not let you edit it in Inventor or Inventor Fusion, you can open it in
AutoCAD then save it out as a .sat. This makes a clean part you can now edit.

The best way to get files from AutoCAD back to Inventor is to use a .sat file.

Inventor to MEP Issue: You want to use the ease of Inventor to design Parts for your MEP
drawings. But you don’t want to have to heavily modify them once you get them over to MEP.

Solution: AEC Exchange, this lets you design pumps, air handlers, fittings, electrical
components etc in Inventor. Then while still in Inventor you can add your; duct, cable tray,
conduit, pipe and electrical connections. When you bring them into MEP, you have a
completed MvPart.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

AutoCAD to Inventor Issue: You are migrating slowly to Inventor but still have some projects
you need to “get out the door”. Subtle changes to a part or two and do not have time to
redesign the whole assembly.

Solution 1: Design the one or two parts you need in Inventor and use them in your 2D
drawing back in AutoCAD. It is even somewhat associative and can easily be updated if
needed.

Solution 2: Say you are moving from AutoCAD 3D to Inventor (or work with Inventor and
AutoCAD 3D in the same project). There are a couple different ways to get 3D information
back to AutoCAD. First you can Save Copy As your Model to a Step, Sat or Iges and
AutoCAD can import it in. Or you can use the AEC Exchange again and save it out as a dwg
Solid. This will work even if you are not going to ADT/MEP/Revit.

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 Files, Files, Everywhere Files: Importing and Exporting with AutoCAD®

AutoCAD Vertical Issue: You work in an AutoCAD Based Vertical, your Customer / Sub /
Vendor only has Vanilla AutoCAD. Even though they use dwg’s, they imbed more data into
them than Vanilla AutoCAD can read.

Solution 1: On the Vertical User Side - Just like exporting to an exotic format, you can export
Verticals to an AutoCAD dwg. It will strip the extra data out, and bind any Xrefs there may be.
I actually use this as a cheat to bind Xrefs when I need to send them out.

Note: You can also save down to a previous version or to a dxf file. In Civil 3D dwg and dxf
are separated, in MEP they are in the same dialog box.

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Solution 2: On the Vanilla User Side – If you are on the receiving end you can ask your
customer / vendor to do the steps above, but with tight schedules and if you don’t have
access to them… You can still open and use a file from a vertical product without owning that
product. AutoCAD will do it by itself when it runs across a file from a vertical.

By having Show Proxy Graphics on, you are letting AutoCAD use Object Enablers. The
Proxy objects are not live as when you are in a vertical, but as long as you do not explode
them, they will go back to the Vertical unharmed.

You can download additional Object Enablers from Autodesk’s website here:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2753223&linkID=9240618

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Protecting Files
A great person once told me that as soon as you go and
make something Idiot Proof, they go and make a better
Idiot…

So no matter how hard you try you cannot protect a file

from someone else getting it and using it. Yes you can
get legal involved, or you can buy some fancy software
to lock it down. In this class we are going to talk about
the simple ways of protecting files.

First we need to know who we are protecting them from.

I am going to lay out a couple of scenarios to show you
how to protect your files.

Scenario 1

Protection from yourself!

Issue: Files keep accidently getting over written, or you work for months on a project only to
find out you need to go back to a version 3 months ago.

Solution –This person is the most dangerous of all users who attach your files and cause
billons in damages every year to companies.

 Create a read only directory that you need a password to delete files from. This
works well as a place to store either finished projects, or milestones you may need
to reference back to later.
 Create a DWF of your file to have a snapshot
of a milestone or completed project.
 Create a CD/DVD on Write only media
 eTransmit, this creates a snapshot in time
with all Xrefs, images, fonts, pen tables and
whatever else you may need to work on that
project.
 Archive - If you use Sheet sets there is
actually an Archive Command that will
package everything for the entire project.
 Vault – Even in a single user Environment
you can use Vault to track your changes and
keep a backup for you in case you need to
revert to a previous version.

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Scenario 2

Protection from your coworkers or other departments is probably harder than data outside the
company. One department does X and the other does Y, and watch out if Y gets into X’s
folders and gets something early or over writes something.

Issue: You have a huge library of parts and details, but someone keeps opening them and
forgetting to save as before they customize it for their project.

Solution: This is where some politics always gets involved, along with some help from IT.

 First thing get buy in from the boss, locking everyone out of your files doest go so well
when someone else has a deadline.
 CAD Standards – Basically like I said at the top of this nothing is idiot proof. Put it in
writing that only the Block manager can make changes and hold people responsible.
Every company has rules and probably even a rule book, missing too much work, or
wearing the wrong clothes can get you reprimanded why not costing the company
money when they mess with the files?

 Vault – It doesn’t get much simpler

than using a well established tool to
track revisions, control permissions
and keep backups. Vault does it all
and it is free for most users.

 Create a directory just for X and one for Y then a transfer “neutral” territory. Only let
X’s in to the X and only Y’s into the Y. This will cut back on some of the mass hysteria
that comes with sharing information inter-company.
 Make a block directory and make it read only with a Login required to make changes.
The person in charge could be the only one allowed to make changes or everyone
can but has to take the step of login in. This prevents someone from accidently pulling
up a generic block and changing it for everyone else.

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 Xref – Have the other user Xref in the drawing or part and it is automatically read only.
This is also very beneficial if something changes on your end, it will let them know and
update on there’s. So if you design the building and they design the site, they now
know the Lobby grew by 10 feet into the parking lot and can adjust the grading and
parking accordingly.
 Last but not least… Communication! This is the
simplest way to stop people from messing files up.
A majority of the time they are not doing it to be
spiteful they are doing it to get their job done. Work
with the other department or user and explain they
are causing you more work. Ask them to Save As
when they get into your file, or even better if they
are Step two in the process, have them use a
Xrefs, have them send an e-mail letting you know
they are ready to grab your drawings.

Scenario 3

Protection from the outside world: This is the wild card sharing information. The only way to
be sure no one else can steal a drawing from you is to follow these steps. As soon as you get
done with the drawings erase it without saving! No drawing, no problem, right? Controlling
who you share information with is the easiest way of controlling documents.

In my time doing CAD I have seen it go from no way you are getting a dwg to people realizing
how much that was costing them. Sharing information is no longer a four letter word.
Controlling what gets out and who you can trust with it, is really what we are looking for.

Issue: Controlling Stamped Documents for legal purposes.

Solution: Get a release form from them, sign it and they will usually give you what you
need so you will go away. If they do not have one, offer one to them and see if that will
lighten them up. If you are sending out the documents get them to sign a release form.
Thanks to BIM and JIT Manufacturing, most customers have learned sharing information
is a good thing.

Here is my CAD Release form I use, it has

been compiled by a couple different companies over the
years and passed back and forth. I am not sure if it is
binding so work with your Legal Department or Attorney
before using this. But I think it is a good start.

CAD Release Form

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Issue: Customer requires you to send a dwg with your design, but it is proprietary
information.

Solution: Most customers just want to know

where your conveyor ends so they know where
to pick up the next section. In Inventor you
have a tool called shrinkwrap, where it will
actually simplify a design so you are not
releasing every little detail to someone who
may just need a placeholder. In AutoCAD it is
just as easy, you have one too for 2D
Drawings, it is called WBlock. Grab the foot
print of the object in question, maybe the bolt
pattern and any connections they will need.
WBlock that to a new drawing, add in some
cartoon type looks to the part (to let them know
how it will work basically) then purge and save.
They get their placeholder and you don’t send
proprietary information out the door. If you
have good layer discipline this is even easier
because you can isolate only the layers you
want to use.

ORGINIAL

REDUCED

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Issue: Copyright and proprietary designs are under hush control and are very sensitive
information. .

Solution: If you work for Apple, don’t go to bars with a priceless prototype in your pocket.
That seems pretty simple to me? If you have some sensitive information, try to release as little
as you are required.

 PDF/DWF these will slow an honest person down. But I will

show you in a minute why they are not fool proof.

 Passwords – This will limit who can see what as far as

drawings go. But be warned the Password from Autodesk is
very hard to break, so hard if you forget it, the file is lost
forever. But you say wait I will just give the password to
everyone so they will know it. But once again Control is the
illusion…

To add a password, click Save As, then in the Save As

dialog, click Tools in the upper Right corner, then security
Options.

Warning from Autodesk - If you lose a password, your drawing file is lost. Before you
add a password to a drawing, you should create a backup that is not protected with a
password.

 Digital Signatures – it is a secure way to pass files back and forth. The Recipients of
digitally signed files can be sure that the organizations or individuals who sent the
files are who they claim to be. A digital signature guarantees that a file has not
changed since the file was signed. A signed file cannot be rejected as invalid. The
signer of a file cannot disown the file later by claiming the signature was forged.

Note: Once you attach a digital

signature to a drawing file, it will
either be valid or invalid. You cannot
remove the digital signature from the
drawing file. If a digital signature was
attached to a drawing in error, save
the drawing in DXF format, open the
DXF file, and then save it in DWG
format.

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 A good legal disclaimer and trust in your vendors / customers. Work with your legal
department or your attorney to generate a plot stamp that will be as protective as any
software could be.

 Cheat - If you want to send something out but do not want it to be able to be copied.
Take all you Dims and override them with false dimensions and send out a paper
copy or PDF image only. The image above is from a real customer who wanted to
remain anonymous when they sent their product to China for quoting. We send a
similar but very different product and a fake company name as well.

This is an area where I want your feedback, speak up and share your successes and failures
when trying to protect your information!

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Working with Raster Images

When you need to bring in an image there are usually two different reasons for doing this.
Adding in a images for things such as; Logo’s, Specs, Labels etc. basic Images you want to
add to the drawing without hand drawing something out. The second area is when you only
have a Raster but you really want a Vector Drawing.

Issue: You want to add something to your drawing for

appearance sake such as, Labels, Specs, pictures, etc.
This is the simplest thing you can do just to show off
what something is.

Solution: Simply use the attach command and bring in

your image file and drop it where you want it. This works
great for things like specs, details and other vendor
supplied parts and drawings when you only have a
scan.

Issue: You always add a company’s logo to your

drawing when you are working for them.

Solution: The best way to get logos is go to a company’s website and look in the press /
investor area. They usually have higher res images in there for news agencies. They work
great on drawings as well. If they do not have a section with logos then Windows 7 is to the
rescue. Simply pull up the website and grab the snipping tool
[Start->All Programs->Accessories->Snipping Tool]

Issue: You have a scan of a

drawing from 1985 and it was hand
drawn. You only need to show what
was there before.

Solution: Simply use the Microsoft

tools to remove the old boarder in
the picture and add to a clean
sheet. Since it is only for reference
you really don’t need to move it to
your new CAD standards just to
show what it used to be.

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Issue: You have the same problem as

above but now you need to edit the
drawing remove some notes add some
new ones, etc.

Solution: Simple way is to use the Wipe

Out tool in AutoCAD. This will let you
digitally wipe out something you need to
replace and add new text over the top; I
have even had it work out where
background mask will do.

Issue: Little bit more complex problem, maybe there is a lot of specials on the drawing and
the boss wants them gone or the drawing only prints out faint and is hard to read.

I deal with this a lot so I have had to put some money into this problem.

Solution a: Raster Design from Autodesk - This tool actually lets you open a scan and do
things like de-speckle and change text in an image file. It works a lot like Adobe Pro does for
PDF’s.

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Solution b: PDF to CAD software - This is my next step, although the software can be
found for free or considerable cheaper than Raster, it is my second step. Raster will let me
clean it up before I get WYSIWYG. If I have a blueprint page full of speckles then I will get
10,000+ little lines, I then have to clean up. On the other hand if I have a good clean CAD in
PDF but it will only print washed out, I use the PDF convert. This will make it look the same as
far as millions of lines for dashed contours, but it will print obeying pen tables and plot styles.

PDF2CAD has a very simple interface I like. Just choose your file, then hit next. It
will come up and tell you all the files you just selected and tell you where it is
going to dump them.

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Andrew Warren
[email protected]

[email protected]

270.237.7217

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Contact QR

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