Exporting 2D DWG with profile lines...

[Jason M]

Hello all,

I hope this is the correct place to post this question.

I am attempting to export a 2D dwg of a sketchup model. The DWG needs to come with profile and section lines on different layers or with different widths, either would be fine with me. I cannot seem to get these options to work and I have tried countless variations of DWG versions, DXF files and changing the parameters of the export. All of the lines come out on one layer in all of the cases.

Has anyone else had similar problems? I cannot seem to find a thread already created. Thank you for your replies.

-Jason

[TIG]

A 2d export is different from a 3d one.
A 3d one keeps layers and arcs etc, but a 2d one is just lines on one layer.
Why can't you use a 3d version?

[Jason M]

@tig said:

A 2d export is different from a 3d one.
A 3d one keeps layers and arcs etc, but a 2d one is just lines on one layer.
Why can't you use a 3d version?

Hello TIG,

Thank you for the quick reply.

I would like to export a 2D illustration of the sketchup model to work with it further in another drawing program, such as illustrator or archicad. The layers are unimportant except for the option of exporting the profile lines with some sort property that sets it out from the other lines in the drawing.

-Basically I want to be able to select all the profile lines in a 2D DWG export, the same as I can when I export a section with a thicker section line.-

I hope these basic images help. Thanks

Jason

[TIG]

The 'profiles' are a graphical representation that varies with the camera location, with no equivalent in the SKP's real geometry.
It'd probably be possible to mimic it by putting duplicate grouped edges on a special layer so you could have them separate in the DWG, but the coding would be very awkward.

[Jason M]

Hello,

The option to export profile lines with width exists in sketchup DWG export options, my problem is that it will not function for me!

I can export the section lines with a width and select them in my 2d drawing program. My problem is that I can´t get the same option to function for the profile lines. Is this a bug? Has anyone else had the same problem?

Thanks
Jason

[TIG]

OK...
NOW it's clear...
It's NOT an option for a 3d DWG export - there its faces/edges etc.

If you export a 2d DWG it is an option.
However, then the viewed objects are reproduced 'flatten' onto the camera plane.
The ProfileEdges and SectionCutEdges CAN be exported as lines on their own separate layers.
However this is now a flat 2d object, with all other edges on Layer0.

It works for me.
What settings do you have for the export options dialog ?

The reason for including a 2d snapshot is to allow 'flat' DWGs to be made of 2d views plan/section/elevation views, losing hidden lines and having 'profiles' etc shown separated for CAD or illustrator apps use later.
Using it for a 2d representation of a '3d view' is still OK, but of course very limiting...

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[Jason M]

Hi,

I feel like I have tried every possible combination. Exporting onto my own machine as well as to the server, and trying every possible combination of DWG and DXF types. Ive also tried using different options for line thickness.

When I import I still get all lines on the same layer and as the same line type.

The only minor success I have had is by importing a section view. In this case I get the section lines on the same layer, but as a different line type. This allows me to select them all in one shot. If it helps I am using Archicad as the 2D drawing program.

Thanks for the help.

[TIG]

My way works for me.

Do you use a Style that has Profiles set [say at 2] for the current exported scene [I think you must have, as the dialog's option ought to be 'grayed-out' otherwise ?].
Also why aren't you exporting Full-Size [1:1] - I can't see any logic in other ratios - you model in the SKP and in a DWG with 1 file-unit == 1 world-unit [in 'model-space' at least].
My profile's polyline thickness is set to a few mm, BUT it's overridden by 'auto' being checked anyway.
On a MAC you don't seem to have 'version' choices for the DWG file's format
These are the only differences I can see...
If you mimic my settings as near as you can do you get any improvement? ...