IMPORTING FROM AUTOCAD
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I have to import autocad files into Sketchup all the time.
I always copy and past the the cad that I need into a brand new cad file; then I usually put everything onto layer 0 (just my preference), but more importantly are some autocad commands,
type "flatten", and this will drop all the lines onto 0,0; then type "overkill", this will clean up the drawing and remove lines that are on top of other lines, then I usually do a purge and an audit.
Also, Sketchup can't import 2008, so you'll need to save down to 2007.
and when you import the cad into sketchup you need to click the options button and make sure that "preserve drawing origin" is clicked, that will bring it in in relation to Acad's 0,0.
hope this helps
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Great info CRC thanks! I do it all the time also, but I'm using ADT2004 so the process is different. Thanks again!
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. . . . . and I guess you already know you wont get any text importing.
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Bayer,
Running build 6.4.112 here and it imports 2008 files just fine. CRC's suggestions for cleanup in a seperate autocad file are very important - makes for a more efficient file to importe and work with. Different approaches are warranted depending upon how you use the acad file.
Bytor
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Unfortunately CRC, that 'flatten' command isn't available in the LT versions of AutoCad as well as any other lisp command. I truly wish it was as I used it a lot at my last job and really miss it now using LT. I think the flatten ruby is going to be the best bet, unless someone knows another way to do it in SU or AutoCad.
Good point about Autocad 2008 support in SketchUp, I thought that I had read that one of the recent updates fixed that issue but last time I tried it still wouldn't import. -
Hi all,
There used to be a "Cooking CAD" topic in the old Google SketchUP forum dealing with ACAD import. Might be still there in the Google Groups.
In my experience the flatten command tends to distort some geometry. One of the tips in the Cooking CAD topic was to explode everything repeatedly (moving everything to zero layer was another, BTW). So what I usually do is select everything and open the properties panel (right click context menu or "CH" command), select entity type in the drop down thingy of the properties panel, set lines to start Z = 0, end Z = 0; polyline elevation = 0. Accomplishes what the flatten command does but more accurate.
Hopefully this is helpful for those who cannot access the flatten command.
Guite
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I'll have to check out the 2008 import, I have acad 2008 set to automatically save to 2007, the only difference is speed I believe, speed in opening and closing acad files.
You can manually drop lines in autocad to the 0,0. select the line, open the properties dialog box and there is an "Elevation" box, type in 0 and it should drop it. maybe works if you select all lines? not sure. can be time consuming, but it is there.
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Hi all,
AutoLisp and other nice full AutoCad features are available to AutoCad LT in an affordable package from the Australian software company DRCauto http://www.drcauto.com/
I haven't tested their most recent offers, but an earlier version of their Toolkit worked flawlessly. It's also the basis of many third party add-ons to LT.A DWG with irritating lines in 3D can be flattened easily with SU too: Select the Plan view, turn off Perspective (select Parallel Perspective), export a 2D image as DWG to full scale, and reimport.
Anssi
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@anssi said:
A DWG with irritating lines in 3D can be flattened easily with SU too: Select the Plan view, turn off Perspective (select Parallel Perspective), export a 2D image as DWG to full scale, and reimport.
WOW! Ansii, that's way cool!!! That's a nice and new idea, fresher than this morning's milk delivery!!
Guite
PS: Not that we get stale milk, sorry your quick wit guys
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I'll double the WOW! and thanks Anssi...neat trick!
Also, much abliged for the link to DRC...I'm thinking it may be time to update my autocad and this time it will have to be LT: $$$
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That's a great time saver Anssi, thanks for the tip. I can't believe that hasn't occurred to me before. I'd heard of the drcauto software before but haven't ever ponied up for it. It would be nice to have the functions back that I was so used to, I'll have to pitch this idea to my boss.
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Great tip Annsi and I wish I knew this last week, ive been fighting with the worst cad drawing ever. Parts of it being in 3d for no apparant reason is only part of it!
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Really appreciate all the help everyone, like I said I am just getting started with SU and will try out these solutions. I will return to let you know how it went.
Enjoy
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Annsi -
I have tried your idea and it is not working, It is my belief that the solution you gave me dealt with the pro version of sketchup, I cannot export the sketchup drawing as a dwg and then reimport it. Let me know what you think, and if purchasing the lisp is a good solution. My other thought and i have not tried it, is to create a scaled pdf import it into sketchup and then scale the import accordingly. Thanks Again.
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Bayer,
The trick is an old one but yes, it works only with the Pro version, as the Free one doesn't have DWG export. Of course, if you have access to AutoCad, the flattening can be done there. The Flatten command is part of the Express tools that is included in the AutoCad distribution, you don't have to purchase it separately. It's command line only, so it is not included in menus. Free lisp versions of the command can be found from many locations on the Internet too, if your version happens to miss the command.
Anssi
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Annsi - correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think AutoCad 2008 LT has express tools, hence I cannot use flatten as an option. I am sorry if this is inconvenience but I am new to both Autocad 2008lt and the free verson of sketchup 6 and still trying to understand them both. Please let me know what you would do, and if it will require me to download or pruchase any additional tools, left out in the 08 lt version. Thanks agaun for all your time and consideration.
Bayer
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@bayer said:
Annsi - correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think AutoCad 2008 LT has express tools, hence I cannot use flatten as an option. I am sorry if this is inconvenience but I am new to both Autocad 2008lt and the free verson of sketchup 6 and still trying to understand them both. Please let me know what you would do, and if it will require me to download or pruchase any additional tools, left out in the 08 lt version. Thanks agaun for all your time and consideration.
Bayer
From AutoCad or AutoCad LT you can also use the DXB method:
- configure a DXB plotter
- plot to DXB file
- use the DXBIN command to import the DXB file
- scale the import and save as DWG
See also:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2876115&linkID=9240617Anssi
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Regarding using Lisp in LT, there is a great software at a very
low price. It is LT Extender.Please look at this: http://www.lt-extender.com/LT-Extender/englisch/default.htm
With best regards
PRSS
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