Importing Large AutoCAD files (with multiple XREFS) into SU
-
Greetings Modeling Aces,
As my subject line states I am working with large AutoCAD files with multiple XREFs. When I go to import these drawings to SketchUp I find that every layer from the file is brought in and visible, even if it is frozen or locked in the original file. This slows up SketchUp and is terribly rough to manage. I have tried multiple methods to import only the layers I want with no success. Any ideas for a work flow that would easily allow me to export/import only the desired layers? I am working in AutoCAD 2007 and exporting to AutoCAD 2004 for import into SU.
Thanks,
Frances
-
Maybe you can do it like this: saveas another file, bind the xrefs, explode everything. Then select everything visible with a window or crossing (not Ctrl+A) and do a copy (ctrl+C). Create a new file and paste it there. All hidden/frozen/locked layers are left behind. Import the new file into SketchUP.
Guite
-
I generally select what I want to export and then wblock it out to a f file. This generally requires binding all my xrefs so they are actually a part of the file. So yes, I always take my file and save it as a special "su-export.dwg" file so I don't mess up the original.
So I would save my file as a new copy. Then bind all x-refs. Then I make a mark in the file to use as my base point. Then I copy all the portions that I want plus my mark off to one side so I can work on it, but leave the main model all intact for future exports. On the portion i copied off tot he side, I cut it down, delete unnecessary parts, explode things I want exploded, etc. Then I select the stuff that is leftover, including the base mark and wblock it out. I repeat this process everytime I want to export a new piece. I also never import preserving real world coordinates. This often gets really ugly in SU if the model is far from 0,0,0.
So maybe later I realize I missed the sidewalks and I need to wblock them out. I go back to the cad file, copy them plus the base point off to the side, then wblock them out. Then when I insert them into SU, I line up my mark with the mark already in SU. Then it all lines up nicely.
Here is a web page I put together compiled of everyone else's work flows. It is a little different than what I described above. I prefer the method I described here, but there are important parts listed on the webpage too. Specifically I really like to run qbrick in CAD, and lfattening everything to z=0 is soemtimes important too.
http://www.chrisfullmer.com/la3d/cad/cadexport.html
Hope this helps,
Chris
-
Guite and Chris, I just created a successful export based on your suggestions and will definitely use this method again. Thanks! I very much appreciate the help.
Chris - I was fortunate enough to be able to attend your presentation at this year's Basecamp - nice job!
-
Oh good, glad I could be of help! Thanks for the nice comment on the presentation too. I had a blast at basecamp,
Chris
Advertisement