DXF import size
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Hi Sketchers
My first post.......
Can someone help with DXF imports to Sketchup pro 7.1 ?
When I import DXF files they import far larger than the original
Many thanks
Devo
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The Sketchup file format is completely different from the DXF. All file formats will differ in file size even if the data is pretty much the same. Nothing you can do about that. But always remember to Purge your Sketchup models to keep the file size as small as possible.
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Does the dxf file format automatically simplify itself? or do you have to clean the file up before export to SU? and then simplify the import in SU?
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Hi Devo. Welcome to SCF.
I use DXF files from QCad and then import them into SU. How these files size up after importing largely depends on the scale that they were set at in the software you used to create them. The file also depends of the size of paper you created to. AutoCAD usually defaults to a stupidly big size at first, unless you either resize before drawing, or make a template, and get ACAD to load every time from that template.
But fear not, because there is a really cool resizing trick up SU's sleeve, when you use the tape measure tool. First import your dxf, then run your pencil tool around the lines you wish to extrude, to create some faces. Using the tape measure, measure across between two points, which you already know the distance of, but just before you measure, press the alt button down (this may be the ctrl key- I can't remember, because I'm on an Apple). You'll see a little positive symbol appear next to the tool. Make the measurement, then without doing anything else, type your measure ment- how it should be into the VCB box, at the bottom right of the screen (SU should automatically take you there- so no having to move the mouse etc). Hit return or enter, and your dxf will be resized to the proper size, you originally intended. Does that make sense?
have fun!
Tom
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Oh, you meant size as in dimension, not file size.
When you import, in the File dialog window there is an Option button. There you can pick the unit which the DXF or DWG is in. (SU doesn't read the unit from the file - you have to tell it what it is.) Then your DXF will be imported exactly as 1:1.
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@thomthom said:
When you import, in the File dialog window there is an Option button. There you can pick the unit which the DXF or DWG is in. (SU doesn't read the unit from the file - you have to tell it what it is.) Then your DXF will be imported exactly as 1:1.
yes, there is also that, I also try to import at 1:1, but it never bloody works! Grrr!
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Hi Guy,
Thank you for the welcome and the help, I am importing perfectly now.
Devo
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