Autocad and Chief dxf's

[_BackAgain]

Hello,

When I export a dxf file to autocad from chief, no problem.

When I make changes to that same file, in autocad, and import it as a dxf file into chief, no problem.

However, When I make changes to that same file, in chief, and import it as a dxf file
into autocad, no drawing appears. Is there a secret to this process?
Thanks.

[Larry Kumpost]

If you are using ACAD R14 it will not open a dxf file (from V7) that has Chief "user" layers of CAD in it. For some reason the dxf file creates the proper layers but the line decriptions are assigned to a layer called "(null)". R14 does not like "(null)".

To fix this you can open the dxf file in MS Notepad or Word Pad then do a search and replace for "(null)". Change it to any word you like (say "chief")and the drawing will open in R14. The only problem is that all of the "user CAD" will be on the same layer but you can reset the layers.

You may have exported a plan opened it in ACAD but when you imported it into Chief it was placed on "user" CAD layers. So when you exported it again it had those CAD lines.

If this is not the problem I need more information. Good luck.

Larry

[This message has been edited by Larry Kumpost (edited 22 February 2001).]

[fitz]

For as smart a program as Chief is it would seem that exporting DXF could be straightforward.
I cannot DXF a floor plan without it showing a bunch of king size beds scattered around.What is going on? I need to resolve this ASAP - appreciate any insight.
Mike

[_BackAgain]

Thanks Larry,

Is it my understanding that CA can't import
its own 3D stuff as a dxf file?

_Backagain

[Tim O'Donnell]

Chief imports 2d only and it prefers the file as a v12 ACAD dxf....

fitz,

the way chief imports the dxf...you need to click the "use existing block" button for each block..the "use existing block for all blocks" button seems to change all the blocks to the first one listed....I believe this is a bug that has been reported....

[This message has been edited by Tim O'Donnell (edited 25 February 2001).]

[fitz]

Thanks - that was helpful - I hope it works as well for the guy at the other end.
Mike