Has anyone else had this problem exporting to dwg

**exallspaniab** · 06-01-2006, 04:04 AM

I sometimes have to export from chief to .dwg for architects or engineers.
Sometimes it works fine, and sometimes it just creates more work.
Take the attached file for instance - very simple drawing, but because of the size of the building, I had to turn it 90 deg to fit on the layout page(I think this may be causing the problem).
The resulting export is a mess of wall hatching rotated out of alignment, and text / dims rotating and overlapping.

**Tim O'Donnell** · 06-01-2006, 05:14 AM

you have entered text with the box for 'rotate text with plan' (text tab>options section)checked...

in the plan view, activate the text tool (so you can only select text items), hold down the shift key and drag a marquee around the plan, with the text items selected, open the dbx for them and uncheck the box for rotate with plan

did you use the wall hatching independant of the wall lyaer hatching?

it should follow the wall..

it's hard to tell from your picture...I have guessed all I am going to...if I had the plan it would be faster and easier to discern your problem

**exallspaniab** · 06-01-2006, 05:42 AM

Ok - I tried the thing where I uncheck the box "rotate text with plan"
This results in my text being rotated the wrong direction in my layout set up in chief.
However, when I export this to .dwg, it rotates the text(not the dimensions) to the correct direction, but it still has problems with overlapping text.
Where do I set up the option of hatching independent of wall?

Hopefully the images I have attached offer a little better explanation.
The first is an exported drawing (.dwg) after unchecking the "rotate with plan" box.
The second is my chief layout page with the "rotate with plan" box unchecked.
And finally, the way it should look in layout.

ALso, I have no problem sending my plan to you if you want - should I send it direct or can I post it here?

Thanks for you time, Tim

**tlsapp** · 06-01-2006, 06:59 AM

My engineer and I solved a similar problem by unblocking everything before exporting. The importing program (Microstation) was not placing the blocks correctly. Hope this helps.

**exallspaniab** · 06-01-2006, 08:26 AM

I understand where you are coming from, tlsapp, but in this case I am exporting from chief and opening (not importing) in AutoCad.

It will even do it when I create a cad detail from the layout page totally within Chief Architect.

Thanks for your reply,

Troy

**spencerdesign** · 06-01-2006, 09:33 AM

Hi Troy,

I think your problem may be related at least in part to exporting from layout. I have had problems with this as well. I send a few .dwg's out from time to time and I do it directly from the plan file, activated camera, or CAD detail. They end up with allot of separate files but I think they are more useable.

HTH,

Sam

**VHampton** · 06-01-2006, 10:03 AM

I've had some people say that everything imports just fine. And others claim that too many layers get sent.

My exports usuallly include only the items that they need...like walls... windows ....doors.... and the necessities. The *View to CAD* tool makes a clean .dwg which is ready for export....and free of unwanted blocks on their end.

I agree with Sam...export from the plan...not the layout.

**spencerdesign** · 06-01-2006, 10:29 AM

Good point. Be sure to uncheck "split wall assemblies into layers" which helps allot.

Sam

**spencerdesign** · 06-01-2006, 10:32 AM

Also,

Uncheck export patterns and fills. Patterns export as individual line entities and make the file large.

Sam

**David J. Potter** · 06-01-2006, 12:33 PM

I agree with Sam, I always export elevation camera views and export plan views then I send the Layout along for reference in Pdf format. Layout dwg out is not nearly as useful in AutoCAD as 1' = 1' scaled exports directly from the edit window.

DJP

**exallspaniab** · 06-02-2006, 03:12 AM

In this case I did export from plan - to get it to look right.
I would rather send a .pdf, so that the engineer or architect have the exact same drawing to refer to, but they usually want .dwg.
Funny - they haven't ever complained about the scale. Maybe they are just scaling it up after recieving the drawing?

Anyhow,

Thanks for the response,

Troy

**spencerdesign** · 06-02-2006, 06:16 AM

I send the pdf's as well so they can view or print the set as it was intended to be viewed.

Sam

**slatta** · 06-02-2006, 06:41 AM

I just send pdf's for mark up
to busy to mess with transfers, always has been that way, always more trouble than its worth

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