Export Layers to different plan file?

[vuduvgn]

How do I export (and / or copy & paste) a layer from one plan file into another plan file?
The scene: Intern puts together an electrical plan for me based on my floor plans. I want to put her "Electrical" layer into my plan file.

The original plan file that I gave her has been updated since she first received it, therefore I can't just user her plan file.

Copy & Past isn't working because of the "smart" symbols. The switches that attach to walls don't want to come into the new file.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

[Tommy Blair]

Question: Does this mean you all are working on different plan files? I wouldn't recommend that.

[vuduvgn]

We are working off of different plan files.

I have had experience doing this with DataCad and Vector Works. I understand how the plan and layout files work, reference each other, etc. I'm pretty comfortable with doing this, i've been moving files around from my laptop to desktop, etc, for the past year and havn't lost any work. Chief seems to reference files much like Quark Express references images...

The only thing done on the other file was to add information, nothing was changed, only added.

[Tommy Blair]

For us as a rule. We all work out of the same plan file. There may be several of us working on one plan and we all better be working in the same current plan. We have an order in which the design is done. I'm not saying you don't but it sounds a little risky.

[vuduvgn]

If this doesn't work out for me I may have to go to working that way.

In the meantime, does anybody know how to export / import one layer at a time from plan file to plan file?

[Allen42acj]

Could you make an architectural block out of it?

[WendyWelton]

To anybody and everybody - please please please please post your version and update number. Good advice differs considerably between versions. Go to User CP at the top, add a signature with your name, version and update number, and anything else that might be helpful.

About this question:

First - working in different plan files is for advanced users. There is some risk, but we do it - for the reasons you state.

To make it work:

1 - Prepare by adding the layers you will need to the main plan file. For best results you should have the same layers in both files. (It's a long and winding explanation of why - just trust me)

2 - Saveas to create the second file. If you want speed, delete anything you don't need - like plants, terrain...

3 - Do the electrical work.

4 - Turn off all layers except the ones you want to copy.

X1:

5 - In the file with the electrical info - Marquee select all, Ctrl-C

6 - In the primary file - Ctrl-Alt-V to Paste/Hold Position

You'll need to do 5 & 6 for each floor separately.

Chief 10:

Not entirely sure, but Edit Area, Visible then Hold Position icon, then Paste may work. I don't have my Chief 10 dongle here to try it.