ArchiCAD to AutoCAD

[Anonymous]

I have a new designer who works in ArchiCAD and produces conceptual and design development drawings for me. However, at one point I have to pass the files he produces to a fellow who works in AutoCAD 2006 for generating the construction drawings.

The fellow who works in ArchiCAD provided a .PLN file, but the AutoCAD guy doesn't know how to open it. Unfortunately, if we cannot solve this problem, I cannot work with the new designer, who uses ArchiCAD, because a lot of our documentation is already in AutoCAD format.

I am sure this issue has been discussed here 1000 times, but I am not quite up to speed on CAD software (hence having to hire people to help in this area) and I need a little hand holding. My questions are:

1. How can one import a .pln file into AutoCAD 2006? Does one need a translator, or any kind of additional tool?
2. Is there anything that the person who produces the ArchiCAD file could do to make the process smoother.

At this time I do not foresee having to go back-and-forth between the 2 applications, but if there was a need, are there any "word of the wise" comments that you might have?

Just for your information, I have marginal knowledge of AutoCAD, but no knowledge of ArchiCAD.

Thank you for any help offered.

[Anonymous]

Archicad can translate files to AutoCAD DWG format, which is probably the best thing to do before your Archicad guys send the files on. The process is pretty easy, thru' publisher. From Archicad 10, they probably want to use the default translator "for further editting" which should place model information into Modelspace, and Layout (title etc) into Paperspace. Note that this converts everything to 2D lines, fills etc, so if you ever need to bring it back to Archicad 3D information is gone.

It's been a while since I've used AutoCAD, but don't think it will open or convert Archicad PLN files.

HTH

[TomWaltz]

Autocad has no ability to read another program's files, be it Archicad, Microstation, etc.

Luckily, Archicad has a pretty decent translator for creating Autocad files. The person using Archicad bears the responsibility to learn how the translation settings work so he can create the pens, layers, fonts, etc. that the Autocad user needs. Once he sets it up once, he should not have to give it much thought again (assuming he is consistent in his layer naming & pen usage)

[Djordje]

zzzagman wrote:
I have a new designer who works in ArchiCAD and produces conceptual and design development drawings for me. However, at one point I have to pass the files he produces to a fellow who works in AutoCAD 2006 for generating the construction drawings.

The obvious move would be to move the whole process to Archicad.

Until then, DWGs can be easily exported form Archicad. Check the Wiki on the details, and this forum too.