Conversion of Pen Colors and Layers

[kevin b]

Is there a way to convert a AC11 file to a DWG so that the resulting DWG file will have all entities color "By Layer" but to set the color of the layers.? I can get all entities to be "By Layer" thats a check box,I can get things that are a certain AC11 color to go to a certain layer in ACAD The issue is as far as I can figure, when you set things to be By Layer they all turn white. The end result I am trying to get is something that looks (colors) roughly like or AC11 drawing, but with all entities color By Layer because that is how the consultants want them.

[David Larrew]

You will need to setup an AutoCAD template file with the Layers and Layer Pen Colors already set.

Unfortunately, you will need to do this in a copy of AutoCAD or other program like IntelliCAD since you can't do this in ArchiCAD.

[Anonymous]

Hey David, after I setup the DWG template file with the pens and layers I want, how's the process of importing the archicad file? I save it as a DWG file and merge or insert into the AutoCAD? 'Cause if I just open the file in AutoCAD it will still be white, isn't that right? Thanks.

[Thomas Holm]

IMHO, exchange your consultants. There is no need to work with color by layer in Autocad anymore, it's an ancient way of working, which complicates your layer management a lot. I simply refuse BYLAYER , and these latter years, they seem to listen!

[Anonymous]

Hi Thomas,

I was hoping you might offer an expansion of your comment about not needing "color by layer" anymore. I agree that it complicates my life in having to listen to consultants wanting to use their system they are used to working. Do you know a work-around for the out-dated consultant?

Thanks!