DWG -> PLN -> DWG

[Anonymous]

One of our clients requests we use their own border and label/stamp (DWG file) which is linked to their archiving system in AutoCAD. The border and label is made up of blocks which are links to this system.

My problem is how do I export drawings created in ArchiCAD, together with the border and label as a DWG file without the border or label losing its block feature?

We currently save drawings as DWG files, open them one by one in AutoCAD and import the border and label and edit the label in AutoCAD. It’s a timewaster and rather annoying, but I haven’t been able to find a solution.

Any suggestions?

Sujey

[Eduardo Rolon]

Link as a xref in the Master Layout? The label is placed in the individual layouts. If done correctly when you publish from AC everyting should come out +/- ok.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips.

I've attempted to attach an Xref in the master layout window, but the option isn't available.

Is it even possible to attach XREFS in the master layout? ifso, how?

Sujey

[Eduardo Rolon]

Attach the Xref to a Worksheet
Place the Worksheet in the Master Layout

[Djordje]

Is their title block in Model or Paper space?

If Paper space, just open it - it will create its own Master.

[Anonymous]

It must be paper space since opening the file creates masters in the layout section. Does this mean I can publish the layouts as DWG without disturbing the blocks?

[Eduardo Rolon]

Try it, see what happens, report success if everything works.

[Anonymous]

SUCCESS!

..after a bit of tweaking of the translator.

Opened dwg file directly in Archicad
They appeared in the layout book
Published layout as dwg
result: dwg remains 'undisturbed'

[Anonymous]

I thought I would bump this thread instead of starting a new one as we are dealing with a very similar situation — the client has provided our office with their standard title block which is saved as an attributed DWG block. We are under stern instruction not to explode this title block under any circumstances.

I've learned that you can import DWG blocks as GDL Library Parts and then export those Library Parts back into AutoCAD as blocks again by using the DWG Translator. I'm assuming that's what Sujey has done here. My problem is that I can't seem to make this loop without ArchiCAD perverting the appearance of the original title block!

The main issue here is the fonts. You choose a DWG Translator to import your blocks with, or to place as an external drawing, or to attach as an Xref. Although I've been able to set up a Font-style conversion table to successfully translate other text, it seems that text imported from DWG blocks is completely insensitive to any sort of table definition. If ArchiCAD can't find a font by the same name in your font library the translator automatically defaults to the 'Replace Missing Fonts with:' font. Since the client's title block is composed of at least three different fonts which are not in the list, I can't help but taint the whole thing just by opening it.

What I want to know is if there is a way to import or link a block to the layout by any means, and have it come out looking the same on the other end. If possible, by circumnavigating any in-between DWG translation. I had minor results by placing an Xref in a worksheet and then creating a source view from each layout sheet. Font styles came in correctly, even though the position was slightly off. And technically, it's not a block anymore, it's an Xref. And the title block is showing up in model space with the rest of the plans. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Anonymous]

dirty wrote:
...And technically, it's not a block anymore, it's an Xref. And the title block is showing up in model space with the rest of the plans. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Since the problem is the embedded fonts you will have a problem retaining the original block (as you've discovered) but you might be able to fake it by creating a 2D library part. Use the block (exploded) or the xREF as the source for the lines and text and then copy/paste into the symbol window of the part. While this is breaking the strict instructions it should allow you to export the title block as an AutoCAD block so the recipient should be none the wiser as long as you are careful to check the result against the source.