DXF-DWG Translator

[automata]

Use this dialog box to define how elements in ARCHICAD will be interpreted when exported as DXF/DWG files, and vice versa: how the elements in DXF/DWG files will be interpreted when imported into ARCHICAD.

Because of the difference between AutoCAD and ARCHICAD it is essential to use conversion rules for correct conversion of elements and parameters. These rules are stored in a so-called Translator file (extension XML). You can create any number of customized Translator to correspond to different types of data exchange, saving time by not setting these rules at every single file conversion.

This dialog box is accessible:

• when you begin a data transfer operation, by pressing the Settings button in the Save, Open or Merge directory dialog box or the Attach XREF dialog box, if the import / export file format is DXF/DWG,

• directly with the File > File Special > DXF-DWG Translation Setup command,

• when opening a DXF/DWG file through the File > Libraries and Objects > Open Objects command,

• through the File > Libraries and Objects > Import Blocks from DXF/DWG command.

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DXF-DWG Translator Settings

Depending on how the Translator is opened, different Translator settings are available:

• During DWG Import process: DXF-DWG Translator Settings To Import

• During DWG Export process: DXF-DWG Translator Settings To Export

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About Built-in Translators

Using the built-in Translators effective not only in TeamWork, but at Firms, where they have to save files for different exchange partners and all of the coworkers need to access a common conversion rule. So it is recommended that the CAD-Manager (or the person who takes this role in the firm) places the Translator onto a server.

In the Translators field of this dialog you can list all DXF/DWG Translators that currently loaded. Under this field you can find Information about the selected Translator.

ARCHICAD International version offers more built-in Translators to ease your work with DWG files.

• 01 For further editing: Use this translator to save ARCHICAD layouts/views in DXF/DWG format if you plan to continue editing them after conversion.

• 02 For editable import: Use this translator to open DXF/DWG content to continue editing them after conversion in ARCHICAD.

• 03 For as is output: Use this translator to save ARCHICAD layouts/views in DXF/DWG format if you plan to output them "as is" without further editing after conversion. (For example, to submit a Plan for Approval or to send to a plotter service.)

• 04 Keep Pen Index Number: Use this translator to save ARCHICAD layouts/views in DXF/DWG format if you plan to continue editing them after conversion with keeping pen index numbers.

• Special Built-in Translator This Translator is locked and will be used by ARCHICAD when all other translators are unavailable.

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Differences of the Built-in DXF-DWG Translators in ARCHICAD INT version

	01 For further editing	02 For editable import	03 For as is output	04 Keep Pen Index Number
Used for	Export	Import	Export	Export
Open Options
Translate Dimensions as	Single dimensions Units	Dimension Chains (No Associative Dimensions)	Single dimensions Units	Single dimensions Units
Enables partial open
Save Options
Default AutoCAD File Format	2004, 2005, 2006	2000, 2002	2004, 2005, 2006	2004, 2005, 2006
Save Layout into	Paper Space with Cropped View's content	Paper Space with Drawings as Blocks	Paper Space with Drawings as Blocks	Paper Space with Cropped View's content
Place Drawings into	Linked Xref drawings	-	-	Linked Xref drawings
Saving 3D Data	Omit Polygon Edges	Dimension Chains	Omit Polygon Edges Export File with Simplified Data Structure	Omit Polygon Edges
Layers
Create Layers according to	Layer extended by Pen Number	ARCHICAD Layers	ARCHICAD Layers	ARCHICAD Layers
Save elements on	Visible Layers only	All Layers	Visible Layers only	Visible Layers only
Create custom layer for	Windows, Doors, Zones	Not set	Window/Door Markers, Zone Stamps/Texts	Windows, Doors, Zones
Layer name conversion	AC Layer to 0	Not set	AC Layer to 0	AC Layer to 0, Window/Door Markers
Pens and Colors
Convert Pens to Colors by	RGB color	-	RGB color	The best matching
Pen-color conversion
Line types
Keep existing Line Types on Open
Fills
Export Backgrounds as Solid Hatches
Explode gradient fills
Use the fill conversion table