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Importing dwg issue with scale

Rick Thompson
Expert
I am trying to import a site plan drawn at 1:50. No matter what setting I import it with (1:1, 1:100, 1:100000000000) it comes in with a 50' property line scaling 4'-2". I can change the scale, and nothing seems to change this. I am having a memory of running into this before, but I can't resolve it now. I tried rescaling it, but that seems overwhelming to do, so I am seeking help and if anyone has a fix, I would appreciate the advise.

thanks
Rick Thompson
Mac Sonoma AC 26
http://www.thompsonplans.com
Mac M2 studio w/ display
7 REPLIES 7
Stress Co_
Advisor
Rick wrote:
I tried rescaling it, but that seems overwhelming to do
Sorry Rick, I don't have an answer (must be something to do with drawing units in your translator?).

How are you rescaling? I've done it before by selecting the entire imported drawing and using the "resize" tool (command K on my mac).
Select "define graphically", define the 1st vector length at 4'-2" and the 2nd vector length at 50'
Marc Corney, Architect
Red Canoe Architecture, P. A.

Mac OS 10.15.7 (Catalina) //// Mac OS 14.5 (Sonoma)
Processor: 3.6 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 //// Apple M2 Max
Memory: 48 GB 2667 MHz DDR4 //// 32 GB
Graphics: Radeon Pro 580X 8GB //// 12C CPU, 30C GPU
ArchiCAD 25 (5010 USA Full) //// ArchiCAD 27 (4030 USA Full)
Karl Ottenstein
Moderator Emeritus
Hi Rick,

There are two scaling things to consider.

The scale that you are using (display scale) needs to match that of the scale of the original dwg for text to come in at the proper size.

The scale problem that you're running into is the mapping of dwg units into ArchiCAD units. That is set up in the dwg translator options. Right now, you've got one dwg unit going to 1" and it needs to change to 1 foot.

Cheers,
Karl
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Vote for Wish: Copy/Paste in 3D

AC 28 USA and earlier   •   macOS Sequoia 15.4, MacBook Pro M2 Max 12CPU/30GPU cores, 32GB
Rick Thompson
Expert
Well, thanks for the replies. I am closer, but for the text to look right, the drawing scale needs to be 1'=1' with the translator set to 1' and the "scale factor" set to 1:1.

If I leave the Translator set to 1 foot, and set the "Scale Factor" to 1:50, the scale works, but the text is way big. However, I deleted the text and can now place a pasted foundation on the site to see how it fits. So, still something missing in my understanding that I would like to get, but it is workable now.

Any clarity would be appreciated though.


thank you
Rick Thompson
Mac Sonoma AC 26
http://www.thompsonplans.com
Mac M2 studio w/ display
Link
Graphisoft Partner
Graphisoft Partner
Karl said it.

Try importing at the scale in which it was drawn, makes sure the units are translating properly (use inches) and leave your scale factor set to 'Always use the scale set in the currently active ArchiCAD window'.

Then you should be able to change your floor plan scale to 1:50 and have it look right.

Cheers,
Link.
Thomas Holm
Enthusiast
Rick, you've got to set the drawing unit right, or all dimensions will be off.

When that is done, you can experiment with the scale setting before your import to get the text size right. I tend to do that, then I select all text and change it from "fixed" to "scaled" so I can change the scale to what I want to work with without the text size screwed up.

And remember, all translator settings work only when you Merge or Xref the dwg file.
AC4.1-AC26SWE; MacOS13.5.1; MP5,1+MBP16,1
Rick Thompson
Expert
Got it... thanks

Translator set to 1 foot, use scale in active window (1:50 here) and opening at 1 foot.
Rick Thompson
Mac Sonoma AC 26
http://www.thompsonplans.com
Mac M2 studio w/ display
Anonymous
Not applicable
Hello,

didn't want to open a new topic ...

I would like to export Archicad 2D floorplan drawing to dwg in scale (1:500). So that in Autocad, would actually be scaled.
I set dwg translation 1:500, but when i open it in autocad, dwg is scaled 1:1 and just the layout 1:500.

Is there any workaround how could I actually export and scale the drawing?

Thank you for help