import other file formats for template?

[Anonymous]

A rookie needs some help.

I saved a plan from Macdraft as a DWG file and tried to import the file into AC to use a template for the floor plan. I’ve tried to get the DWG as a layer and then trace over the wall. I have been unable to get any tools to work on a layer with the DWG file visible.

I may be going about this all wrong- Any help on the best method to import a non AC file to use as an AC template would be greatly appreciated.

[Rakela Raul]

if i understood correctly,
i would just open the dwg file in archicad onto a diff level or story from the one i want to use as my first floor, then i will go to my first floor, i would call the other story as ghost and draw over it.....this is just one way...wait for the pros responses 😉

[Anonymous]

I found part of the problem- I can import the DWG (which was in 1/4 = 1 ft scale) but when I view the file in AC, I have to magnify to 2000% to be able to see any detail on the imported file. When I had the imported file large enough to see the individual wall, etc, the image was so magnified that I couldn't see the the walls I was drawing in AC.

The question now is, How do I maintain the same same scale from Macdraft to dwg to AC?

[Anonymous]

Amy wrote:
I found part of the problem- I can import the DWG (which was in 1/4 = 1 ft scale) but when I view the file in AC, I have to magnify to 2000% to be able to see any detail on the imported file. When I had the imported file large enough to see the individual wall, etc, the image was so magnified that I couldn't see the the walls I was drawing in AC.

The question now is, How do I maintain the same same scale from Macdraft to dwg to AC?

I find trial and error the best way.

try different import scale settings , you will know when you get the correct one!

Also I tend to put have ethe DWG on one layer so all the layers dont come thru, then I put it on a sepearate storey so that I see it as a Ghost storey. I hope this makes sense

[Djordje]

Lennox wrote:
I find trial and error the best way.

The best way is to ask the person who did the DWG what scale did he make it for. You can fond out yorself, if it has PaperSpace - open it in Plotmaker and see the scale of the placed Modelspace.

Set the ArchiCAD workspace to the scale that the DWG was made for BEFORE you import.

As for Import - better do an Xref, that you can easily get rid of later.

Yes, put it on a storey that is below the storey you work on in ArchiCAD. If you have more than one plan, set the distance between the AutoCAD storey and the ArchiCAD storey to zero, so that the 3D views and the sections are correct.

And ... last but by no means the least! ... Click on the Help menu, go to ArchiCAD Online Help. A treasure trove.