AutoCAD File Import

 

NOTE:
Importing of 2D DWFx files is supported on installed clients, as well as from the management station Web Server and Remote Server clients. However, AutoCAD conversion of 2D DWG and DXF drawings are only possible on installed clients; conversion is not possible from the management station Web Server and Remote Server clients.

The Graphics Editor allows you to import any valid 2D DWG and DXF AutoCAD file for viewing and using with a management station graphic. When you import an AutoCAD file into the Graphics Editor, it is first converted to a DWFx AutoCAD file format internally, and then imported and placed on the active graphic as an XPS element. Modifying an XPS element in management station is limited to the size and position of the image, and the overall stroke thickness for the entire drawing.

The behind-the-scenes conversion to DWFx occurs in the AutoCAD Importer window, which opens once you select a DWG or DXF AutoCAD file to import. Existing DWFx files do not need to be converted; therefore, when you drag or insert the DWFx file onto the Graphics Editor canvas, it does not go through the AutoCAD conversion process, but instead displays directly on the canvas as an XPS element.

AutoCAD File Types

The following is an overview of AutoCAD file types supported by management station:

• DWFx - A file format developed by Autodesk for CAD data and is based on the XML Paper Specification (XPS) from Microsoft. This file format does not require a conversion prior to adding it to a management station graphic.

The following AutoCAD file types require conversion in the AutoCAD Importer window before adding it to a graphic:

• DWG (Drawing) - A binary file format for CAD data. It is the Autodesk native format.

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) - A CAD data file format developed by Autodesk to enable data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs

Importing AutoCAD Drawings

There are three ways you can import an AutoCAD drawing to a management station graphic:

• From the Graphics Menu that displays when you right-click the Graphics Editor canvas
• From the Graphics Editor Home tab > Elements group
• Dragging the AutoCAD file over any part of the Graphics Editor canvas

Exporting to DWFx File

Once you have modified a DWG or DXF drawing in the AutoCAD Importer window, you can save the drawing as a DWFx file, by using the Export to feature. This option provides you with an edited AutoCAD drawing that you can either share with an outside party or import into the management station.

Converting Large AutoCAD Files to Image

Converting an AutoCAD file to XPS is preferred and recommended as it offers the best image quality while zooming in/out of the image. However, when an AutoCAD file is too large and causes system performance issues, converting to an image file is an option.

If you choose to convert to an image rather than an XPS file, the AutoCAD Importer allows you to select from one of the following image quality levels. Please note the following when it comes to resolution and image quality and performance: Note that lower resolution offers the low image quality, but, better performance :

• Variable Resolution Image – (Default) Imports five images at various resolution levels (see below). In Runtime mode, the Min Visibility and the Max Visibility properties are evaluated and based on the current Zoom level the appropriate image displays. The five imported graphics display in the Element Tree view under Group (Variable Resolution Image).
  
  NOTE: Lower image resolution results in low image quality, but better system performance, while a higher resolution results in higher image quality but slight performance degradation.
• Highest Quality Image – (16000)
• High Quality Image (8000)
• High Quality Image (6000)
• High Quality Image – (4000)
• Normal Quality Image – (2000)
• Highest Quality Image – (1600)
• High Quality Image – (4000)
• Normal Quality Image – (2000)