Export 2D DXF / DWG / PDF

Two 2D export options can be used to export drawings to DXF, DWG, and PDF formats:

  1. Export from model (.mod) files.

  2. Export from plot (.plo) files. The plot functions Home > Plot or Hull > Batch Plotting must used to generate a plot file for a drawing/view before exporting it. The plot file is then used as the input for the export function.

    Using the plot functions before exporting can help to get the same export results as the plotting itself, and can help to solve special requirements. For example, plot filters (enabling/disabling the plotting of certain items) can remove unnecessary items like part numbers or other production data. For more information on enabling/disabling items in plotting, and other plot configuration settings that you can make in the System Management application, see Configurations.

Exporting in either case is performed using the Hull > Export > DXF/DWG/PDF function in the 2D-Contek, 3D-Contek and Shell (with or without Plantek) applications. The level of the exported information is different in the 3D-Contek, 2D-Contek and Shell applications.

  • In 3D-Contek every element has its own specific property, which can be used for mapping the elements into specific layers or colors.

  • In 2D-Contek and Shell exporting some of these elements must be controlled by the user.

    The use of the CADMATIC Hull Layer definitions can be useful for this task. Also defining pen numbers and dash patterns can be useful.

    In some cases the standard fragment numbers can be used to a certain level. Explanation of the defaults can be found in the dxfselect.cmd and dxfselectplo.cmd files in the %ncghelps%\dxf folder.

There are differences between the export functions, and which one to choose depends on the desired outcome.

Differences between the Options

The differences between the two 2D export options are as follows.

  • Attributes – Exports from plot files do not contain attribute information because attribute information is lost in the plotting process. Exporting from model files preserves the attribute information.

    The disadvantage of the missing attribute information can be reduced by using special plot configurations, which can be used to change the fragments and or colors of different construction items that are stored in the same fragments and pen numbers. These fragments can be used to specify the layer structure in the export configuration. For example the plates and brackets have the same fragments and pen numbers. By changing the fragments of one object type in the plot configuration it is possible with the export configuration to export plates and brackets into separate layers.

  • Presentation of line types – When exporting from plot files, the line types representing parts behind other parts, which presented as dashed in the views, are correctly presented as dashed in the export as well. When exporting from model files, dashed lines are converted to solid (continuous) lines.

  • Treatment of dimensions – When exporting from plot files, dimensions are translated to lines and annotations. This disadvantage is only relevant if the receiver wants to use or change the dimensions with their own CAD system. When exporting from model files, native dimensions are preserved.

DIFFERENCES Exporting from model files Exporting from plot files
Attributes Attribute information is preserved. Attribute information is lost.
Mapping to layers

All CADMATIC Hull elements can be mapped to layers.

Only CADMATIC Hull fragments and pen combinations can be mapped to layers.
Dashed lines

Lines which are behind a construction and which should be dashed, will be solid (continuous) in the export.

 Lines which are behind a construction and which should be dashed will be converted correctly as dashed.
Dimensions Only complete native dimensions will be converted to dimensions. Other dimensions will be a combination of dimensions, lines, and text. (Not all dimensions in CADMATIC Hull are completely native dimensions.) All dimensions are converted to lines and texts.

Common Features between the Functions

  • Both single views and complete sheet drawings can be exported.
  • Multiple single views and sheet drawings can be exported at the same time.
  • Also views/drawings from other blocks can be exported.
  • DXF, DWG and PDF files can be produced at the same time.
  • Big jobs can be stored and executed later using taskfiles. Taskfiles are saved export jobs. They contain a list of files to export, and the selections made for the export.
  • Big jobs can be scheduled to be executed on a specified time and date using the batch job functionality.
  • Special configuration settings can be used while exporting.

Things to Consider

  • Hatches made using the Draw > Surface Colour function are converted into a number of 3D faces and a number of solid hatches.
  • Hatches made made using the Draw > Hatches function consisting of a number of single lines are converted into a block reference containing a number of lines.
  • Hatches made using the Draw > Hatches function and which are "solid fill" hatches are converted into a number of 3D faces and a number of solid hatches.
  • For hatches containing both "colour fill" and "solid fill" only the "colour fill" will be converted.
  • Annotations which were created by referring to a text file larger than about 30 kB will not be presented completely by AutoCAD.
  • Texts generated using the Draw > Text/Dimensions > TTF Text function result in a large number of 3D faces and solid hatches, which can result in larger DXF/DWG files.