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UNIT 7: Exporting and Importing File Types

1.0 Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Export file to different formats; and

2. Import different file format to AutoCAD application.

1.1. Introduction

AutoCAD features saving drawing files into a different file types to share
and convert it to a specific types. This feature let the user use the file to a
different CAD and other editing software.
In this unit, we are going to study on how to export files to a specific
type in order to open it to another program.

1.2 Topics/Discussion (with Assessment/Activities)

1.2.1 Exporting File from AutoCAD

Export Command - Saves the objects in a drawing to a different file format. Creates
a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file from the command line.

The command prompt version of EXPORTDWF, EXPORTDWFX, and

EXPORTPDF provides an interface for publishing drawing sheets that can be
controlled by a script.

The following prompts are displayed.

File Format - select DWF, DWFx, or PDF as the output file type.

Plot Area - specify the area of the drawing to export:

Display - Exports the view in the current viewport in Model space.

Extents - Exports the portion of the current space of the drawing that contains
objects in Model space. All geometry in the current space is exported.
Window - Exports any portion of the drawing you specify in Model space. Click
the Window button to use the mouse to specify opposite corners of the area to
be exported, or enter coordinate values.
Current Layout/All Layouts - If you are exporting from paper space, specify to
export the current layout or all layouts.
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The Export Data dialog box (a standard file selection dialog box) is displayed.

If you do not see the file format that you need in the Files of Type drop-down
list, also check the PLOT command for other file types, including PDF.

AutoCAD export options

Note: The Export Data dialog box records the last used file format selection and
stores it for use during the current drawing session and between drawing sessions.

In
Related
Format Description AutoCAD
command
LT?
3D DWF (*.dwf) 3D Autodesk Design Web
3DDWF No
DWFx (*.dwfx) Format
ACIS (*.sat) ACIS solid object file ACISOUT No
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In
Related
Format Description AutoCAD
command
LT?
Device-independent bitmap
Bitmap (*.bmp) BMPOUT Yes
file
Block (*.dwg) Drawing file WBLOCK Yes
DXX Extract (*.dxx) Attribute extract DXF ™ file ATTEXT No
Encapsulated PostScript
Encapsulated PS (*.eps) PSOUT Yes
file
IGES (*.iges; *.igs) IGES files IGESEXPORT No
Solid object
Lithography (*.stl) STLOUT No
stereolithography file
Microsoft
Metafile (*.wmf) WMFOUT Yes
Windows ® Metafile
V7 DGN (*.dgn) MicroStation DGN file DGNEXPORT Yes

Exporting file as DWF (Design Web Format)

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Exporting file as PDF (Portable Document File)

Exporting data to a different file formats.

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1.2.2 Importing File to AutoCAD

Import Command - Imports files of different formats into the current

drawing. The Import File dialog box (a standard file selection dialog box) is displayed.
You can import data files that were created with other applications into the current
drawing. The import process translates data into the corresponding DWG file data.

Note: The following formats are available for import into AutoCAD. Some formats
listed in this topic may not be available in all AutoCAD-based products.

Format Description Command AutoCAD LT

3D Studio (*.3ds) 3D Studio files 3DSIN No
ACIS (*.sat) ACIS solid object files ACISIN No
Autodesk Inventor (*.ipt), Autodesk Inventor part and n/a No
(*.iam) assembly files
CATIA V4 (*.model; CATIA® V4 model, session n/a No
*.session; *.exp; *.dlv3) and export files
CATIA V5 (*.CATPart; CATIA® V5 part and n/a No
*.CATProduct) assembly files
DGN (*.dgn), including DGN MicroStation DGN files DGNIMPORT Yes
files with user-specified file
extensions such as .sed for
seed files
IGES (*.iges; *.igs) IGES files IGESIMPORT No
JT (*.ij) JT files n/a No
Parasolid (*.x_b) Parasolid binary files n/a No
Parasolid (*.x_t) Parasolid text files n/a No
PDF (*.pdf) Portable Document Format PDFIMPORT Yes
files
PTC Creo (*.prt*; *.asm*) PTC Creo® part and n/a No
assembly files
PTC Creo Granite (*.g) Granite files generated by n/a No
Creo
PTC Creo Neutral (*.neu) Granite neutral files n/a No
generated by Creo
Rhino (*.3dm) Rhinoceros® model files n/a No
SolidWorks (*.prt; *.sldprt; SolidWorks® part and n/a No
*.asm; *.sldasm) assembly files
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Format Description Command AutoCAD LT

Metafile (*.wmf) Microsoft WMFIN Yes
Windows ® Metafiles
STEP (*.ste; *.stp; *.step): STEP files n/a No

Note: For WMF files, selecting Options on the Tools menu in this dialog box displays
the WMF In Options dialog box. You can display this dialog box directly by using
the WMFOPTS command.

Assessment No. 1:
Directions: Read each statement carefully and select the letter that corresponds the best
answer.

1. This command saves the objects in a drawing to a different file format. Creates
a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file from the command line.
a. Export Command c. Import Command
b. Save As Command d. Save Command
2. It specifies the area of the drawing to export to a different format.
a. Extents c. Plot Area
b. Window d. Display
3. This exports any portion of the drawing you specify in Model space.
a. Window c. Current Layout
b. Plot Area d. File Format
4. This command lets you open data files that were created with other
applications into the current drawing.
a. Save As c. Export Command
b. Open d. Import Command
5. What is meant by DWF file format?
a. Different Web Format c. Design Web Format
b. Drawing Web Format d. Design Web File
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1.3 Reference

Books

1. Scott Onstott . AutoCAD2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018 essentials, Autodesk Authorized

Publisher
2. Sham Tickoo. AutoCAD2005 A Problem-Solvin Approach,Autodesk Press

Online Resources

1. AutoCAD Autodesk Help (2019). The hitchhiker’s guide to autoCAD basics.