DXF/DWG Translation Setup

This dialog lists predefined and customized DXF-DWG translators. Use them to define how elements in ARCHICAD will be interpreted when exported as DXF/DWG files, and vice versa: how the elements in DXF/DWG files will be interpreted when imported into ARCHICAD.

DXF-DWG Translators are stored in the Defaults folder of the ARCHICAD program. Thus, translators added or removed in this list will be available for all projects created with the same main ARCHICAD version.

Note for Teamwork users: Using common Translators ensures that all users have access to the same conversion options. It is therefore recommended that the CAD Manager (or a person filling the same type of role in your office) manage the set of Translators and place them on a server. To use the translators, each user must first add them to their list by using Browse... in the DXF/DWG Translator Setup dialog.

This dialog box is accessible:

•When saving or opening DXF/DWG files: click the Settings button in the Save, Open or Merge dialogs, or the Attach XREF dialog box

•from File > Interoperability >DXF-DWG > DXF-DWG Translation Setup

•when opening a DXF/DWG file through the File > Libraries and Objects > Open Objects command,

•from File > Libraries and Objects > Import Blocks from DXF/DWG

Managing Translator Files

Translators are listed with the following data fields: Name, Project and Partner.

To edit these fields, double-click a list item to open the Rename Translator dialog, or click the Rename button at right.

Delete (available if the translator is not locked):

Click to remove unneeded translators. The appearing Info dialog gives you a choice:

•Delete the translator’s XML. This option deletes all those translator settings permanently.

•Just removing the translator from the list in the dialog box. (To add it back to the list, click Browse.)

Create New: Using default settings, create a new Translator XML file and add this to the list. This XML file can be saved to any location, such as an office file server.

Duplicate: Duplicate the selected Translator. A new XML will be created in the same location as the selected Translator

Remove (available if the translator is locked or unavailable/missing): This action will remove the translator from the list in the dialog box, but will not delete the translator XML file from your system. (To add it back to the list, click Browse.)

Browse: Click to access an existing Translator file.

Location: This field displays the path of the selected translator file and cannot be edited.

Note: If an XML file is renamed, moved or deleted, then it will be shown in italics in the Translator list and indicated as unavailable.

DXF/DWG Description Panel

This is a multi-line edit box containing information about the selected translator. You can edit its contents with a single click.

DXF/DWG Settings Panel

The conversion rules for data exchange fall into six main groups:

•Drawing Unit

•Open Options

•Save Options

•Attributes

•Miscellaneous