Using DWG files

Objectives

• Compare ArchiCAD drawing with consultant drawings for co-ordination purposes.
• Reference *.DWG files in documents.
• Use *.DWG file content.
• (Not covered here- Library parts)
  

Method 1
Place Drawing (DWG file) as a single entity
Pros: Adds no layers to the project.
Cons: Layers cannot be switched on/off. Contents cannot be accessed for copying. Note: Never explode to access content or to adjust visible layers. If you do all the DWG layers are merged with those in AC. If you need to do either of these, use method 2 below.

1. Create a new independent worksheet. (Right click on worksheets or click on add worksheet button).
   
2. Name worksheet with the drawing name, this will assist others who use your file.
3. Check that scale of worksheet is as desired.
4. Drag and drop *.dwg file onto the worksheet. Select drawing and press 'Ctrl+T' to access "Drawing Selection Settings" and make sure the drawing is placed into ArchiCAD layer (so you will not inadvertently 'lose' it later on!).
   
5. Save a view of the worksheet with the drawing name.
   
6. Now this view can be called up in any 2D ArchiCAD view by right-clicking on this defined view in navigator and selecting "Show as Trace Reference"
   
7. Use "Drawing Manager" to track what DWGs are being used. You can use this dialog to link to updated files from the consultant, when the original DWG files are updated (or overwrite *.DWG files in a selected folder- avoids the need to repath XREFs but DWG names must remain constant)

Method 2
X-Ref DWG file with content selectable for copying, and with 'adjustable' layer visibility
Pros: Layers can be switched on/off. Contents can be accessed for copying. Layers are grouped by XREF name so easier to manage. Detatching the XREF purges all the XREF layers.
Cons: Adds layers to the project.

1. Create a new independent worksheet. (Right click on worksheets or click on add worksheet button).
2. Name worksheet with the drawing name, this will assist others who use your file.
3. Check scale of worksheet is as desired.
4. X-Ref the *.DWG into the worksheet.
   
5. Save a view of the worksheet with the drawing name. Note that now you should create a layer combination suitable to that new view. Unlike Method 1 you have control of layer visiblity.
6. Now this view can be called up in any 2D ArchiCAD view by right-clicking on the defined view in navigator and selecting "Show as Trace Reference"
7. Content can be copied from from the view, but it remains in it's original layer after pasting. Select items of pasted content and edit layers, pen colours etc. as required.
   
8. Use "Drawing Manager" to track what DWGs are being used. You can use this dialog to link to updated files from the consultant, when the original DWG files are updated (or overwrite *.DWG files in a selected folder- avoids the need to repath XREFs but DWG names must remain constant)

Method 3
DWG file opened into ArchiCAD, with content available for editing, and with 'adjustable' layer visibility. This can then be hotlinked or merged into the target file.
Pros: Layers can be switched on/off. Contents can be accessed and editied (especially fonts/ line types/ pen colours).
Cons: More work to set up. If the *.DWG file is updated all changes have to be repeated. Adds layers to the project, so good practise would be to manually add a prefix to every layer name (e.g. Z-) so that the layers are easily identified in the target file (i.e. doesn't create a soup in the target file!).

1. Open the *.DWG file directly with ArchiCAD and save as a new *.PLN.
2. Add prefix to all layers (using Z- Y- etc is recommended as these layers will move to the bottom of the layer listing when sorted alphabetically).
3. Edit entities as required.

Examples

Build a 3d model from a DWG source.
Method 1 then...

1. Trace over worksheet based views.

Joinery plans (floor plan ex.AutoCAD).
Method 2 then....

1. Open the view of the XREFed *.DWG file (worksheet based, as described above).
   
2. Using the "Detail" tool draw over the selected area.
   
3. All linework, fills etc are all copied into a new detail ready for editing, but cannot be edited yet as they are all still in their original XREF layers.
   
4. Select all (with arrow tool selected) and press 'Ctrl+T' to access "Drawing Selection Settings", and change layer to 'ArchiCAD layer'.
   
5. At any time in the new view the original XREF worksheet can be displayed using the "Show as Trace Reference" Tool. This is especially useful as the XREFs can all be updated using the XREF manager, assisting project coordination.
6. (Once the details are placed on layouts the markers will automatically cross-reference, and the layer containing the detail markers could even be exported as a *.DWG file for use back in the original file....!).

Where a *.DWG file contains some data that is to be used in the final views
Method 3



Conclusion
XREFing conceptually is the best option for using *.DWG files as the chances of errors through reuse are minimised. However if maximum control is needed, Method 3 is the best option.


Tip
XREFed layers can be hidden in the layers dialog





end