Tips on How to Convert 2D AutoCAD DWG to 3D in Chief Architect

Chief X1 is compatible with AutoCAD 2008 DXF format.

The New CAD to Walls feature improves 2D to 3D Conversion inside Chief Architect.

Tips on how to convert 2D AutoCAD drawings to 3D in Chief Architect

1. Trace over the imported 2D AutoCAD file using CAD snaps and dims. Chief Architect can then build the 3D model.

2. Use the improved CAD to Walls feature in X1

Tip: Layer granularity in the AutoCAD drawing will help. Make sure all entities are on a dedicated layer in AutoCAD, i.e. walls, windows, doors etc. Chief Architect can then recognize them and build the model. Coordinate the layers you will need with your AutoCAD client before they get started, if possible.

It is also possible to import your DWG as an AutoCAD 3D file.

We recommend that you download a trial version of Chief Architect to test compatibility issues with AutoCAD files. It is not possible to plot in the trial version.

Chief Architect's sales team is informative and available via the phone. Call 1-208-664-4204 for more information.

ADDENDUM: 1/30/08 - How does Chief Architect rate? - Hail to the Chief!

http://aec.cadalyst.com/aec/Column:+AEC+Insight/BIM-Goes-Residential-AEC-Insight-Column/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/526899

GIS jokes - Get your T-Shirt Here!

GIS jokes on T-shirts! Add spice to your work wardrobe.

http://www.gisnuts.com/

How to Extract RAR "Zip" Files for Free

Occasionally, people send us AutoCAD Drawings compressed in RAR archived files.

We finally installed 7ZIPFREE and are glad we did. Download your copy at 7-zip.org

Not only does this handy free utility open and extract RAR files, it gives us an alternative with more options & control than the standard Zip function in Windows.

By right clicking any Zip file and choosing Z-Zip from the Curser Menu we can select from choices like: Zip to Email, Extract to a specific directory, Use 7Z or Zip.

Unlike the Windows Zip utility, 7Zip allows you to monitor where your extracted files will end up. A dialog box pops up with selections such as Ask Before Overwrite and Password Entry.

7Z does not create RAR files. If you want to create RAR, find out about WinRAR

Looking for a Free & Easy to Use FTP Client? Try Filezilla!

Filezilla is a free FTP client which is easy to use and configure.

Features we like:
Filezilla updates by automatically uninstalling its outdated version before installing the current upgrade.

FTP addresses can be loaded and stored in the Quickconnect bar at the top of the user interface or configured in Site Manager.

Tiered interface allows simultanious view of File Directory Structure, Sub-Directories and Active Processes.

Status bar shows visual progress of uploads or downloads.

File Attributes are easily managed by right clicking on your ftp directory folders

Tech support and interesting browsing is available at:Filezilla Forums

Download Filezilla

Windows File Rename Nirvana - Bulk Rename Utility

We highly recommend the Bulk Rename Utility by Jim Wilshire. It takes the drudgery out of renaming large quantities of files in Windows. Complicated file names are handled with ease!

This application is a breeze to download, and install. The Windows Explorer Interface is easy to navigate. A dashboard allows users to sort files by Match Expression, Find & Replace, Add Prefix, Add Suffix etc. Rename options range from simple to complex.

When you select the file to rename, it is possible to view your file's new name, in a Rename Column so glitches can be corrected in advance. The Undo command is a life saver.

Addendum - added on 5/21/08: If your project involves complex naming configurations, it is possible to save your settings in a "BRU" config file for later use. Hit the File Menu and go to Save.

Download your copy at:

BulkRenameUtlity.co.uk

CAD Software Watch - CoCreate OneSpace for Medical Devices

CAD Software Watch posts spontaneous CAD Software recommendations from our customer base.

A principal contacted us the other day looking for CoCreate CAD support. His firm uses CoCreate OneSpace for modeling medical devices in 3D. He recommended it for this purpose.

CoCreate OneSpace Overview

Cadalayst Labs Review also gives CoCreate OneSpace kudos for "nonhistory-based, dynamic-modeling".


"If you work in a highly collaborative environment that imports a lot of disparate MCAD data from several sources and you are predisposed to making a lot of changes to assemblies late in the product development cycle, OneSpace Modeling could be well suited to fulfilling your needs."


Review - CoCreate OneSpace Modeling 2007

Clackamas Community College - Need Classes in Civil 3D, GIS, AutoCAD? Try Portland, Oregon

We get frequent requests for information on CAD training programs and like to pass along any any leads that come our way.


Clackamas Community College, in Portland Oregon offers convenient and affordable weekend classes for professionals at their Autodesk Training Center. Spring classes start in April.

AutoCAD I (4 days - weekend or 8 evenings)
AutoCAD II (4 days - weekend or 8 evenings)

Recomended - These skills are in demand:

AutoCAD Map
Civil 3D (3 Days - weekend) for Civil Engineering Design Projects
ArcGIS I (2 Days -weekend) GIS Fundamentals

For PDF's on Class Content + Registration Forms contact the Drafting Technology Dept. at
503-657-6958 x2379 or email LynetteS@clackamas.edu

How to Import AutoCAD Splines to ESRI GIS

To import AutoCAD Splines into ESRI GIS, draw Plines and use PEDIT with the Spline option. Splines drawn in AutoCAD using the SPLINE command do not show up in ESRI GIS.

There are LISP routines available that will convert Splines in existing drawings to Plines.

How to Mark Up a Drawing - Tips for Engineers

We love clear markups.

One of our engineering clients uses a unique combination of the free Autodesk viewer, TrueView along with Microsoft Paint.

He creates jpgs of the drawing in TrueView and marks them up in Paint. The result is easy for us to read.

In this example, in order to explain his revision, the engineer has included a view of the 3D Model, an acutal photo of the device + a relevant part of the 2D AutoCAD drawing.

An organized image like this is worth a thousand words.

How to Change the Width of an Ellipse Line in AutoCAD?

The line which defines the Ellipse entity in AutoCAD is a Spline. It is not possible to edit the width of a line created as a Spline. (At least we do not know of a way.)

Recreate your Ellipse as a pline. Type the system varaible, PELLIPSE at the command line and set it to the value of 1. Now redraw your Ellipse. It will be a Pline. Use the PEDIT command to change the width.


More discussion about this topic on Augi:
Convert Ellipse to Polyline