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1.
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Export behaves differently based on whether design layers or sheet layers are selected for export. If one or more sheets are selected, a paper space layout is exported for each sheet with the sheet objects; any design layers visible in viewports are exported to model space. (Sheets that do not share design layers should usually be exported to separate files.) Other sheet layers and unreferenced design layers are omitted from export. If only design layers are selected, then all visible design layers are exported to model space and all sheet layers are omitted.
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2.
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AutoCAD does not have multiple model spaces. If the sheet layer being exported has multiple viewports at different scales, the model space may have overlapping objects from the design layers, and the scale will be set to 1:1 instead of the expected design layer scale(s). To avoid this problem, set the scale the same for all design layers, and make sure that no objects overlap. Then, adjust the viewport scales as desired.
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3.
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Do not export design layers in perspective, as they will not be in perspective in the DXF/DWG file. Instead, create a sheet layer with a viewport set to perspective view.
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4.
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For DXF/DWG versions earlier than 14, object fills will not export. To better approximate the appearance of the exported file for these versions, remove all fills in a copy of the file before export. This will help identify lines under solid fills that need to be deleted or trimmed when the solid fill is removed.
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DXF/DWG versions 14 and later support associative boundary hatches, or “bhatches.” Therefore, fills, solid fills, and hatches can be exported as follows.
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Hatches with multiple colors or with background fill
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Filled polygons with three or four sides, with the fill color different from the background color
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Objects with a solid fill (color different from background color) or hatch
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Objects with solid fill (color same as background color)
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5.
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Set the class and layer visibility appropriately. If invisible VectorWorks layers are exported as DXF/DWG layers, objects in invisible classes will not be exported, and vice versa. To preview what will be exported, set classes to “show/snap/modify others” and layers to “show others.”
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6.
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DXF/DWG does not support hybrid objects. If only design layers are being exported, set the view for each design layer so the appropriate 2D or 3D components are exported. From Plan view, the 2D component of a hybrid symbol is exported; from Top view or any 3D view, the 3D component is exported. To preserve the 3D object coordinates, use Top view to export all 3D design layers (or use viewports to show other views, and export the sheets containing those viewports).
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The name that these items receive depends on the view that is in effect upon export. As an example, the symbol “Widget” would receive the following names, depending on the view:
The assigned layer link depends on whether Project 2D was selected for the layer link.
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Layer link in plan view with Project 2D option selected
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8.
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Check the drawing with both black and white backgrounds. If the VectorWorks file has a white background and uses a dark (but not black) color to draw objects, then others who look at the exported file with a black background may not be able to see the objects.
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9.
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Set the 2D and 3D conversion resolutions (in VectorWorks preferences) to a low value if file size is a concern. Higher resolutions result in larger exported file sizes. Lower resolutions decrease file sizes, but can result in blockiness, especially when exporting to earlier versions of DXF/DWG.
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