DXF/DWG Import Procedure

Multiple, single, or an entire folder of DXF/DWG files can be imported. The imported files can create new VectorWorks files, create new symbols, or be imported into the current file. The results of the import process are summarized in a log file.

A master file’s external reference files (“xrefs”) are automatically bound during import. When a single DXF/DWG master file is imported, VectorWorks displays an alert if any xrefs are missing, along with the names of the missing files. (No alert appears when multiple files are imported.)

Verify that the best possible options were selected for import by checking the imported file. If the import was not successful, try again with different options.

Importing DXF/DWG Files

For maximum flexibility when importing several DXF/DWG files, use the Import DXF/DWG command.

To import DXF/DWG files:

1.	Create a blank file and set the drawing size, or open an empty template that already has the correct drawing size.

Importing into a drawing that is not blank can produce unexpected results and is not recommended. If more than one file is being imported into the current file with the Import DXF/DWG command, ensure that the files are very similar.

2.	Select File > Import > Import DXF/DWG.

The DXF/DWG Import dialog box opens.

 

Parameter	Description
Source
One or More Files	Imports only one file or only certain files within a folder. Click Choose Files and choose one or more DXF/DWG files to import. The number of files selected and their location is displayed.
All ___ Files in Folder	Imports all files of the selected type (DXF only, DWG only, or DXF and DWG) from a specified folder. Click Choose Folder and choose the source folder.
Include Subfolders	If All Files in Folder is selected, includes all files of the selected type in all sub-folders.
Destination
Current File	Imports the selected file(s) into the current file. If several files are selected, a new layer is created for each imported model space.
Symbols in Current File	Imports the selected file(s) into the current file. Each file creates a separate symbol. This is convenient when importing part catalogs, for example. Paper space is not imported.
New Files in Folder	Converts the selected file(s) into new, separate VectorWorks files in the selected folder. Click Choose Folder to choose the location. This is the best option when converting many files.
Use Document Template	If New Files in Folder is selected, select a template to use for each new file, or select Blank Document. The template can be useful for specifying the page size to use for model space objects (which can also affect dash scales and conversion of polyline widths). It also allows specification of a dimension standard, default color to line weight mappings, and in some cases, units.
Import Options
Use Default	Applies the default DXF/DWG import options to the imported files; see DXF/DWG Import Options.
Use Custom	Sets custom options for the file import; click Set Custom Options to open the DXF DWG Import Options dialog box (seeDXF/DWG Import Options). If several files will be imported, it is recommended that Units Setting In File be set to Determine Automatically.

3.	Click OK to import the file(s).

The progress of the import is displayed for each imported file during import. The final results of the import process are shown in the DXF/DWG Import Results dialog box.

4.	Click Details to open the results log file. The log text file, named DXF_DWF Import Log, is placed in the specified destination folder if it exists, or in the VectorWorks application folder. New log information is appended to any existing log file.

Importing a Single DXF/DWG File

To import a single DXF or DWG file:

1.	Create a blank file and set the drawing size, or open an empty template that already has the correct drawing size.

Importing into a drawing that is not blank can produce unexpected results and is not recommended. This includes overwriting of dash styles and class attributes for existing objects in the drawing. Workgroup referencing may give better results in these cases.

2.	Select File > Import > Import Single DXF/DWG File.

The Import DXF/DWG Files dialog box opens. Select the file to import; the progress of the initial import is displayed.

3.	During the import, the DXF DWG Import Options dialog box opens.

Select appropriate import options as described in DXF/DWG Import Options.

4.	Click OK to finish importing the file. A progress bar displays, along with the number of objects processed and free memory available.

5.	Check the imported file.