Exporting data

Module(s): Interfaces

You can use the Export tool to export data to a large number of file types. The transfer process can be optimized by making detailed configuration and assignment settings.

With the ODX interfaces you can convert files from and to numerous formats. The following overview shows the file types that can be exported and imported. The file types that are actually available to you depend on the configuration you have purchased.

The following file types are available:

• AutoCAD files of versions V12, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010 in the following formats: .dwf, .dwg, .dwt, .dxb, .dxf
  

  DXF (Drawing EXchange Format) is a special file format. DXF files are ASCII files containing all the information concerning a drawing in a format that can be utilized or further processed by other programs. Thus, among other things, DXF files can additionally be used to exchange drawings between various CAD systems. Allplan offers several functions in the Interfaces module for producing data as a DXF file or for reading a DXF file.

  

  DXB (Drawing Interchange Binary) are specially-coded binary files.

  

  DWT (DraWing Template) is an AutoCAD template file.

  

  DWG (DraWinG) is a special file format developed by Autodesk, developers of the CAD system AutoCAD. This file format is specially developed for AutoCAD and describes AutoCAD drawing data. Allplan offers several functions in the Interfaces module for producing data as a DWG file or for reading a DWG file.

  

  DWF (Drawing Web Format) is a is a special file format, which AutoCAD creates from DWG-format files. DWF files can be displayed in the World Wide Web.

• MicroStation files (.dgn)
• Allklima files (.hls)
• HPGL2 files (for import only)
• SVG files (for export only)
• ODX batch files (.ncb). See Using batch files

Basic information on exporting data

Errors and error messages

The transfer aborts and an error message is displayed

The log file contains warnings

Exchange partner can’t read the file

The workspace is empty

The drawing is distorted

Opening the document takes a very long time

To export data

1. Click Export (How).
   

   Activate Export in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: File Export

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Interfaces

2. The program automatically selects all the elements. But if you have selected the Export part option using the Options, Import and export page, DXF, DWG export area, Allplan will now prompt you to select the elements you wish to transfer.
   

   • To select a single element, click it.
   • To select elements in a region, use the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle around the elements you want to select
   • To include all the elements in the current document, click All in the Input options or press CTRL+A. Please note that this option is not available for all tools.

   For more information on the options available for selecting elements in Allplan, see Selecting elements, overview.

   When selecting elements, you can use the Filter Assistant to apply a filter based on element types and/or properties. For more information, see Filter Assistant.

   Note: If the program finds elements on visible but frozen layers or in drawing files open in reference mode, it will issue a message and you can decide whether or not to transfer this data. When you have installed Workgroup Manager, elements in drawing files that are open in reference mode cannot be transferred. Elements on hidden layers are exported if you have selected the Export hidden layers option using the Options, Import and export page, DXF, DWG export area.

3. Specify the file type, folder and the file to be exported.
4. Select a favorite for exchange and a configuration file near the bottom of the dialog box.
5. Click Settings ... to change the configuration settings (e.g., scale and unit of length).
6. Click Save.

   Allplan starts the automatic assignment.

7. When all the assignments are complete, a dialog box appears, in which you can still alter the assignments and save the configuration settings to a file.
   If the assignments are incomplete, the Configuration for Conversion dialog box appears. You can make assignments in this dialog box.
   For more information, see Making manual assignment.
8. To save the configuration you created for later use, click Save.
9. Click OK to start exporting.
10. Check the log file and click OK.

    Whenever you export or import data with the ODX interface, the program automatically creates a log file. This provides information on the success or failure of the transaction and includes a detailed list of all the settings and assignments used for the transfer operation. This way, you can record the conversion operation and, if necessary, reconstruct it with the saved settings.

    When the Log file option is selected in the Settings, Advanced Settings tab, the log file automatically appears on screen when the conversion process is complete. When this option is not selected, you can display the most recent log file by selecting Show Recent Log File on the File menu - Export or Import.