Importing layouts

Module(s): Layout

You can use the Import Layouts tool to import files from a large number of file types into Allplan layouts.

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

Important: this operation cannot be undone.

Note: You can only import DXF or DWG files to a layout when they contain data from paper space. If you try to import a file that does not contain any data from AutoCad's paper space, the File has been filtered and is empty error message is written to the log file or the File is empty error message is displayed when you use drag and drop. More information is provided in Importing to and exporting from AutoCAD model space and paper space.

To import layouts

1. Click Import Layouts (How).
   

   Activate Import Layouts in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Layout

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

   Layout

2. Specify the file type and folder with the file(s) to be imported.

   Note: Click Preview to display the selected file in a separate preview window.

   

   • You can zoom and pan in the preview window. The following methods are provided:
     • Zooming in: click
     • Zooming out: SHIFT+click
     • Display all: double-click the right mouse button
     • Zooming: click and drag the right mouse button
     • Panning: use the arrow keys on the keyboard or click the edge of the window
   • If the selected file contains several AutoCAD layouts or model spaces, you can use the shortcut menu to select the layout or model space you wish to import.
3. Select a favorite for exchange and a configuration file near the bottom of the dialog box.
4. Click Options... to make advanced configuration settings (e.g., scale and unit of length).
5. Click Open.

   Allplan starts the automatic assignment.

6. When all the assignments are complete or when you have enabled Allow incomplete assignments in the Options..., 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.
7. To save the configuration you created for later use, click Save.
8. Click OK to start importing.
9. If necessary, 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.

Tip: You can also import layouts into Allplan by dragging and dropping them from Windows Explorer. For more information see Importing using drag-and-drop operations.