Importing DXF/DWG and DWF Files

When you have several DXF/DWG or DWF files to import, use the Import DXF/DWG or DWF command for maximum flexibility.

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

Import into an existing Vectorworks drawing is not recommended, because it can produce unexpected results. For the same reason, if you import more than one file with the Import DXF/DWG or DWF command, ensure that the files are very similar.

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 or DWF 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, DXF and DWG, or DWF only) 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 subfolders
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 default color to line weight mappings, and in some cases, units.
References
Bind External References	Imports the selected master DXF/DWG file and all its external references into the current file
Ignore External References	Imports the selected master DXF/DWG file without its external references
Use Design Layer Viewports (Vectorworks Design Series required)	If New Files in Folder is selected, imports the selected master DXF/DWG file and all its external references into separate Vectorworks documents; the external documents are referenced from the master Vectorworks document using design layer viewports
Use Layer Import	If New Files in Folder is selected, imports the selected master DXF/DWG file and all its external references into separate Vectorworks documents; the external documents are referenced from the master Vectorworks document using layer importing
Architectural Objects
2D View	Imports AEC objects created with AutoCAD Architecture (such as walls, doors, and windows) in 2D view; only 2D graphics are imported
3D View	Imports AEC objects in 3D view; only 3D graphics are imported
Import Options
Use Settings	Select a set of import options to apply to the imported files. If several files will be imported, it is recommended that Units Setting In File be set to Determine Automatically. ● The Default options are those that ship with the Vectorworks software, and they cannot be changed. ● To select custom options and save them as a set, select <Active Settings> or a set name, and then click Set Custom Options to open the DXF DWG Import Options dialog box. ● To use custom import options that have been saved, select the set name from the list.

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 or DWF Import Results dialog box.

4. Click Details to open the results log file. The log text file, named DXF_DWG_DWF Import Log, is placed in the specified destination folder if it exists, or in the Vectorworks user folder. New log information is appended to any existing log file. The report provides a summary of the import, including the import settings that were used, and a list of which files succeeded, and which failed.

Importing DXF/DWG and DWF Files

Parameter

Description