DRW to DXF problems

[croftltd]

I have some drawings saved as .drw that were created in GCD4.

GCD4 is an old CAD package created by computervision so I am told that I haven't used personally to create drawings but I'm sure someone has heard of it.

I can convert the .drw files to .dxf files quite easily using the old file convertor that was part of the GCD4 package.

I can then open the .dxf file in AutoCad LT 2004 and AutoCAD LT 2003 and I would imagine any version of AutoCAD.

My problem is that when I convert these .drw files to .dxf and open them in AutoCAD and then try to edit the text or a dimension the lines end up going all over the screen.

I have tryed first saving it as a AutoCAD.dwg file which it does sucsesfully and then tried editing it but the same thing happens.

I have found a kind of solution by exploding the drawing first but this is not ideal as the dimensions etc are now longer linked. :?

Why is this? Is something set incorrectly or maybe the file conversion software makes a difference.

:?

[architech]

I would expode all the dimensions since you're playing with a "translated" drawing. That's my knee jerk reaction. :roll:


My other reaction, would be .... before you edit any dims, I would check the "DIM STYLE". Make sure the "DIM STYLE" has the appropriate settings. Even though it looks fine on screen, the dims may only be a temporary format until you touch them ... as you have experienced from your statement above. :wink:

Anyway, hope that helps. :D

[croftltd]

Thanks for the reply.

I currently explode the drawings to solve the problem but every thing then becomes a seperate entity which is what I want to avoid (if I can). After I explode (the drawing that is not me) and I then strecth or edit the drawing in anyway the dimensions are not linked as you would expect.
This is most frustrating as the drawings are complex and it takes ages to re-apply all the dimensions.

I have looked at the DIM STYLE and it would appear to be set to standard. All the settings under the various tabs would appear to be as normal as well although I didn't realise you could change the DIMS STYLE to temp etc. How do you do this as it didn't appear to be an option anywhere under the DIM STYLE window.

To add more information to this topic it is not only dimensions that go funny it is also arcs and elipses which can mean having to delete and redraw these items as well.

Does this mean that it is software related or would you always expect this to happen with a .drw to .dxf conversion. :?:

[csiarch]

Due to the changes in drawing format that Autodesk does regularly to keep customers upgrading and their cash flow consistent, your drawings may be affected by trying to import them into too new a version.

If you know someone who is still using a version of AutoCad previous to yours, convert your .drw to .dxf but save it in the earlier version before opening it in your version. This sometimes helps translate entities a little better. No guarantees that this will work but it's another approach.

Good Luck.

[architech]

I like CSIarch's suggestion. :o
He has a good point.

But I'm wondering what if we tried AutoCAD 2002 or 2004 ....

Could you post up here via "ZIP" a fresh copy of a DRW to DWF :?:

I'd like to look at it ....

Thanks,
Rich :P



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As for the "temp" settings in DIM STYLEs ... I've noticed this in files that translated from one software to AutoCAD.

True!
There is no setting within AutoCAD that says "temp Set" ... but there's no other to explain what occurs.

You understood what I said, so it explains it pretty much on the nose. :wink:

[csiarch]

I am aware of the "washing" process only because I've downloaded some drawings off the internet that were done in pre-version 9 and had to wash them thru R12 and R14 before they would display satisfactorily in 2002.

It's only a theory but I think that the AutoCad programmers have recognized that there might be a problem with data translation if one leaps too far ahead.

Curiously, I have to do the same thing translating WP DOS files to Word. I had to save files first in WP8 for windows before I could open them in Word. Maybe it has something to do with the change in OSs as well?

[croftltd]

Thanks for all the responces.

I have tried it on Autocad LT 2000 with no luck.

I will try on earlier versions if I can find a copy in our IT department.

Rich who requested a copy of a drawing I will try to send one soon! :)