Export CAD Files (.dxf/.dwg)

Select and export various types of data in your project, including feature data, text labels, orthoimages, and CAD objects to CAD DXF or DWG files that can be opened in AutoCAD and other design tools, along with numerous field devices where they are often used to provide background maps.

Note: You can also upload .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, and .tif formats to use as background maps in some field devices.

Click the CAD tab in the Export command pane to access the DXF and DWG exporters.

Setting field name

Description

DWG version

Select the file version to use for the output file (DWG only).

Export unit

Select the unit of measurement to use for the export.

Layer prefix

Optionally, enter a prefix to add to all exported layer names. (Does not apply to layer 0.)

Layer suffix

Optionally, enter a suffix to add to all exported layer names. (Does not apply to layer 0.)

Export precision

Select the decimal precision to use for exported grid coordinates.

Map color by view filter

Optionally, choose a view filter to base the exported line colors on.

Export attributes

Select whether to export feature attributes (DWG only; see note below).

Explode block

Select whether to explode blocks on export.

Export point as point block

Select whether to export points as a point blocks.

Export linework as 2D polylines

Select whether to export all selected linework as 2D objects with the elevation specified in the Polyline elevation field.

Polyline elevation

If you selected Yes in the Export linework as 2D polylines field, enter an elevation to apply to the selected linework.

Notes:

  • Check Select whole project (all data including sheets) to export all of the layout data (sheets) and model information for the entire project. This is important because if you export the model data without the sheets, you won't be able to see the dynamic view (dynaview) in AutoCAD.
    • Note that if you select one or more sheets in the Project Explorer to export, you are given the option to export the entire project model data. If you don't export the model data along with the sheets, you won't be able to see the dynamic view (dynaview) in AutoCAD.
  • By default, a point ID exports as an attribute of the point.
  • The .dxf format export includes a start/begin (POB) station value for linestrings.
  • The .dwg format does not support all alignment information, such as stationing. If you export an alignment as a .dwg and then import it into another application as a .dxf/.dwg, vertical alignments in the file may not appear either.
  • Feature attribute data for points, linestrings, polygons, circles, and blocks are exported as property sets in the export file (DWG only). The data can then be imported and reviewed in Autodesk's AutoCAD® Civil 3D® and used for querying and labeling.

Exporting for SCS:

  • Line names - A name property, which can be set in the Properties pane, has been added to all CAD line objects. When you export a .dxf or .dwg file, it includes the name (using XDATA) in the file. If the XDATA name property is found when importing a .dxf or dwg file, the name will be imported. SCS900 software also supports name properties using XDATA, so any name defined in this software or in SCS900 will be retained during the import/export process.
  • Avoidance zones - Use .dxf export to send avoidance zones to the data synchronization area for use on controllers running site controller software (SCS). Closed CAD lines, linestrings, boundaries, and alignments export as 2D lines; all elevations and vertical alignments are ignored. Arcs export intact, but spirals used in alignments are "linearized"; they are replaced by chords.

Related topics

Export Data

Export Data in a Custom Format