Problem- I don't even know how to call it

Just another project, and I'm stuck at the last step.

First, I create the drawing in SketchUp.

Then I import the drawing as 3D model into Autocad 2011, the model now is a 3D mesh

I switch into Front view , and then convert the 3D mesh into 2D by the "flatten" command

Now I want to dimension the new flatten 2D drawing, but it seems like it only let me dimension in the Top View.

So my question is, how to change the Front View into Top View?

I deeply appreciate your patient!

FLATSHOT works on one view at a time. You can't flatten a 3D object and expect to get a view of every single side in one fell swoop.

To get the Top view you want, you would have to change your view of the 3D object before running FLATSHOT again.

Just to verify, you are referring to the FLATSHOT command right?

From your AutoCAD Help file.

FLATSHOT

"With the FLATSHOT command, you can create a flattened, 2D representation of the 3D model projected onto the XY plane. The resulting objects can be inserted as a block or saved as a separate drawing."

Hi there,

Thanks for the quick respond.

To verify your question, I actually use the "FLATTEN" command and it basically just turn the 3D mesh into 2D at the current view. I was at Front view when I convert it to 2D, so when I switch to Top view again it is now just a straight line.

However, I tried using your FLATSHOT command and this come to my command bar:

"mmand: flatshot

There are no solids or surfaces that can be projected."

Do you maybe know why? Thank you so much!

No, I do not know why unless you tried using it on the 2D drawing you initially created. Then obviously it would not work.

If you did use the Express Tools FLATTEN command and it worked then I'd say to stick with it instead.

I guess. Can I please ask you one quick question?

Do you know what is the easiest way to convert a Polyface Mesh into a Solid?

AutoCAD 2008?

Find and download the mesh-to-solid lisp routine (m2s.lsp) and give that a try. Should be here somewhere. I hate that they changed the format of the forums and took the lisp routines and mixed them in with all the threads about lisp. Makes finding something a real PITA.

Mesh to Solid and Face to Solid lisp routines can be found here: http://www.realerthanreal.com/autolisp/