AutoCAD to Visio

[LElkins]

Good Afternoon All,

I am currently downloading the trial version of Visio 2007 to try and figure this out, but waiting another hour for the download isn't really an option.

1 of my guys has sent a consultant .dwg files. He does not have any CAD application, and instead uses Visio 2007.
My question is, what criteria must the drawing meet to allow it to be opened/imported to Visio 2007.

Must it be in modelspace or paperspace?
Must it all be on 1 layer?
Which file format can Visio accept?
etc.

Thanks all

Cheers

[ReMark]

Visio can import AutoCAD .dwg and .dxf file formats.

[LElkins]

Sorry. I understand that it can open/import dwg or dxf, I was getting more a version, but have now found that info.

I have had this comment from a consultant attempting to open a dwg in Visio,

[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']It imports but doesn’t display any of the layers even though they are visible[/FONT]

Does that mean anything to anyone? Any fixes?

Cheers

[ReMark]

It sounds like he sees the linework (...even though they are visible) but he just doesn't get individual layering information (...but doesn't display any of the layers). This would stand to reason because Visio is a Microsoft product now, and just like AutoDesk, they are pretty picky about what will and won't translate properly between the different software packages. I wouldn't expect to see layering information. I would expect to see everything basically dumped on one page. Do they even refer to layers in Visio? I doubt it.

[LElkins]

I have just managed to install the trial version, and think I know what he means now. I have opened it and it does not display any linework, but does display the layer list when I check the properties. Does not throw out any error message though.

Dam $DESK and Micro$OFT being so picky, don't they think about the customers for even a second when they are thinking about the customers wallet????

Cheers

[ReMark]

Doesn't display the linework? What color is the background in Visio? White? Maybe all the linework is white and that's why it doesn't show up? Displays the layer list. By that you mean it gives the layer name I assume. What other information does it provide re: layer?

Of course AutoDesk and Microsoft think about the customer. But the frame of mind is, "How do we keep them (the customer) tied into our software and not jumping ship to the other guy's product?" Once you're locked in they basically have a customer for life. Right?

[LElkins]

It gives me name, color and visibility. All seems to be set how it should be. Just doesn't display any linework. Have tried converting it in Visio, and no joy, still doesn't display. It displays a frame in Visio for where the drawing should be, but nothing else.

Im off home now. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

cheers

[mahahaavaaha]

Hi,

I tested Visio/DWG a few years back and the major problem then was the limited coordinate-space in Visio. Check the DWGs in AutoCAD with Zoom Extents before saving for Visio and as far as I can remember it was the Model Space that got imported (this was probably an older release though...)

/Petri

Ie. The LAyer stuff could be OK but the coordinatespace of the Data is too vast for Visio to comprehend...

[LElkins]

Good morning All,

I am still having no luck with this. Have found that if I export dwg to wmf I can then import that to Visio, but this doesn't get around the fact that I can not import my dwg, which is apparently provided in Visio....

Will keep looking.

In the mean time, if anyone else has any suggestions, don't be shy.

Cheers

[LElkins]

OK. All sorted.

When issuing drawings to a consultant using Microsoft Visio 2007, ensure that the drawing is set true to UCS World.

UCSFOLLOW {enter}
1 {enter}
UCS {enter}
WORLD {enter}
UCSFOLLOW {enter}
0 {enter}

And save as dwg (2000)
Also, ensure that the recipient has Visio SP 1 installed.

Have a good day.

Cheers