Import dwg from Chief Architect into AutoCAD 2013 not scaling correctly

[m e beck]

I hope someone can help me with this.

 

My plan designer uses Chief Architect and has converted his drawing into a DWG for me to use in AutoCAD 2013. When I open the drawing however, it is not to scale. I've tried importing it using the copyclip command to a blank drawing but it doesn't convert to scale. When I've tried using the scale command it doesn't scale properly. Please help!!!

 

Thanks!

[ReMark]

Was it drawn "to scale" to begin with? If so what scale was used?

 

The advice we give most often these days when using AutoCAD is draw your objects in model space at FULL size no matter how large or small they are.

 

I assume there are some dimensions on this drawing right?

[m e beck]

Oh, thank you so much for responding!!!

 

I assume it was drawn to scale. I don't know what scale was used, I would have to contact the plan designer.

 

Yes, some of the dimensions are right, which is so confusing, it is like it was stretched in some places?

[ReMark]

I suppose that's possible.

 

Everyone working in the same units? Imperial or metric? Please don't tell me you're both working in different units.

 

I've got to go out into the field for an hour or so but don't let that stop you from responding. There are a lot of other knowledgeable people who can help you in the meantime.

[m e beck]

Ok, I guess I'm the idiot here because yes, I'm converting his metric units into feet and inches. Is this wrong? I've never converted from Chief Architect before so I am completely in the dark here!

 

Thank you again!!!

[m e beck]

*update, I have confirmed that he is drawing in Imperial as well. However when I copyclip his drawing into a blank document it is measuring in metric. Maybe he isn't saving his dwg as imperial units?

[m e beck]

Also, when I just measure in his original DWG it is in metric.

[ReMark]

Sorry I'm late getting back to you. Had a mini crisis to contend with.

 

OK. Let's get on the same page.

 

The planner's drawing is metric. I assume you want to work in imperial units right?

 

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To convert to inches multiply millimeters x 0.03937

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Make sure that you are using the acad.dwt (template file) when you start your new drawing. Why? Because it is set up to utilize imperial units.

[Dana W]

Post #6 and Post #7 seem to be in conflict. It'll be acadlt.dwt for the OP's case.

[m e beck]

It's ok, I appreciate the response! Well he is drawing in imperial so why is it in metric when I open his dwg before I even do anything with it?

[m e beck]

Dana, yes I agree! He says he's drawing in imperial but when I open his dwg it is in metric.

[ReMark]

Why do you think it is metric? For all you know he used decimal inches as his units. Example: 23.625 would be 23 5/8".

[Dana W]

Dana, yes I agree! He says he's drawing in imperial but when I open his dwg it is in metric.

Sorry, that is just not possible. If you are opening this drawing in AutoCad, you are not opening his drawing, you are opening your version of his drawing in your environment. To open HIS drawing, you have to open it in the software that created it.

 

ReMark is probably hitting your nail on the head. Are you confusing decimal with metric?

 

What are you drawing? is it architectural? If so, type Units in the command field. Then if your insertion units are defaulted to Inches or feet, and not mm, then set your Length / Type to either Architectural (feet, inches, fractions) or fractional (inches, fractions).

 

If your insertion units are defaulted to mm, then you are using a metric (not decimal) template. Start over, then, with an imperial template.

 

Then go to your dimension style manager and check that the dimension style you are using is compatible with your units style.

[m e beck]

ReMark, I just assumed because of the format, and it is tiny when I insert it into a blank drawing. But you are right, I don't know and I am not good enough at this to know how to tell :-/ Dana, we are working with a house floor plan. I will try what you are suggesting. I haven't ever transferred this type of drawing so I just assumed it was what he sent and didn't even consider my settings for opening the drawing. You are both probably rolling your eyes and shaking your heads at me right now :-/. I will let you know if that works. Thank you so much for both of your help!!!

[ReMark]

beck:

 

Can you attach a copy of this floor plan to your next post?

[m e beck]

ReMark, could I email you the plan?

[m e beck]

Dana W, ok, I checked the units and it defaults to inches. The dim style manager is also set to architectural imperial. I am so lost!

[m e beck]

for example: a dimension that is supposed to be 6'-4" when I check dist is reading 1 9/16"

[ReMark]

ReMark, could I email you the plan?

 

Yes.

 

Go to my profile and look at the topmost Visitor Message. Hurry. I will take it down in 30 minutes. Time now is 1:33 PM EST.

 

Maybe you measured wrong? That is awfully close to a scale factor of 48 which means you could be dealing with a "scaled" drawing done at 1/4"=1'-0".

 

Get a move on there Beck, I ain't getting any younger. LoL Time now is 1:45 PM EST.

[m e beck]

Thank you! I just emailed you