Does anyone know if there was ever any progress on being able to export (or import) any form of AutoCAD files. I understand they use .DWG and a .DXF extension (no idea what the .DXF is).
This would be extremely helpful since we work with so many architects/engineers that use it, but, sadly, no one has ever heard of Intaglio.
I can’t afford AutoCAD or the steep learning curve.
Does anyone know if AutoCAD can import any format that Intaglio can export?
Does anyone know if there was ever any progress on being able to
export (or import) any form of AutoCAD files. I understand they
use .DWG and a .DXF extension (no idea what the .DXF is).
This would be extremely helpful since we work with so many
architects/engineers that use it, but, sadly, no one has ever heard
of Intaglio.
I can’t afford AutoCAD or the steep learning curve.
Does anyone know if AutoCAD can import any format that Intaglio can
export?
Not I but googling “what file formats can autocad import” seems to
give results
Regards
–schremmer
IMPORT functions appear to be limited in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac. Here
are some entries in their Help section:
IMPORT
See Also * Import Other File Formats - See below
Imports files of different formats into the current drawing.
Access Methods
Menu: File Import
Summary
You can import data files, other than DWG files, that were created
with other applications into the current drawing. The import process
translates data into the corresponding DWG file data.
The Import File dialog box (a standard file selection dialog box) is displayed.
In Files of Type, select the file format to import. In File Name,
select the file name to import. The file is imported into the
drawing. The following formats are available for import:
* ACIS (*.sat): ACIS solid object file (see ACISIN)
If FILEDIA = 0, the following prompt is displayed:
Enter import file name: Enter path and file name
Import Other File Formats
You can import files, other than DWG files, that were created with
other applications into your drawings.
Topics in this section
* Import ACIS SAT Files
You can import geometry objects stored in SAT (ASCII) files using the
ASCISIN command.
* Convert DXF and DXB Files to DWG Format
DXF and DXB files are two types of drawing interchange files used to
transfer data between various applications.
Following are the EXPORT capabilities of AutoCAD 2011 for Mac (from
their Help file):
Export PostScript Files
You can convert a drawing file to a PostScript file, a format that is
used by many desktop publishing applications. …
User’s Guide
Export DXF Files
You can export a drawing as a DXF file, which contains drawing
information that can be read by other CAD systems. …
User’s Guide
EXPORT
Saves the objects in a drawing to a different file format. …
Command Reference
Export ACIS SAT Files
You can export certain object types to an ACIS file in ASCII (SAT) format. …
User’s Guide
Export Stereolithography STL Files
You can export 3D solid objects in the STL file format compatible
with stereolithography or 3D printing. …
User’s Guide
Export Raster Files
You can create a device-independent raster image of the objects in
your drawing. …
User’s Guide
Export PDF Files
You can export a drawing as a PDF file to facilitate sharing
information with other design groups. …
User’s Guide
Export Drawings to Other File Formats
If you need to use the information from a drawing file in another
application, you can convert it to a specific format by exporting it.
…
User’s Guide
Does anyone know if there was ever any progress on being able to
export (or import) any form of AutoCAD files. I understand they use
.DWG and a .DXF extension (no idea what the .DXF is).
This would be extremely helpful since we work with so many
architects/engineers that use it, but, sadly, no one has ever heard
of Intaglio.
I can’t afford AutoCAD or the steep learning curve.
Does anyone know if AutoCAD can import any format that Intaglio can export?
FWIW, I sometimes use an AutoCAD alternative called QCad. QCad reads and exports DXF/DWG files, and will talk with AutoCAD Mac. You can export SVG files from QCad that can be imported into QCad and I believe vice versa.
I hope that helps.
Tom
On 30 Oct 2012, at 17:29, Grayson wrote:
Does anyone know if there was ever any progress on being able to export (or import) any form of AutoCAD files. I understand they use .DWG and a .DXF extension (no idea what the .DXF is).
This would be extremely helpful since we work with so many architects/engineers that use it, but, sadly, no one has ever heard of Intaglio.
I can’t afford AutoCAD or the steep learning curve.
Does anyone know if AutoCAD can import any format that Intaglio can export?
I wonder if the import capabilities of the PC version are any better.
I need to go Intaglio Mac → xxx → Autocad PC,
where xxx is some file format that is common to the export/import.
The company that we are working with (Autocad on PC), said that they can import a PDF file, but the result is pretty limited.
Since Autocad is so common, I thought by now, there would be a conversion possible. To me this would be a top priority.
I assume the limited import capability of AutoCad is a marketing requirement.
I doubt you will find any better import options with the PC version
of AutoCAD. They generally don’t recognize that any other drafting
software exists. AutoDesk takes full advantage of the fact that they
have a virtual lock on the market and use it to their advantage.
For years I had to deal with them in upgrading AutoCAD software used
in two high school drafting labs. Their educational pricing is
extremely high to outfit a lab of 30 computers and upgrades are
several times the price of any Adobe, Microsoft or other software
producer. I had a go-around with their NJ Eastern PA sales rep about
the cost issue explaining that we were training people to use their
software and deserve a break on pricing. His reply, “If you don’t
like our deal, go to our competitors.” Believe me that after that
kind of treatment I embarked on a massive search to find anything to
replace AutoCAD… and failed. I’ve been retired for years now and I
guess you can tell from this message that I don’t like them very much!
I wonder if the import capabilities of the PC version are any better.
I need to go Intaglio Mac → xxx → Autocad PC,
where xxx is some file format that is common to the export/import.
The company that we are working with (Autocad on PC), said that they
can import a PDF file, but the result is pretty limited.
Since Autocad is so common, I thought by now, there would be a
conversion possible. To me this would be a top priority.
I assume the limited import capability of AutoCad is a marketing requirement.
I am about to try DraftSight. It is from a chinese company and claims they are 100% compatible with Autocad files. Oh, and its free.
I live in Turkey. If it makes you feel any better, I know hundreds of companies and people here use it, but I don’t know a single copy of the software that was actually purchased!
Draftsight may be free, but it’s clunky and well, not a lot of fun.
Like I said, try out QCad. It’s very easy to use as well as inexpensive, runs on all platforms and is portable, ie you can run it from a memory stick, anywhere.
On 31 Oct 2012, at 20:54, Grayson wrote:
I am about to try DraftSight. It is from a chinese company and claims they are 100% compatible with Autocad files. Oh, and its free.
I live in Turkey. If it makes you feel any better, I know hundreds of companies and people here use it, but I don’t know a single copy of the software that was actually purchased!
What I still don´t get is what user Grayson wants to transfer from Intaglio to AutoCAD.
Just in the case you want something 3-dimensional I highly recommend ViaCAD 2d/3d (http://www.punchcad.com/) which is 70 bucks at the moment.
BTW: Draftsight is from Dassault Systèmes, France not Chinese.
I need to transfer fairly simple cabinetry construction drawings, and floorplans for architects and interior designers. All basic 2D. They all use Autocad.
I will definitely check out QCqd to see if it can make autocad files.
I have been using intaglio every since MacDraw disappeared and am so used to it, it’s very hard to use something else, especially when it was designed for the PC!
Not quite free for students IN SCHOOL. See following statement frojm
their website
"Autodesk Student Version software may not be used in the classroom
or lab for instructional purposes, or for commercial or for-profit
purposes. "
Complet statemnt is;
“Important Note :The Autodesk Student Version software incorporates
all the functionality of our professional licenses, but includes a
print banner making the software inappropriate for professional,
commercial, or for-profit purposes. Autodesk Student Version software
may not be used in the classroom or lab for instructional purposes,
or for commercial or for-profit purposes. Annual licenses of Autodesk
student software are not eligible for product upgrade or transfer to
a commercial license.”
No change here!
I think PDF is the way to go then.
@Jack Jennings. Nowadays Autodesk is given all its software for free
to students.
Thanks IanB on the PDF->Autocad converter service. They have a program that will do the conversion, but PC only., but they have an online service (you upload your PDF and they email you the autocad file). I am waiting for the results.
I did not think a PDF fine had vector info in it. If this works, it might solve my problem for now.
I downloaded QCad. The first time I loaded an Autocad file (a fairly big one), it crashed. It is a steep learning curve. I tried to draw a box, but gave up after 10 min. trying. It looks nice however, maybe worth spending the hours needed to get up to speed.
Update on PDF->Autocad conversion service.
Not great, but better than nothing.
It looses color and font information. Transparency is also lost.
But lines and shapes work.
