ArchiCAD 8.1 DXF-DWG Translators

This document will explain how to install and use the basic dxf-dwg translators from Applecore Designs Limited. The files are called:

• basic translator (14).xml
• basic translator (2000).xml

Download Translators

ArchiCAD 8.1 ships with one standard ‘locked’ translator file. In order to save a dxf or dwg file you must firstly create your own translator with your personal / project specific settings.

The following image shows the standard dialog box in ArchiCAD 8.1 when you choose to save a file as dxf or dwg format drawing:

The settings in the translator include rules for the following:

• Drawing unit conversion
• Opening a dxf or dwg file
• Exporting a dxf or dwg file
• Attribute conversion (layers, pens, line types, fonts)
• Miscellaneous (mainly character conversion)

The translators supplied by Applecore Designs Limited will set the following options:

• Units to mm
• File saved to either AutoCAD 14 or 2000 standard
• Custom layers created for ‘doors’ and ‘windows’
• Elements lines and pens set to ‘by layer’
• Background fills set to export to ‘solid fills’

These settings – although basic – address many of the common issues involved when transferring files between ArchiCAD and AutoCAD.

Installing the Translators

Prior to installing the files you must first choose a suitable place for them to be stored.

It is preferable for all team members to use the same set of translators – for example, only one central location has to be accessed to modify the rules should changes be necessary. Thus, translators should be placed on a server (or similar storage area) to which all team members have access.

In the example below – the files will be stored in d:\data\translators.

Select DXF-DWG Translation Setup… from the Tools menu to see the following dialog box:

Click on the Browse for Translators... as highlighted above.

Use the standard Windows / Mac dialog box to browse for the location of the .xml files. Select the r14 version and load the file. Repeat the process with the 2000 version file.

The dialog box should now list both of these translators along with the Default Translator as shown below:

Click on the Browse for Translators... as highlighted above.

Use the standard Windows / Mac dialog box to browse for the location of the .xml files. Select the r14 version and load the file. Repeat the process with the 2000 version file.

The dialog box should now list both of these translators along with the Default Translator as shown below:

These translators are now installed and will be available for use each time you save a dxf or dwg file from ArchiCAD or PlotMaker. It is a good idea to keep a ‘backup’ copy of these files elsewhere.

If you have requirements for further customisations for ArchiCAD – please email services@applecoredesigns.co.uk or call 0121 447 7788.