AutoCAD 2013/2014 DWG Format

[#1]

We are dabbling in the 3D world at our office here.  We are a civil engineering frim and take on pretty much anything.  I am finding that part manufactures 3d models may be created in Revit or Solidworks.  Obviously, we are not going to purchase these pieces of software just so we can convert file formats.  Does anyone know of any file conversion software out there?  I downloaded a trial version of Revit but in 30 days I am out of luck.  Whats the best way to be able to open diferent types of files for our use?

I love the fact that part manufacturers want you to buy their product but wont share files with you so you can disply their product.  Kinda counter-productive isn;t it?

Michael

[#2]

What do you want to convert the Solidworks and/or Revit models to?

You might check this out: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=20884205&siteID=123112

[#3]

Why you are waiting for Fusion 360, AutoCAD 2013 will import SWx files

[#4]

In Civil 3D 2013 I do not have all of those file type options.  How do you have them and I dont?

[#5]

Run Civil 3D as vanilla AutoCAD.

[#6]

How do I do that?  Civil 3D came with an Icon to use "Civil 3D as AutoCAD", but Civil 3D still runs.

[#7]

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taneum wrote:

In Civil 3D 2013 I do not have all of those file type options.  How do you have them and I dont?

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See this thread for a similar conversation on AutoCAD vs. Civil 3D

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-2013/Importing-Solidworks-SLDPRT-and-SLDASM-Files/td-p/3403043

[#8]

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JDMather wrote:

Run Civil 3D as vanilla AutoCAD.

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Doesn't work.

[#9]

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taneum wrote:

How do I do that?  Civil 3D came with an Icon to use "Civil 3D as AutoCAD", but Civil 3D still runs.

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You might have to set up the desktop icon properly (and Profile after starting).

See this thread as well.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-2013/AUTOCAD-2013-OPENS-AS-AUTOCAD-MECHANICAL-ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN/...

[#10]

They try to be compatible, but there's only so much that can be done without turning another product into a wigged out version of the original software.  A lot of Revit products wouldn't have much practical use elsewhere, same thing with Inventor or SolidWorks parts.  And for every alternate format there's a lot of work to keep everything up-to-date, so they pick the one with the best combination of effort and distribution.  Some of the companies keep good relations and will provide custom-converted objects in SAT, STL, or other more universal formats if asked nicely.

It *might* be to your advantage to look into a single license for one of the Suite products, especially the Revit LT Suite.  You get a single license for a boatload of products for not much more than the most expensive one of the lot.