I can not open dwg files that I saved in my ACADLT 2014 in Adobe illustrustrator

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Autodesk Forums!

Hi,

Which version of Illustrator do you have?

Have you tried to save your drawings in 2010, or better in 2007 DWG format before trying to open them in Illustrator?

Maxim

[signanddesignsolutions]

I have CS 3 - I did try saving it down to 2010 - that wouldn't open either - I'm not sure what versions they have but I've been opening AutoCAD file from a drafting company for years- I'm really , really new to AutoCAD & just a wee bit overwhelmed ...

I just tryed 2007 & it worked!!!! You made my week! - I was almost starting to panic...You wouldn't have any insight on how to resolve the layers issue... When I open the file it loses all the layers & dumps them all in one layer..

Do you have any idea how many lines - polylines - text etc. are in a drawing that has a 12 story building with  4000 locker units in addition to lobbies, offices, restroom ... I could go on

Any way - the only thing I can think of is to make each floor it's own file - get the line weight & colors correct in AutoCAD so I don't have to fix it in Illustrator, but still lots & lots of lines items - Do yo think there is a way to perserve the layers in AutoCAD or is that an Illustrator issue?

thanx so much for your help!

SDS

[maxim_k]

I don't have CS 3, but in CS 2, if I uncheck "Merge layers":

I get all layers preserved in Illustrator.

Maxim

[signanddesignsolutions]

Well, apparently adobe removed that option in CS3 - I've been exploring the issue on an Adobe Forum and really haven't had time to implement the suggested fixes. I've had so many issues crop up since I agreed to take on the AutoCAD design work for one of my largest ( & recently very busy) clients - Gotta love a growth spurt!

Anyway - Thank you so much for your quick responses and all your help - I really appreciate it - you saved me a great deal of stress - sometimes it is really hard to see the forest through the trees! 

I hope we meet again!

Laura

[maxim_k]

Hi Laura,

Have you tried to plot to PDF with DWG to PDF plotter from AutoCAD? It should create layered PDF( if you are using AutoCAD for Windows).
Than open resulting PDF in Illustrator.
Does this retain layers?
I'm not sure about quality of resulting AI file, maybe direct import in Illustrator works better.

Maxim

[maxim_k]

Sorry, I just made quick search about opening Layered PDF in AI and understand, that it is not possible unfortunately.

Maxim

[maxim_k]

Hi Laura,

I just have found this:

http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/updated-dfx-dwg-plug-illustrator.html

on Adobe Site.

Have you tried to use updated DFX/DWG plug-in in your Illustrator CS3?

Maxim