Creating section: Unable to create view base, Autocad prompts to select file

[stahci]

hello I am trying to create a section of a model i have in Autocad 2015. I get an error "Unable to perform requested action. this drawing was last edited with model documentaion i na newer version of AutoCAD.", I do a little reasearch and i get an article i pasted below which directs me to create a view base. Every time i try to create a view base from the model space using  autocad dialog box opens asking me to select a file. What am i doing wrong to create this section? Why is it acting me to select a file?

http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Error-U...

[nestly2]

The first message seems to indicate that you have not created a Parent View, which is required before you can create a Section View

The 2nd problem with the dialog box seems to indicate that there aren't any 3D objects in Modelspace that VIEWBASE can create projections from.

Do you have 3D objects in Modelspace that can be projected by VIEWBASE?

Upload a sample drawing if you're not sure.

Alternatives to using VIEWBASE to create sections are the SECTION command and the SECTIONPLANE command

[stahci]

I have tried the section and section plane command without success. I am not very experienced using AutoCAD so maybe I am missing something in the steps. The model is from another modeling software if that effects anything.

[nestly2]

It will if AutoCAD doesn't recognize the object(s) as valid Solids or Surfaces in modelspace

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If model space does not contain any visible solids or surfaces, the Select File dialog box is displayed to enable you to select an Inventor Model. .

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LINK

[stahci]

It ia a model from Tekla. We had utilized it in the past for drawings (these drawings had sections) done within AutoCAD.

[nestly2]

I'm not familiar with Tekla, but if you attach a sample drawing, perhaps someone can diagnose the problem.

[stahci]

Please see attached dwg for steel sample from tekla

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

your objects are polymeshes, that type of objects can't be used for command _VIEWBASE.

The help >>>here<<< has the description:

• The base view includes all visible solids and surfaces within model space. If model space does not contain any visible solids or surfaces, the Select File dialog box is displayed to enable you to select an Inventor Model.

- alfred -

[nestly2 · Accepted solution]

As Alfred said, the objects are Polyface Meshes which AutoCAD cannot Project or Section.  You can convert them to Solids either one-at-a-time (a lot of work) or convert everything into a single Solid  (easy)

1) XPLODE to 3D Faces

2) CONVTOSURFACE  (Convert to Surfaces)

3) SURFSCULPT  (Sculpt Surfaces into Solid)

[martinTstewart_Adsk]

The above posts, including from nestly2 seems to cover it well. They deserve Kudos –video was very helpful.

Additionally, if this is a drawing you received from another company, you could also consider requesting that company to export the original file as solids and resend to you as solids –if that’s an option in their Tekla software.

If my reply post was helpful, please give a "Kudos" or mark the "Accept as Solution" button below (or both).