topic Re: Can view supplier DWF file in Autodesk Web Viewer but not DWFATACH in AutoCad in DWF Forum (Read-Only)

Can view supplier DWF file in Autodesk Web Viewer but not DWFATACH in AutoCad

Tobias — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:59:02 GMT

Hello All

I have supplier details in DWF format.

I can look at the file in the Autodesk online Web Viewer, but when I try to DWFATACH attach it into my AutoCAD drawing I get an error message.

This doesn't make sense to me, if the web viewer can display the file any Autodesk software should be able to deal with the file.

Any ideas how I get the file to show in AutoCAD

My goal is to get the detail into AutoCAD to be able to use it in our drawings.
If there is a better way than DWFATACH, I would be grateful to know.

Attached the dwf file in question

Thanks Tobi

P.S. different questions are
-why the supplier only provides DWF and
-why AutoCAD doesn't seem to be able to just import/open DWF files

Re: Can view supplier DWF file in Autodesk Web Viewer but not DWFATACH in AutoCad

pendean — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:47:24 GMT

Read about limitations here from Autodesk https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/AutoCAD-products-fail-to-attach-dwf-files-exported-from-Navisworks.html#:~:text=The%20commands%20ATTACH%20and%20DWFATTACH%20only%20apply%20to%202D%20files.%203D%20Navisworks%20DWF%20files%20are%20currently%20not%20supported.

Re: Can view supplier DWF file in Autodesk Web Viewer but not DWFATACH in AutoCad

Tobias — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 08:09:55 GMT

Thanks a lot.

That explains why it doesn't work.

Quite disappointing that a software that expensive can't do 3D-dwf.

But then Autodesk prefer using their developers to introduce pointless features like counting how often I have used which command.

But hey it is what it is.

Any suggestions how I can convert the file somehow somewhere to be able to import it.
Edit: Just spotted that the link suggest using Design Review to convert - will try
If it fails:
I will try to get a different formant from the supplier, but don't know if they will comply.

Regards

Tobi

Re: Can view supplier DWF file in Autodesk Web Viewer but not DWFATACH in AutoCad

pendean — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:09:25 GMT

@Anonymous I have never tried to convert a 3DDWF to a 2DDWF so that it can be imported into old clunky AutoCAD.

Remember it's purpose though, the publishing format DWF is intended primarily for viewing and markup of CAD data; one of its benefits is the protection of intellectual property (rights to the CAD content). If you need a CAD model, then ask the file creator for a CAD model instead.

These other CAD programs used to do something like you need back when I last researched it, perhaps they still do:
Autodesk Navisworks - can import 3D DWF files and exports FBX files (can be imported e.g. in AutoCAD)
Inventor Publisher - can open/import 3D DWF files and publish them to other formats (e.g. to 3D PDF and then to CAD with the 3D PDF Converter)
Deep Exploration CAD - can import 3D DWF files
Okino PolyTrans with the additional module DWF/HSF can import and translate 3D DWF files

****Please note that the converted 3D model will be only an approximate, mesh representation of the original CAD model.****

TLDR: using the right tools with the right file formats is always the better approach.