Using FLATSHOT to convert a 2d tracing on a 3d model

[Anonymous]

Dear all,
I have traced over a 3d model using the front view. Obviously some of the lines when orbiting are extruding beyond the model. So I am trying to use the Flatshot command in order to get the correct 2D drawing I am working on. The issue I am encountering is that flatshot won't work since the tracing cannot be converted to surfaces. Is there a way how I can convert the tracing I did into a proper 2D drawing?

Thanks in advance,
Kind regards,
R

[maxim_k]

Hi Raissa,

If I understand you correctly, you need to faltten tracing result.
If you are using 2018 version, you can use FLATTEN command:
https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDMAC/2018/ENU/index.html?guid=GUID-0E2744A7-AAB9-4AE9-9614-5697668C...
If you have 2017 or earlier versions, you can use this trick:
https://thecadgeek.com/blog/2012/04/mac-flatten-command/
Maxim

[Anonymous]

Dear Maxim,

I have applied the given instructions for Autocad for MAC 2017 , however still nothing is happening. The command isn’t functioning.

I appreciate if you have a solution re: inserting this command in Autocad.

Thanks in advance,
Raissa

[maxim_k]

Can you share your drawing here with short instructions on what you want to get?

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Dear Maxim,

As mentioned before I wont to convert the tracing I did on the 3d model front view into a flat 2d drawing as it is supposed to look like. I have tried the solution given by your end, however the Flatten command is not working on autocad 2017 for mac.

Kindly find attached the drawing for further explanation.

Kind Regards,
R

[maxim_k]

Sorry, you forgot to attach the drawing. 😞

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Apologies, kindly find attached the drawing

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Please look at the attached DWG.

In order to get correct results, you need to set XY plane of the current UCS perpendicular to the view direction.

If you want to continue to work with the tracing result, I'd recommend you to move it to a new drawing to avoid futher "Z shifting" confusions.

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for your help. 

So the flatten command can't be used as suggested in the previous email? Also could you kindly guide me how to use the "trick with move" in acad 2017 for mac. 

Regards,

R

[maxim_k]

Both methods can be used, but at first you need to set XY plane of the current UCS perpendicular to the view.
Do you know how to manage UCS in AutoCAD?

Maxim

[Anonymous]

I do know how to rotate using the USC and selecting the desired axis. Though I can’t use the move command and flatten the drawing as you did. I appreciate your guidance for using "trick with move” instead of flatten

Thank you,
R

[Anonymous]

I have managed to use the USC perpendicular along the XY plane. Though how should I flatten the tracing then into a 2d drawing? 

Thanks in advance 

R

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Use MOVE command as follows:
- start MOVE command
- select objects you want to flatten and hit Return
- pick any point in the drawing and hit Return
- from the keyboard type: 0,0,1e99 and hit Return
- call MOVE command again
- type P and hit Return twice when AutoCAD will ask about selecting objects
- hit Return again, when AutoCAD will ask about Base point
- - from the keyboard type: 0,0,-1e99 and hit Return

Actually you move objects you want to flatten 1e99 units high along Z axis and then move them back.

Maxim

[maxim_k]

Here is another link about this trick:

http://ltunlimited.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/07/mimic-express-tool-flatten.html

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Apologies for replying again.

I abiding with all the instructions given, though when I input the last command ; 0,0,-1e99 and hit enter, the drawing vanishes. 

What shall I do ?

Thanks again,

R

[maxim_k]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Apologies for replying again.

I abiding with all the instructions given, though when I input the last command ; 0,0,-1e99 and hit enter, the drawing vanishes. 

....

---

Not the case on my side.

Look at the screencast how it goes:

Maxim

[Anonymous]

I am really sorry for being such a difficult client. I really don't know what's wrong with my acad. 

Could you kindly check the acad drawing attached, as I am doing step by step with the video you've sent and still it is vanishing after I insert the coordinates.

I really appreciate your help and apologies again for the inconvenience.

Thank you,

R

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Yes, something is wrong in your drawing with UCS, so I set UCS to World (WCS) - as XY plane of the current UCS was parallel to XY plane of WCS, nothing changed in view - and have managed to flatten your drawing (see attached).

BTW, there is another way to "faltten" drawings containing simple objects as lines and circles:

You can change Z value for endpoints of lines and centers of circles to 0 (zero) using Properties palette.

Just select everything you need to flatten, look at the Properties palette, select type of object you need from dropdown list:

 

Of course, you need to adjust UCS too before using method.

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Yes, Both methods have worked now.

I'm very grateful and relieved to have solved this issue.

Thanks again,

R