Exporting from 3d dwg to 2d dwg

[elofusion]

Hi,

I want to export from 3d to 2d dwg, how do you do it?

[Alfred.NESWADBA · Accepted solution]

Hi,

e.g. run command _FLATTEN or, it it's not needed as DWG you can also plot a layout to PDF.

- alfred -

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Several ways to go about it, Alfred mentioning one approach. Another would be to use VIEWBASE to create the needed views, then EXPORTLAYOUT to generate an independent drawing. One you've done this each view will be a block in the new drawing and may need exploding to work on.

[elofusion]

Thanks for the replies!

But i want to keep the layers function working in my 2d dwg. 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I've found that to be a downside to nearly any approach I've gone through. I actually use a hybrid method combining several techniques including custom LISP routines to maintain my layering.

[Anonymous]

FLATSHOT might keep your layers intact.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Why go to all the work of creating a 3D model and then stepping on it to remove all that work??

Use paperspace viewports and 3DCLIP to cut view "slices" through the model  (there's a DVP.lsp posted here somewhere that helps cutting view slices of 3D models).  Set OBSCUREDLTYPE to 4 and OBSCUREDCOLOR to something that plots very thin, set the viewport to "legacy hidden" and plot.  No need to divorce the drawing from the model.

VIEWBASE is an excellent tool for simple models, but doesn't help viewing sections of complex models. 

[elofusion]

I need my model to be 2d for architectures that will use it. Are you guys telling me it is not possible? 

[Anonymous]

You can do it via the methods shown above, but why do the architects need  ONLY 2D??  The model itself can be viewed and annotated easily through PS viewports, there is no need to destroy the work already spent on the 3D model.

[Anonymous]

Just to be clear, I'm not advocating reducing the 3D model down to 2D. Using VIEWBASE maintains fidelity between the model and the 2D view representation. The EXPORTLAYOUT allows one to create a new drawing based on the views but the link to the model is then broken. Subsequent changes to the model would require repetition of the work flow and could become cumbersome. You're right about more complex models being less suitable for its use but there are sectioning tools within the VIEWBASE command, I don't use them too much so can't speak to their ease of use.

[john.vellek]

Hi @elofusion,

There are some good suggestions here - did any of them lead you to a process that works to change your 3D to 2D?

Please add a post with the status of your issue.

[Anonymous]

The viewbase sectioning tools are fine for simple models but again are fairly useless for complex models like:

Trying to use VIEWBASE and sectioning tools to extract column line elevations on the just the structure in the above would be time prohibitive.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @elofusion,

I agree with @Anonymous that it is a good idea to keep it in 3D if possible. However, I understand that if the architects only want to work with 2D they likely don't want to have to deal with the 3D features in any regard. Have you tried creating Sectionplanes and then create a Section from them?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

I'm so glad I don't have to work with those architects .......

[christophertoddwaggoner]

You need Advance Steel for that pic you posted....lol.

Going from 3D to 2D is essential for shop fabrication drawings, Advance Steel has an automated process to do so.

Also, if you are creating a quote from an autocad drawing in AutoDesk Quantity Takeoff...you will need a 2D drawing to do so.

[Anonymous]

We've been creating drawings from 3D models since 1991 without using Advanced Steel.  So, no, you do not "NEED" Advanced Steel to create drawings.