How to convert Civil 3D drawings to standard 2D AutoCAD format

[Anonymous]

Hello, I have a Civil 3D drawing that I need to use in AutoCAD LT in 2D. When I open it now, what should be contour lines are just squares with some writing in them that makes it seem like an image or component is missing. Also, because it's in 3D, I don't know to convert it to 2D so my filet commands and others act appropriately. Thanks in advanced!

[pendean · Accepted solution]

The Civil3D user will need to do that for you.

In the meantime you probably need to install the C3D Enabler for your LT's year version to avoid other issues in those files https://www.google.com/search?q=autocad+c3d+enabler

[cheryl.buck · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

For the Civil 3D specific objects, you may need the object enabler, however, because LT only works with 2D, there may still be objects it cannot display. You will want to install the object enabler for the specific versions of Civil 3D use to create the drawing: 

Google search: Civil 3D Object Enablers

Converting a 3D drawing to 2D is more complicated. In Civil 3D there is a command FLATTEN that can do this, this will need to be done manually in AutoCAD LT. See the following Autodesk Knowledge Network article:

How to flatten a drawing in AutoCAD

One thing to keep in mind is objects with a curve or arc, that cross elevations, may not convert or display as expected due to the specific shape requirements. For example a circle stretched across elevations appears as an oval when viewed in line with a plane. If you flatten this, it will display as a circle. 

To mark a solution that answered the question or resolved the issue, click the Accept Solution button.

Likes are always welcome.

All the best,

[steven-g]

Civil is a completely different program to LT and has specialized tools and objects that are just not available in LT. AutoCAD LT does not have any built-in methods to 'flatten' 3D content it can however in many cases be done through a series of manual processes, but this is dependant on what types of objects are in the drawing. Posting your drawing file would help us to point out what can (or maybe cannot) be done to help you get the results you want.

[RobDraw]

How about converting it using Drawing TrueView?

[steven-g]

@RobDraw Afaik Trueview would only convert to older versions, and I think you still need to download the object enabler for Trueview to also view Civil 3D objects.

Trueview certainly won't convert 3D data to 2D that still needs to be done either by the originator of the file within the software used to create it. Or manually by the LT user providing the objects allow that to be done through some kind of process available in LT eg. properties, macro, exploding other content etc.

[RobDraw]

DTV won't convert 3D to 2D, correct but it does convert entities from vertical products to vanilla.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! This object enabler worked! Now I just have to flatten it manually in LT. 

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Here is the drawing, for anyone who has suggestions on how to flatten it in LT. The Civil 3D person I've been working with can't help me in that regard. 

[tristan28YQK]

What do you do if you are using AutoCAD Lt for Mac? I couldn't find the enabler for Mac. Any other solutions?

[h_s_walker]

@tristan28YQK As has been said the person who has Civil needs to convert the drawing.

And just to help you a bit more. The MAC forums are in the link below

AutoCAD for Mac

[tristan28YQK]

Thank you, I'll look & post there.