Convert Shape file to Cad file

[vijays2u]

How to convert shape file to cad file with all its properties ?

[Pointdump]

Hi Vijay,
Your options:
1. Use Map 3D or Civil 3D
2. Use QGIS to save the shapefile as DXF.
3. If this is just one-time, ask here for someone to convert from shapefile to DWG.
Dave

[vijays2u]

I am using Civil 3D, but i don't find the comment QGIS. How to use QGIS commend ?

[Pointdump]

Vijay,
QGIS is a standalone GIS program.
In Civil 3D you would use command MAPIMPORT and select "Create Object Data".
Dave

[Pointdump]

Like this:

[ChicagoLooper]

Hello @vijays2u 

I agree with @Pointdump, use MAPIMPORT command.

<<You may enter MAPIMPORT on the command line OR switch to the Planning and Analysis Workspace then go to Insert Tab=>Import Panel=>Map Import Button>>

The MapImport command will 'convert' the ESRI line work to plain vanilla AutoCAD polylines.

1. Assign your coordinate system to modelspace.
2. Execute the MAPIMPORT command. <<Verify the shapefile's coordinate system is understood by C3D--if it's not you'll need to manually input the native CS of the shapefile. The native CS can be viewed by opening the shapefile's .prj in NotePad.>>
3. (Optional) Create Object Data (OD) during the MapImport procedure. When you create OD, you'll get additional data from the shapefile's database file (.dbf) which can be viewed once the import is completed--displayed at bottom of the Properties Palette.

Here's a video that demonstrates how.

EPSG 2277 vs. EPSG 4269:

The video also demonstrates how coordinate transformation is automatically performed by the MapImport command. The video shows even though Texas State Plane Central Zone-Feet (EPSG 2277) is assigned to modelspace, the shapefile's prj, the native CS given to the shapefile by its author,  is LL83 which is geographic coordinates in Lat/Long degrees (EPSG 4269). Although the units of the shapefile's prj are Degrees, MapImport automatically 'transforms' from Geographic Degrees to State Plane Feet. Just like the video, you can tell whether your transformation is successful by turning on Bing Hybrid Map.

[J-Porter]

You may need to also transform the SHP file from one coordinate system to another.  Take a look at this video I made many years ago:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7HW6apnh3g  

You need to focus on:

• minutes 18:00 - 21:00
• minutes 28:05 - 31:35

[kendra.marrero]

The best command is MAPImport in Civil 3d.

[valeria_parrasUCC8U]

Hi Dave, 

I work in Autocad/ Revit 2026. This morning an external consultant sent us a bunch of files which I guess were exported from QGIS. I spent all morning reading tutorials and downloaded Civil 3D AND qgis and I cannot figure out how to convert the Shape Source to a dwg. 

"3. If this is just one-time, ask here for someone to convert from shapefile to DWG."

My Shape Source file is attachted, if anybody has the time and inclination to take a look, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[J-Porter]

@valeria_parrasUCC8U, I think you forgot to attach the SHP file.  Please do so and I'll take a look.  

[valeria_parrasUCC8U]

Ah, sorry. It's 1KB so it didn't load.. Is wetransfer alright? https://we.tl/t-u4BWnMzpdh 

[ChicagoLooper]

@valeria_parrasUCC8U 

Is that the same shapefile uploaded by your external consultant? That file doesn't contain any linework.

The procedure typically involves the MAPIMPORT command which will convert ESRI objects into plain vanilla AutoCAD objects. However, MapImport doesn't work because there are no objects in your shapefile. 

If you consultant sent you a genuine shapefile, it should have a minimum of four components:

(a) shp, (b) dbf, (c) shx, and (d) prj. 

Other components may be included but they're not mandatory.

 Sorry, but the the procedure you use to add the shapefile to modelspace (or to any other GIS-capable program) won't allow you to view it because the shapefile is no good.

You may want to ask the consultant to re-create the shapefile which you can then upload to the Forum.

[valeria_parrasUCC8U]

Huh? that's so strange. as a control, can you check this link? it has everything we received. https://we.tl/t-CVzKH7MhHP 

[J-Porter]

 I too have nothing.  There is no object data associated with this file.  It could be because we're missing all the other supporting files.  I briefly explain these files in this video:  https://youtu.be/g7HW6apnh3g?si=JZYy1Fg66BMec8sL&t=560.  I saved it where I begin the metadata expla...

[ChicagoLooper]

@valeria_parrasUCC8U 

shp: This is the geometry, e.g. points, lines, or polygons. These are the objects you see in modelspace.

dbf: This is the database file, also referred to as attribute data. It's not an object, it's data such as numbers, words, descriptions, etc. commonly viewed in a Table with rows and columns.

prj: This is the Projection file, it's responsible for positioning objects at the right spot in modelspace and at the right scale and right orientation (rotation).

shx: This can considered to be the shape index file and it operates like this: Click and an object in modelspace and the Row in the Data Table becomes highlighted...OR...click on a Row in the Table and the object in modelspace becomes highlighted. The shx file allows you to highlight going forward and reverse--from Modelspace-to-Table.....or from Table-to-Modelspace. It's responsible for ASSOCIATING the an individual object with specific data.  

Together, all four components above comprise the Shapefile. There might be other components in addition to the above but the the above are what many consider to be the bare minimum. A shapefile can be added to modelspace as a shapefile or in its native format. It can also be added using MapImport which will convert to ESRI obejcts into plain vanilla Cad objects. Map3D/Civil3D is also able to read, store, and display DATA that resides in the dbf (database file) but doing that requires know-how beyond the typical IwannaimporttheshapefilesoIcanseeitinmodelspace procedure.