Import/Export

Importing a File

The Import command lets you import files in a number of different file formats. Using this command, you can easily open drawings produced in other software programs in your VectorWorks drawings, where you can then manipulate their objects and data.

To import a file

    1. Select Import from the File menu.

    2. Select the import option you want to use.

    3. Select a file from the list.

    4. Click Open.

    Note: If you have problems with dimensions while importing a DXF file, you must set the units in the VectorWorks file to match those of the DXF file before you import it.

Import Options Description
DXF/DWG DWG and DXF files are produced by other CAD programs (such as AutoCADTM). VectorWorks reads DWG/DXF files using Version 14 format or lower. To avoid unexpected formatting problems with DXF/DWG, make sure you are in a blank document. Import/export consideration for DXF and DWG are located in the Appendices of this manual.
EPSF Encapsulated PostScript Files (EPSF) are produced by many graphics and desktop-publishing programs. EPSFs are typically high-resolution files.
PICT PICT files were first produced by MacDrawTM and other object-oriented drawing programs. It is also the native format of the Macintosh clipboard. When you import PICT files into VectorWorks, they can be more than a single object, allowing you to edit the image.
PICT as Picture PICT as Picture files are imported as a single graphic object. The following operations can not be performed on this type of import: Trim tool, Clip tool, and Shear tool. Picture images retain picture comments when imported into VectorWorks.
VectorScript This is essentially a series of VectorScript commands which are put into a VectorScript batch file.
Worksheet In order to import a VectorWorks worksheet into your current drawing, the worksheet and its original file must be open. In addition, you must have created a blank worksheet in your active drawing so that you can place the worksheet you are importing. VectorWorks can import a variety of worksheet formats including comma delimited, tab delimited, merge, DIF, and SYLK.
WMF Windows only Allows you to import graphics files in the Windows Meta-File format from virtually any Windows program, including AutoCAD and word processing programs. There are two versions of WMF files; standard (pre-Windows 95) and enhanced. VectorWorks supports the standard version.
Image Allows you to import image files, including GIF, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, and others. The following operations can not be performed on this type of import: Trim tool, Clip tool, and Shear tool. When imported images are scaled, they are scaled proportionally. These images can be saved as symbols.

Exporting a File

The Export command lets you export your VectorWorks files in several different file formats. You can then import the exported file into another software program. When you export a VectorWorks drawing file, the program creates a new file--it does not change your original drawing file.

To export a file

    1. Select Export from the File menu.

    2. Select the export option you want to use.

    3. Click Save.

Export Format Description
DXF/DWG DWG and DXF files can be read by other CAD programs (such as AutoCADTM). In addition, they can be printed by service bureaus and opened in rendering programs. The VectorWorks translator exports DWG/DXF files in AutoCAD Versions 11-14 formats. Import/export consideration for DXF and DWG are located in the Appendices of this manual.
EPSF EPSF (Encapsulated PostScript Format) files can be read by many graphics and desktop-publishing programs. The VectorWorks translator exports EPSF files in Illustrator 8 format. EPSFs carry all drawing elements except color bitmaps. VectorWorks exports these files with high resolution and full accuracy. By clicking the create button on the Save dialog, you can create a TIFF preview of the image.
PICT PICT files can be read by other graphics programs. Files exported as PICTs carry object-oriented attributes such as thin lines, fill patterns, and object colors. However, the resolution value of these files may be reduced.
QuickDraw 3D In VectorWorks, you can export 3D files in QuickDraw 3D's format. Files exported in this format carry information about 3D objects, including geometry, lighting, and shading. This cross-platform format (Macintosh/Windows) offers consistent files.
RenderMan (Mac only) Files exported in this format can be read by RenderManTM, as well as by other rendering programs that support the RenderMan Interface Bytestream (RIB) format, such as ShowPlaceTM. VectorWorks will export all visible objects in visible layers using the current projection mode for each layer. In addition, you have the option of including VectorWorks shading groups in your export, or of exporting the active layer in your drawing as a single object.
Database Allows you to save all records of a particular format as a file that can be used in a database program, such as FileMakerTM Pro and Microsoft Access. VectorWorks gives you a selection of formats to choose from when you export records as a database including, comma delimited, tab delimited, merge, DIF, and SYLK.
Worksheet Worksheet files can be read by spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft ExcelTM, as well as by some word processing programs. Because many of these programs have different format requirements, VectorWorks gives you a selection of formats to choose from when you export files as a worksheet including comma delimited, tab delimited, merge, DIF, and SYLK. Using the tab delimited format, for example, creates a file that can be opened as a table in Microsoft WordTM. In addition, VectorWorks allows you to export all rows or just selected rows of a worksheet.
VectorScript Writes out the current file as a series of VectorScript commands. These commands can then be used as part of a VectorScript script or as a guide for learning.
MiniCAD 6 and MiniCAD 7 Allows you to save a copy of your file in a format that can be opened and manipulated in an older version of the program. Currently, this includes the formats for MiniCAD 6 and MiniCAD 7.
WMF (Windows Only) Allows you to export graphics files out in the Windows Meta-File format for inclusion in virtually any Windows program, including AutoCAD and word processing programs. There are two versions of WMF files; standard (pre-Windows 95) and enhanced. VectorWorks supports the standard version.
Image Allows you to export image files, including JPEG, Photoshop, BMP, Quicktime Image File and others. You can then import these images into other applications.



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