Importing DWG drawings

DWG is a closed file format, so a DWG is first converted to DXF. Aggrado does that on its own server when the file is uploaded, and the drawing's layers then appear in the project, exactly as they would after a DXF upload. Most drawings are read in a minute or so.

You don't need ODA File Converter, the Aggrado helper or a computer left on in the office.

1. Open a project and choose File › Import › DWG….

   In the project, open File, select DWG… under Import and choose one or more files. You can also drop them on the plan on the Takeoff tab.

2. Wait for the conversion.

   Each file appears under DWG conversions: waiting to convert…, then converting in Aggrado…, then Read in: its layers are below.

3. Review the layers.

   The drawing's layers appear under CAD layers beside the plan, and in View › CAD layers…, ready to review and turn into surfaces, pipe networks, areas or takeoff items.

Aggrado's converter can't draw Civil 3D objects: surfaces, alignments, profiles, corridors, pipe networks, feature lines, parcels and points. When a drawing has them, only its plain linework and text come in, and a note beside the file says so. To bring in the rest:

• In Civil 3D, use Export to AutoCAD and upload that DWG.
• Or export LandXML for the surfaces and pipe networks, and import it with File › Import › LandXML….

The file says Failed, with the reason beneath it. Select Try again to convert it again, or Remove to take it off the list. If it fails again:

• Export the drawing as DXF from your CAD program and import it with File › Import › DXF….
• If the reason says the drawing is too large or too complex, export only the part you need as DXF.
• If it says the converter stopped twice without finishing, export it as DXF, or send it to Aggrado from Help › Help and support.

Before Aggrado converted DWGs itself, a company ran the Aggrado helper and ODA File Converter on one of its own Windows computers. DWGs no longer go to it.