About Importing AutoCAD Layouts
An AutoCAD DWG file contains one or more layouts. Each layout shows a different 2D (paper space) or 3D (model space) view of the drawing.
• Use Open to open an AutoCAD layout in a new ISO file.
• Use Place to a place an AutoCAD layout in the currently open ISO file.
When you open or place a DWG file in
Arbortext IsoDraw, the
DWG import dialog box appears. (See
Import (Open).) If the
DWG file was saved with layout preview images in AutoCAD, the previews are shown in the
DWG import dialog box along with the AutoCAD layout name.
If the DWG file contains:
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One layout
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The layout is imported when you click OK in the DWG import dialog box.
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Multiple layouts
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Select the layout to import under Select Layout in the DWG import dialog box. The selected layout is imported when you click OK. You can import one layout at a time. The first layout is selected by default.
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Activate AutoCAD Layout before Importing
Before you import a layout, activate it in AutoCAD. If you try to import a layout that was not activated, the import result can be:
• An empty paper space layout
• No layout preview
• A zero-extent layout
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In a 3D AutoCAD file, you should still be able to select the model space layout even if the paper space layout is empty.
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About the Default AutoCAD Layout in Arbortext IsoDraw
The default layout is the first paper space (2D) layout
Arbortext IsoDraw encounters when you open or place a DWG file. It is the layout initially shown under
Select Layout when the
DWG import dialog box opens. (See
Import (Open).)
If the default layout is not activated in AutoCAD, or if it has no AutoCAD viewports, the model space (3D) layout or next paper space layout becomes the default.
If you use the Batch process command on the File menu to open or place a DWG file in Arbortext IsoDraw, the default layout is the selected layout.
About AutoCAD Layout Thumbnail Previews in Arbortext IsoDraw
A layout must be saved with a thumbnail preview in AutoCAD in order for it to be visible in under
Select Layout in the
DWG import dialog box. (See
Import (Open).)
If a layout was saved without a preview in AutoCAD, a No Preview IMAGE placeholder is shown when the layout is selected. (The layout name below the placeholder identifies the selected layout.)
• AutoCAD 2008 and earlier automatically saves a layout thumbnail preview when the layout is activated if you turn on the thumbnail preview setting.
• AutoCAD 2010 and later automatically saves a layout thumbnail preview when the layout is activated.
