Troubleshooting DWG/DXF File Import Issues

The information in this article applies to:

QUESTION

I am trying to import an AutoCAD file but when I do, there is missing information. What should I do? 

ANSWER

There are a number of reasons why the file may not import as expected:

Version Compatibility

Confirm that your version of Chief Architect can import files from the version of AutoCAD used to create the .dxf/.dwg file you want to import. For example:

• Chief Architect X12 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2020 and prior.
  
• Chief Architect X11 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2017 and prior.
  
• Chief Architect X10 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2017 and prior.
  
• Chief Architect X9 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2017 and prior.
• Chief Architect X8 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2016 and prior.
  
• Chief Architect X7 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2014 and prior.
  
• Chief Architect X6 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2014 and prior.
  
• Chief Architect X5 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2012 and prior.
• Chief Architect X4 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2012 and prior.
• Chief Architect X3 can import files compatible with AutoCAD 2010 and prior.
  
  

You can find out what AutoCAD versions your version of Chief Architect can import by referring to the information provided in the Chief Architect Help.

Model Space vs Paper Space

• Only items in AutoCAD's Model Space are imported into the current view in Chief Architect. 
  
  
• Items on the first page of Paper Space are imported as a CAD block, and will be listed in the CAD Block Management dialog. This can be accessed by navigating to CAD> CAD Block Management  using the menu.
  
  
• Items on subsequent pages of Paper Space are not imported.
  
  

X Referencing

If any AutoCAD files are referenced using AutoCAD's X Referencing command, they will not be imported.

Unsupported Formats and Entities

ACIS Solids and other entities and formats generated by AutoCAD extensions are not imported.

A list of entities that are supported in your version of Chief Architect can be found in the Importing & Exporting chapter of the Reference Manual.

If you are not the individual who created the AutoCAD file, contact the person who did create the AutoCAD file to determine if any of the conditions listed above apply.

MORE INFORMATION

Additional entities are sometimes added to the list of those supported for import when new versions of Chief Architect are released. To learn more, please see the article "Features Introduced In Prior Versions of Chief Architect" in the Related Articles section below.