![]() ![]() In fact, we think there is so much here in terms of how CADtools fits a workflow for generating animated, Vector-based CAD for the Web that we will be spending some more time with this program in an attempt to do this.Īrchitects and urban designers, in particular, can export their multi-layered CAD files (via DWG/DXF) and import them into Illustrator (via CADgate). Thanks to Adobe Illustrator's native abilities, CADtools, in particular, offers much for this effort. Yet, a more likely candidate would be an industrial designer or design student.Īnother valuable area for both of these programs is getting CAD to the Web or to PDF-based publishing. For some technical professionals CADtools may offer them all they need to do home building/renovation and design detailing and plan making - and to produce trade-specific shop drawings for construction. In particular, they complement more standardized CAD packages for AEC more than they represent replacements for them. They also offer much to architects, engineers and construction professionals. Once this is done your file should be ready.ĬADtools and CADgate together offer a comprehensive suite of tools for Adobe Illustrator users who do measured and dimensioned technical illustrations (for medical and dental engineering, cabinetry and furniture, piping and mechanical design and other disciplines or trades). The final stage is setting the scale for the exported file and the units. Notice, you can select individual artwork and export it individually. You can also choose to export CADtools 2 dimensions or not. Next the dialog box shown below will ask you for version settings and number of colors. From the Save As dialog box select DWG(CADgate) from the popup menu. The images below illustrate the steps involved. We have no idea how CADgate handles Blocks from Autocad.Įxporting to DWG or DXF typically goes smoother than importing. One issue we did not test is the importing of Blocks in Autocad DWG format. It would be nice if you can setup the document first, thus simplifying scaling issues. This is typically an 8 1/2 x 11 inch page in portrait position. This particular item may have just been our file and users' experiences may vary with this.Īnother issue about the import process is that you essentially open up a new file, hence your Page Setup settings may be preset to a sheet size that is much smaller than the one you intend on using. ![]() However, you can select text elements out and change them first. One problem we found was that including text objects within a global Select All and then editing the selection (such as turning the lines to black) cause the text elements to fill completely into blobs of color, losing the ability to use the text. ![]() Colors will likely shift and text may move around on you. Once the data is in Illustrator your layers from the DWG/DXF file shall be intact. A simple choice is to select Fitting (see above) which lets CADgate automatically fit the data to the page size. ![]() Because Autocad uses 'real word' scale and your AEC documents most often do not (such as 1/4" = 1 foot) you need to have the scale setting correctly established or you may lose your data (actually the data does not appear but is safe on the original file). Selecting it generates this dialog where you need to determine the scale and units for the new document being created. To import an Autocad file directly into Adobe Illustrator 8.0 you simply go to File / Open and select a DWG or DXF file in the open dialog box. We successfully imported Autocad DWG files and CAD DXF files generated from Diehl Graphsoft's VectorWorks. If you use another CAD program - and any Mac CAD pro does - now you have a way in which to import your CAD files into Adobe Illustrator, other than methods such as EPS export out of your CAD program. The program can work independently of CADtools and installs as a plugin into the Plugin folder in the Adobe Illustrator folder.Ĭombined with CADtools 2.1, CADgate supports the transfer of CADtools dimensions to the Autocad DWG or DXF file formats. This program is distributed (sold) by Hot Door but was developed by AppliCraft Co. MacCAD - reView: Hot Door's CADtools 2.1 with CADgate 27 Mar 00ĬADgate for Autocad Compatibility in Adobe IllustratorĪppliCraft CADgate is the first plugin to bring both CAD import and export to Adobe Illustrator 8 for Macintosh or Windows. ![]()
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