DWG ref files (backgrounds)

[feuerstein]

I have exported a floor plan to DWG. however I am being told that I am missing CAD Backgrounds (X-refs)

Im not real familiar with AutoCad so i am not sure what I am missing? Any ideas would be appreciated.

thanks

[Alaskan_Son]

Chief doesn't have X refs or anything like them.  I'd say the closest thing we have is CAD Blocks and maybe layout boxes.  Whoever told you that will probably need to elaborate a bit and tell you exactly what they need.

[feuerstein]

Thanks for the info.

[rlackore]

Most AutoCAD operators use a black background and draw with white lines. Most Chiefers use a white background and draw with black lines. When you export to DWG, make sure you check the box Other Options>Export AutoCAD Index Colors. If you don't check the box, then whatever is black in Chief will stay black, and in AutoCAD with a black background the black items won't be visible.This can trick the careless AutoCAD operator into thinking the information is missing, though it's there - it's just black on black.

 

Here's a Chief plan, in AutoCAD, without Index Colors:

 

Here's the same Chief Plan, in AutoCAD, with Index Colors:

[lbuttery]

I think the autocad file needs to be "exploded" or something like that

to pull in the x-ref info before creating the .dwg file ???

 

Lew

[rlackore]

The closest thing Chief has to X-refs would be imported images or pdf files, neither of which will export to dwg. Chief provides X-ref functionality through the use of annosets and layersets.

[lbuttery]

Rick:

 

I don't see annosets/layersets relating to xref's at all ???

 

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-A987D2FF-45BD-474E-99C1-E6316A42F667-htm.html

 

Lew

[rlackore]

Lew,

 

Here's a typical use of X-refs in AutoCAD:

1. Draw the floor plan and save it as a separate file.

2. Start a new file and reference the floor plan file by "attaching" it as an X-ref. The X-ref is now the "background" over which you can draw additional line work or annotations.

 

This paradigm allows you to use a single floor plan file to create multiple "plan drawings" with unique annotations, notes, details, etc. If the X-ref changes it is updated in all the other files that reference it. Chief can also create multiple "plan drawings" using a single file as the base, but in Chief's case we are always working in the same plan file and using annosets and layersets to flip back and forth between "plan drawings".

[lbuttery]

Quote

 

Rick:

 

thanks for the clarification

 

I was seeing Xfref to be more like sub-routines in programming

 

draw once (cad detail for fireplace) - use in many plans

 

Lew