First time for me. Client's engineer needs .dwg, but of what?

[GeneDavis]

Do I just export each layout page as a separate .dwg?  

[joey_martin]

Don't export the layout page, just directly from the plan view. Sometimes I turn off my notes, but I generally just export what's on my screen and he can turn off/delete what he or she doesn't need.

[para-CAD]

For me, the engineers that I work with typically want the plan view and maybe an elevation or section if needed. I use saved plan views of each floor plan and foundation and export them to DWG individually. If you have a DWG viewer, it’s always nice to open your exported DWG to make sure that it’s not confusing or has things That might make it difficult for your engineer 

[MollyNDG]

14 hours ago, para-CAD said:

For me, the engineers that I work with typically want the plan view and maybe an elevation or section if needed. I use saved plan views of each floor plan and foundation and export them to DWG individually. If you have a DWG viewer, it’s always nice to open your exported DWG to make sure that it’s not confusing or has things That might make it difficult for your engineer 

I've never thought of using a DWG viewer to give it a look over before sending, I'm going to start doing this, thanks for that tip!

[CharlesVolz]

Howdy Gene,

 

Here is what I do. From my notes (no guarantees):

 

Exporting DWG Files (Usually to Engineers):
1.    In Plan, create and use the default set named “Floor Plan Defaultset - FOR DWG EXPORTS”, or something similar. 
    a.    Display layers that the engineer needs, like main wall layers only, roof planes, doors, windows, etc.
    b.    Do not display layers that the engineer does not need. These are unnecessary items or items that  will junk up a 2D ACAD plan like landscaping (terrain item, roads, plants, etc.), architectural blocks, cars (vehicles), furniture (interior and exterior), fixtures (interior and exterior), dimensions, revision clouds, north arrows, etc.
    c.    Turn off the dimensions - whoever's using it will use ACAD dims.
2.    Export each floor level - Select File>Export>Export Current View (DWG, DXF)... and continue to the DBX choices below.
3.    Export all floor levels - Select File>Export>Export All Floors (DWG, DXF)... and continue to the DBX choices below.
4.    DBX Choices. In the Export Drawing dialog box, you have important choices:
    a.    Compatible Version. 
        i.    Make sure you select a version that the architect can import, i.e., what version/flavor of AutoDesk software they are using. You can normally just select an older version to be safe.
    b.    Layer Options.
        i.    Select the Layer Set you've tweaked to display what you want to export (this was step 1).
        ii.    DO NOT select Split Wall Assemblies Into Layers. This option creates an unholy mess for the CAD operator.
        iii.    Select Export Only Displayed Layers.
    c.    Other Options.
        i.    Scaling Unit should be inches for sharing with an architect.
        ii.    Select Create Associative Dimensions.
        iii.    DO NOT select Export Pattern Lines. This is another unholy mess.
        iv.    DO NOT select Export Filled Areas. Yet another mess.
        v.    Select Export AutoCAD Index Colors.
        vi.    Click on Export, etc.

 

Notes: 
1.    Always send them a PDF of the plan (layout) so they can understand the design.
2.    You can ask the engineers what layer sets they want and what AutoCAD version they use or need compatibility with.
3.    You can open the DWG file in Chief Architect to check it, turn off layers and re-save.

 

Best,

Charles