Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler installation and usage are addressed in the following topics.

Note:

You can find the latest information about the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler at http://www.autodesk.com/aecobjenabler.

What is the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler?

The AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler is a utility that gives customers of AutoCAD based products the ability to view and perform limited editing on AutoCAD Civil 3D objects.

Can this version of the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler be installed on a version of AutoCAD prior to 2015?

No. This version of the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler can only be installed on AutoCAD 2015-based products.

Do I have to install the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler in order to view civil drawings in AutoCAD-based applications?

No. The AutoCAD proxy graphic mechanism (starting with AutoCAD R13) allows viewing of AutoCAD Civil 3D objects in AutoCAD or other Autodesk products that can read drawing files. Turn on proxy graphics before you save your drawings in AutoCAD Civil 3D.

How is the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler different from proxy graphics?

The AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler does not replace the proxy graphics mechanism of interoperability. Proxy graphics remains a valuable “common denominator” of interoperability across the Autodesk product line. The AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler provides a more robust level of compatibility for AutoCAD users.

How do I use the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler?

Once installed, the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler works automatically with your existing AutoCAD configuration. If you open a drawing file containing AutoCAD Civil 3D objects, they are “live” and you are able to edit them directly using AutoCAD commands. There are no menus, toolbars, or command-line features. With the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler you can use existing and familiar AutoCAD commands on AutoCAD Civil 3D objects without the need to learn new functionality.

Can I create intelligent objects using the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler?

There are no commands to create new objects using the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler. Copying existing objects, however, is supported for a majority of objects, and objects retain their intelligence.

How do I install the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler?

The AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler is available on your product media. In addition, you can download the most current version from the Autodesk web site at http://www.autodesk.com/aecobjenabler.

How do I distribute the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler install?

The AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler is free, and can be distributed to anyone who wants to view the civil objects in your drawings. However, the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler alone cannot display the objects in your drawings. You must have an installed copy of one of the Autodesk products listed in Using the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler.

How do I verify that the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler is installed properly?

When you install the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler, it is added to the Uninstall or Change a Program list in the Microsotft® Windows® Control Panel.

Are there any AutoCAD variables that affect the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler?

When you are using the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler, it is recommended that you use the Object Detect And Command Invoke option in AutoCAD Options.

To select the Object Detect And Command Invoke option

Enter OPTIONS at the AutoCAD command line to display the Options dialog box.
Click Open And Save.
Under ObjectARX Applications and Demand Load ObjectARX Apps, select Object Detect And Command Invoke.

This option checks for any custom objects that exist in a drawing and loads the parent ARX/DBX application.

Note:

When you want to use the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler to view custom objects, set the Demand Load ObjectARX Apps option to Custom Object Detect or Object Detect and Command Invoke.