About Exporting to AutoCAD DWG Files

When you export an AutoCAD drawing file, you convert your 3ds Max objects into AutoCAD objects.

• Application Menu > Export > AutoCAD (*.DWG)

Because AutoCAD doesn't support animation, the exporter produces objects in a static state defined by the current frame set by the time slider.

If you used layers, instances, or colors to organize objects in the scene, that structure is maintained when the model is exported.

Note: Layers created in 3ds Max are not exported to AutoCAD.

Exported objects with modifiers assigned to them are affected by the current state of the modifier. For instance, if the Taper modifier assigned to a box is turned off, the exported scene shows a non-tapered box.

Note: Exporting to an AutoCAD R14 drawing file is not supported. If you are working with AutoCAD R14, export to 3DS or DXF file format.

What to Expect When Opening the DWG File

When you open an exported drawing in AutoCAD, you are presented with an isometric (3/4) view looking toward the positive XY direction instead of a Front elevation view.

The isometric view of an exported model opened in AutoCAD

The exporter also sets two AutoCAD system variables:

• INSUNITS, Insert Units, sets the drawing-unit value for blocks or images inserted from AutoCAD Design Center. Therefore, if you have the units of a model in 3ds Max set to millimeters, INSUNITS will be set to 4.
• MEASUREMENT sets the drawing units either to English or Metric.