Importing CAD Formats

Open a Vasari project, and use the Import CAD tools to import vector data from other CAD programs, such as AutoCAD (DWG and DXF), MicroStation® (DGN), SketchUp (SKP and DWG), and ACIS (SAT). Vasari supports importing most DGN surfaces and solids with the exceptions of cones, B-Spline surfaces, and SmartSolids.

In addition to using the Import CAD tools, you can import CAD files using drag-and-drop from Windows® Explorer onto a model, drafting, or sheet view of Vasari. See Importing CAD Files Using i-drop.

You can mirror imported CAD files. See Mirroring Elements.

Note: Vasari imports ACIS solids from SAT files. SAT file formats later than version 7.0 do not import into Vasari. You should determine which version your solid modeling program is creating. Some solid modeling products (such as form-Z®) create SAT file formats later than version 7.0 by default.

Snapping to Imported Geometry

Suppose that you import an AutoCAD® drawing into Vasari and then want to trace over walls in that drawing. As you place the cursor near the lines representing the walls, it can snap to the lines or the midpoint between the lines.

Proxy Graphics from AutoCAD Files

Vasari supports reading in proxy graphics from AutoCAD files. Proxy graphics are AutoCAD's representations of AutoCAD Architecture objects. Unlike AutoCAD Architecture objects, proxy graphics have no intelligence.

Proxy graphics can exist for many types of data in AutoCAD, including Mechanical Desktop (MDT) parts and AutoCAD Runtime eXtension (ARX) objects. If you set the Proxygraphics command to 1 in AutoCAD, Vasari can then import ARX objects and AutoCAD Architecture objects (such as walls and floors) in the DWG or DXF file.

Subdivision Surfaces and Solids Created in AutoCAD

Vasari can import DWG files containing subdivision surfaces and solids created in AutoCAD. Some complex subdivision meshes may fail to convert to a traditional solid or surface altogether, or generate a problematic solid or surface. Other highly complex SubD meshes may not import completely or at all.

Cutting Imported Geometry

When you import a 3D DWG file into a Vasari project, the imported DWG geometry will not be cut. For example, if you create a level at the elevation of a typical wall and then go to that plan view, the imported geometry will not cut at that level. However, if you import the geometry into a cuttable in-place family (such as Generic Model), the geometry will cut in accordance with Vasari’s cut planes.