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When exporting file to AutoCAD DWG format, some objects are missing or Civil 3D crashes

Technical Support

Issue:

Users reported that when trying to export a Civil 3D drawing with data references to AutoCAD DWG, Civil 3D crashes or no drawing objects are visible with the following:

  • Using the EXPORTTOAUTOCAD command.
  • The drawings are stored in a server environment. The issue does not appear when working locally. 

Causes:

  • Possible corruption of the complex file.
  • Server incompatibility.
     

Solution:

To export the drawing, follow one of the suggestions below:

Explode drawing objects:

  1. Make sure all the updates have been installed for Civil 3D, AutoCAD.
  2. Run AUDIT command on the command line and type "Y" to let it fix identified errors.
  3. Promote all Data References (Manage tab>Data Shortcuts panel>Promote All Data References).
  4. Select all cross-section views and Explode them.
  5. Explode each of the corridor surfaces.
  6. Explode each of the corridors.
  7. Export Civil 3D file to DWG.

Use eTransmit:

  1. Type ETRANSMIT on the command line in Civil 3D.
  2. In the Create Transmittal dialog box go to the Files Table tab.
  3. Deselect all files, besides the one that has to be exported.
  4. Go to Transmittal Setups.. 
  5. Click Modify... or create New...
  6. In the Modified Transmittal Setup dialog window change File format to "AutoCAD 2018 Drawing Format with Exploded AEC Objects" and click OK.
  7. ETRANSMIT will export and ZIP AutoCAD file in the given location.

Use DXFOUT command:

  1. Use the DXFOUT command
  2. Save the drawing as an AutoCAD 2013/LT2013 DXF file type
  3. Open a new blank drawing
  4. Use the DXFIN command and open the saved drawing
  5. Save the drawing as an AutoCAD 2018 Drawing
  6. Use the EXPORTC3DDRAWING command

Clean the drawing file:

  1. Rebuild all the broken references.
  2. Connect to paths of the point files.
  3. Check if XREFs and DREFs are all connected and updated - reconnect if needed.
  4. Run AUDIT, PURGE and -PURGE > Regapps. 

Update Civil 3D:

  • When working with Civil 3D 2026, update to 2026.1 and the latest.
  • Make sure to install the latest updates from Autodesk Access or from Autodesk Account.

Export the DWG from the other version

Use other version on your computer to export the drawing.

Products:

Civil 3D;

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