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Civil 3D Connector - Create and Update Data Exchanges

This topic details how you can create a Data Exchange using the Civil 3D Connector and Update the Data Exchanges after making changes to the Civil 3D model.

Create a Data Exchange

This topic details how to create a Data Exchange of your Civil 3D model using the Civil 3D Connector and save it to Autodesk Docs. After creating the Data Exchange, it will be listed in Civil 3D Connector interface to view or update later.

  1. In Civil 3D software, make sure you have saved all the changes to your Civil 3D model.

  2. Click Data Exchange under the Collaborate tab.

    Create Data Exchange

  3. Sign in to the Autodesk Construction Cloud using your Autodesk credentials.

    Create Data Exchange

  4. After signing in successfully, return to the Civil 3D software.

    Important: If you are using an older version of the IFC exporter plugin, you will be notified about a newer version being available. Updating to the latest version provides optimal compatibility with the connector.

    Create Data Exchange

  5. If a latest version of your Connector is available, you will receive a notification.

  6. To download the latest Connector version, click Help menu and select Check for Updates. This will redirect you to the download link.

  7. To manually check for updates, click Help menu and select Check for Updates. This will redirect to the download link, or you will see a "no updates available" notification.

  8. Click Create Data Exchange when the Connector interface opens.

    Create Data Exchange

  9. Enter the following:

    • Name: Enter a name for the Data Exchange.
    • Save to: Select a folder in Autodesk Docs to save your Data Exchange.
    • Filter By: Select the required filter from the following options.
      • By Layer: Select to include all elements on specific layers in the Data Exchange.
      • Layer State: Select one or more categories to include in the Data Exchange such as Doors, Walls, Windows, and so on.
      • Selection: Select to create a Data Exchange with only selected elements. Select them in the Civil 3D model before creating the Data Exchange.
      • By object: Select to include specific objects in the Data Exchange.
      • Everything in Drawing: Select to include all elements in the Data Exchange.

    Create Data Exchange

  10. Click Create Data Exchange.

    If there are unsaved changes to your model, save the changes in Civil 3D before you proceed to create a Data Exchange. Otherwise, you will be prompted to save your changes before the Data Exchange is created. You can enable the Auto-save function to automatically save your changes.

    Create Data Exchange

    Important: Auto-save function is active for Civil 3D connector 2024 only.

    After the exchange is created successfully, you can view the new Data Exchange listed in Civil 3D with details such as the name, version, date, and time.

    Create Data Exchange

    Note: The up-arrow button beside the Data Exchange indicates that you created it using your Civil 3D model. If you modify your model locally, then you can update the Data Exchange with the latest changes.

Update a Data Exchange

You can update your Data Exchange with the latest changes you have made to the Civil 3D model and its properties.

  1. Make changes to the model.

  2. Save the changes in Civil 3D.

  3. Click Data Exchange under the Collaborate tab.

  4. Select the Data Exchange in the Data Exchange Connector interface.

  5. Click More menu and click Update from the drop-down list.

    Create Data Exchange

    The Data Exchange will update to the latest version, with the latest changes (for example, V1 to V2).

    Create Data Exchange

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