Display full version of the post: Visio?

AllieEatsSushi
15.07.2008, 21:23
So the company I work for has only used Visio up until they hired me. I'm trying to convert the Visio files into AutoCAD format. It works when I save them as AutoCAD files, but the problem is...
 
When I open the files in Visio, they have multiple pages (page1, page2, etc.), and after I save them as an AutoCAD drawing in Visio to convert them, then open them in AutoCAD... I only see the first page??
 
How do I fix this?? And what do I need to do so I can save multiple pages from Visio to AutoCAD??
 
Please help.

ehebard
15.07.2008, 22:49
Hey Allie,
I don't know if this will help, since it's not specifically for the issue with Visio, but it might be worth a shot.  Usually converting files is never as easy as just hitting the "save as" button for all CAD programs.  I don't use Visio, but in my industry some people use Vectorworks and some AutoCAD.  When importing a .dwg into Vectorworks everything is usually fine (if you set the import options correctly, as AutoCAD uses layers, Vectorworks Classes and Layers); however, when saving a .dwg in Vectorworks the scale is usually really off and all Classes smothered into one Layer.
What I have found to work with Vectorworks after some research and talking to other users, is that you need to save each Class (Vectorworks equilivent to a Layer in AutoCAD) seperately and then start a new .dwg in AutoCAD and recombine all the layers into a single file.
 
I'm not sure what type of drawing system Visio uses, though Vectorworks draws in Vector lines while AutoCAD does not; then also the organization of the drawings are very different, so there are always some type of inconsistency.
 
Sometimes, the best method would be to redraw the old files and create a new updated database (unfortunately).
 
Hope this might start some kind of thought path to help you with your Visio problem.

AllieEatsSushi
15.07.2008, 23:15
Visio is made by Microsoft (basically a knock-off version of AutoCAD only powerpoint, word, and excel are all able to work with it.)
I'll give your idea a try and see how it plays out.
 
Thanks for your reply. 

cadbanger
16.07.2008, 16:11


Hi Allie,You should certainly look into Vectorworks - it has an approach that is unique in the industry and is nonetheless a fully professional product known for its ability to deal with various media file formats, especially .dxf/.dwg. As Eric mentioned, there are sometimes hiccups during the import process into Vectorworks, but our users have always found them to be a manageable and easy fix.The following on-line video will help clarify the import process:http://kbase.nemetschek.net/index.php?ToDo=view&questId=156&catId=29/.mdmdulin@nemetschek.net
cadbanger2008-07-16 16:19:51

Vladimir Michl
16.07.2008, 17:39
Using Vectorworks is not a good advice - this will add more problems as Vectorworks does not fully understand DWG files and it does not write compatible DWG files.
Of course AutoCAD draws vector lines - it is the most widely used CAD editor (CAD is vectors).
 
Your problem is more on the Visio side. As AutoCAD does not work with "pages" in DWG drawings there should be a way to export the individual pages separately.

cadbanger
16.07.2008, 18:19
Visit the link for information, not to push the product. 

AllieEatsSushi
16.07.2008, 19:29
Thanks for your input. I'll look into it, but the main problem really is with the multiple pages in Visio that take ages to save to AutoCAD.
 

ehebard
16.07.2008, 23:29
You are correct Vladimir, I didn't quite say that right with respects to the Vector drawings.  When it comes to the graphics diplay between the two softwares (AutoCAD and Vectorworks) AutoCAD has a rasterized image that is a set resolution, while Vectorworks keeps a vector image, so the image changes as you zoom in and out to adjust the best resolution.  Much the same difference between Photoshop using rasterized graphics to Illustrator using vector graphics.
 
Am I wrong on this?

Vladimir Michl
16.07.2008, 23:31
Yes, you are wrong. AutoCAD uses vector graphics - it is a vector editor.

AllieEatsSushi
17.07.2008, 02:33
I really appreciate everyone's replies and advice.I need all the help I can get.