Cad Conversion Options for Architectural Drawings

With CAD, what are the differences between DXF and DWG?

Between DWG and DXF, clients have discovered that with DWG, not only are many advanced drafting options supported, but their fonts, line-weights and even colors are being maintained, which DXF sadly enough cannot manage at this time. Whereas AutoDesk works entirely with it’s own DXF, all of their competitors have changed, choosing DWG to run all AutoCAD needs at this point, and they are not alone, as many other commercial companies have done just the same. One of the biggest reasons for this is the easy migration of files between (for example) all the members of a large condominium project. Add to this as well, the fact that DXF files are on average 2 ½-3 times larger than their DWG counterpart. With the large usage of DWG, they no longer have to rely upon AutoDesk. AutoCAD DWG keeps progressing, coming forth with support for even more complex object forms, and thereby gaining more power, essentially rendering DXF useless.
For any further information on DXF, such as spec’s, all info can be located at AutoDesk’s website.

Limitations of PDF storage

Although quite a few companies within the building/construction industry have chosen to utilise PDF (portable document format) as their primary choice for the computer storage of their images and documents relating to these businesses, that choice is very limited.

An excellent choice for merely archives, where you just view or print the files, PDF does not allow for any needed corrections to be made. In order to edit a file that is stored in PDF, you must first have the file converted into a proper CAD form.

Scan-to-CAD or Manual Transferrence

The best option for storing important architectural, or engineering files is via a method known as ‘Scan-to-CAD’. By utilising software which transfers raster files into vectorised lines, circles, arcs, and shapes through automatic vectorisation, a more satisfactory result is created. Though the cost is less, the overall quality is still not on par with a manually re-drafted CAD file. In addition, it can often result in inaccuracies, and the need for extended manual redrawing to correct these inaccuracies.

By far, the most precise, and dependable process for the conversion of your paper files is through the physical act of transferring these into CAD by manually redrawing. Taking the raster imaged file and converting into CAD is far from quick or easy, and due to this, many companies have turned to outsourcing to solve the implicit cost issues. Through a minor factor, like outsourcing, you can have your files transferred professionally, and accurately into a CAD file.