How Does the Civil 3D Batch Drawing Converter Command Stack Up?
Civil 3D users always seem to have the need to batch export drawings for one reason or another. Years ago, there was the Pack n Go routine which would grab all dependent files and such and package everything up into a zip file. Obviously, this has been replaced by the E-Transmit routine. I had discovered issues with E-Transmit that had me looking at other alternatives. Some of the issues included not saving all files back to the format I specified as well as keeping settings and styles in the exported drawings and not stripping them out. With that being said, there is an under documented command in Civil 3D called the Civil 3D Batch Drawing Converter. This command doesn’t even show up in the ribbons but it does in the drop down menu. If you do not use the menu, you have to type in the command “Civilbatchconverter” to run it. Of course, if you know how to customize, this could easily be added to a button. Upon invoking this command, the Batch Converter dialog box as seen below appears.
Civil Batch Drawing Converter Dialog Box
This dialog box presents several options for exporting/converting dwg files. You can specify different units, add a prefix or suffix to the file names, choose from many different file formats, choose to explode Civil objects, and bind xrefs. All of this can be done to a selected folder of drawings! No need to go and actually select the drawing files. Best of all, this process seems to be more dependable than E-Transmit as far as the outcome goes. This command has been around for a few releases so even if you are not on 2015, you probably still have access to it. Not sure if you do? Type in the command and try it. Worst thing that can happen is “unknown command”.
ron_couillard-1.jpeg
Civil Infrastructure software is my main interest. I have been with CADsoft Consulting for over 8 years. I got my start using Softdesk and AutoCAD R12 in DOS.
By Ron Couillard, CADSoft Consulting
This article was originally posted on the CADSoft Consulting Civil 3D blog and is reprinted here with kind permission.
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