CAD to Illustrator

[KamilaB]

Hi Guys,

Could anyone give me a hint how to effectively bring CAD file to Illustrator and keeping the scale right?

When Cad file sheet is A1 and in a paper space, all drawing is extended to the borders. When I open it in illustrator it seems like it is scaled down...even though the scale in illustrator pop up window is 1:1.

Thanks a lot

Kamila 

[Theresa J]

Scale is somewhat irrelevant when you are working with vector because you can make it any size you want without losing anything.

It’s possible that illustrator did not recognize the artboard size of the CAD drawing and that’s why the scale looks off. Select the artboard with the artboard tool and check the size in the properties panel. You can change the artboard to A1. The drawing may be the correct size after you do that.

[KamilaB]

Hi, Theresa for your reply,

I have already checked the sizes of both artboard and paper space in cad. They ware the same.

Thank you

Kamila

[CCM86]

Also check to make sure the unit conversion your wanting is proper. It defaults to metric I think. I used to have that problem where it was either too big or too small. In the dialog box when opening the CAD file it'll have a scale/unit conversion box. Youll have to know what the source file was created in (in/cm/mm) just to make sure that 1 unit of its measurement is importing to the same type of unit of measurement in Ai.

[KamilaB]

Hi, cgodepski thanks for your reply,

I Have checked the units and both files ware with the same units.

Thank you

Kamila

[Kat Gilbert]

I use to and still do to some degree CAD scaled architectural drawings in Ai by using a compatible software produced by Back Door. It worked amazingly well and was able to correctly use Scale Master for material specs. It is still an area that I am interested in but just do not have the time now. In the design business often received CAD files that need conversion to Ai and at that time it was not easy. Sure that has changed such as what Teresa and C have mentioned but until you print out you may need to adjust accordingly!

[KamilaB]

Hi Kat,

Thanks for your email and suggestions. I work on an urban design project where cad layouts could be easy imported to Ai but by doing that losing the scale. I will probably adjust them manually...

Thank you.

Kamila

[Monika Gause]

You could try if this plugin does a better job:

CAD-COMPO4 - Illustrator CAD + DXF Plugins

[KamilaB]

Thank you, Monika, I  will try this.

Kamila

[KamilaB]

Hi Monika,

I have tried the plug-in you have mentioned and unfortunately I could not open or place any dxf drawings. the art board was empty.

Thank you

Kamila

[Monika Gause]

Sorry to hear this.

Ican't help you with the plugin. You might try their support.

[KamilaB]

No problem thank you Monika.

[maurot24757310]

Hi Kamila,

I am just wondering if you found a solution to your scale problem? I have exactly the same issue but can´t get it right yet.

Regards,

MT