Exporting .DXF files from Illustrator

[artdept22]

I received a .dxf file from a customer and need to change text information on the file. I am trying to do it in Illustrator, then exporting it back out. This is something I haven't done before or worked with. Any help or tips on how to make this happen?

Every time I update the text, when the other team tries to open the file in AutoCAD viewer it has updated the text, but also deletes part of the drawing. Also Once I import the file in to Illustrator and then try to export it makes the file huge. Any way to resolve this too?

[Monika Gause]

Can you give us some clues as to what exactly is in the file and what gets deleted?

[Srishti Bali]

Hi there,

We are sorry to hear about your difficulties. As Monika said, we would need a few more details like:

• OS (Version of Windows/MAC)
• Version of Illustrator
• This looks like a file specific issue. Will it be possible for you to share a sample file and a few screenshots of the issue (missing image)? If yes, please upload it to Creative Cloud/ Google Drive/ Dropbox and share the direct download link.

Regards,

Srishti

[rcraighead]

FYI… Our experience is that Illustrator changes DXF files upon opening. It adds a "stroke" and "fill" object for each path regardless of the original content.

[artdept22]

Yes.

I am using Windows 10 and using Illustrator CC with the latest updates.

Unfortunately I can not share the file due to it being a proprietary part.

I am able to load in the file. I do scale it down due to it coming in at 400" if I bring it in true to size.

I am able to see the layers and all of the information correctly on my screen as it should be.

It is when I go to export the file and the other team members try to open the file to view it that the information is lost.

It's a blue print for a part. There are 5 layers when I open it in Illustrator.

Everything stays like it should but the layer that has the verbiage also has the part design on it.

I've tried creating a new layer and changing the same layer with in itself. But each time I export it the Part design gets deleted and all the measurements and everything else remains.

[Srishti Bali]

Is it happening with this particular file or on other files as well? Can you create a sample file with non-confidential data and share it with us along with the workflow?

Note: By default, white strokes or fills in Illustrator artwork are exported to the AutoCAD formats as black strokes or fills; and black strokes or fills in Illustrator are exported to the AutoCAD format as white.

For more details please refer to this help article: How to export artwork in Illustrator.

Regards,

Srishti

[Dan5C32]

Hi Srishti, 

i am having a similar issue with exporting to DXF. Is there a way to change the default export colors?