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Importing AutoCAD and MicroStation files with import method defined in Template Editor

Modified: 21 Apr 2023 Tekla Structures 2023
2023
Tekla Structures

Before you start, ensure that you have defined the import preferences for the size of AutoCAD and MicroStation files in the General preferences dialog box. If you want Template Editor to ask for the size when the file is being imported click Always ask for import method.

To import a file:

  1. Click Insert > File.

    The Import File dialog box opens.

  2. Select the file you want to import and click OK.
  3. You are prompted to click the insertion point for the file. When you do that the Select Import Method dialog box opens.
  4. Because you specified the import preferences, you can click in a template component and define the insertion point. You have three options for specifying the size:

    • Import by Scale - Template Editor multiplies the dimensions of the original file and will resize the component if the scale results in an image size that is larger than the component.

    • Import by specifying Dimensions - Type the values in the Horizontal and Vertical fields. Template Editor maintains the aspect ratio when the file is inserted.

    • Import in the Maximum Size - Template Editor inserts the file in the maximum possible size without resizing the component.

  5. You can also select whether the file is imported to the nearest rounded unit (millimeters or inches). Click the check box for Round object locations to the closest <unit of measure you have specified>.
  6. Click OK to insert the file into the template component.
  7. You can modify the file if needed, for example, by ungrouping it and modifying individual file objects.
Note:

If you have designed a template with AutoCAD, you can use free attributes in AutoCAD to mark value fields. Template Editor converts them automatically to value field objects as the file is imported. Template Editor uses the name and the value of the AutoCAD free attribute as the default contents for the value field. For example, a free attribute named REVNO with the value xx is converted to a value field with the formula GetValue("REVNO").

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