2004

Table Of Contents
714 | Chapter 25 Work with Data in Other Formats
Import Files Created in Other Formats
You can use drawings or images from other applications by opening them in
specific formats. AutoCAD handles conversion for DXF and WMF formats.
You can convert the formats by using commands associated with each file
type. You also can convert a file by opening or importing it.
Import DXF Files
A DXF file is an ASCII or binary description of a drawing file. It is used to
share drawing data between applications.
You can import a DXF file by opening the file and saving it in DWG format.
You then can import it into any other drawing file and explode it.
Import DXB Files
DXBIN opens a specially coded binary DXB file produced by programs such
as AutoShade.
Import ACIS SAT Files
You can import geometry objects stored in SAT (ASCII) files. AutoCAD LT
converts the model to a body object or to solids and regions if the body is a
true solid or a true region. After the conversion, AutoCAD LT uses its Shape-
Manager modeler to create new objects and to perform 3D operations and
solids editing.
Import 3D Studio Files
You can import a file created with 3D Studio. 3DSIN reads 3D Studio geome-
try and rendering data, which includes meshes, materials, mapping, lights,
and cameras. 3DSIN cannot import 3D Studio procedural materials or
smoothing groups.
Import WMF Files
WMF (Windows metafile format) files are frequently used to produce clip art
and other nontechnical images that you need for drawings. You can insert a
WMF file into AutoCAD as a block. Unlike bitmaps, WMF files contain vector
information that can be resized and printed without losing resolution. If the
WMF file contains 2D solids or wide lines, you can turn off their display to
increase drawing speed.
WMF files can contain both vector and raster information. However,
AutoCAD reads only vector information. When a WMF file containing raster
information is read into AutoCAD, the raster information is ignored.
See Also
“Import Text from External Files” on page 485