2012

Table Of Contents
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES ) is a neutral file format designed
to transfer 2D and 3D drawing data between dissimilar CAD systems. The IGES
standard defines two file formats: fixed-length ASCII, which stores information
in 80-character records, and compressed ASCII. The IGESEXPORT and EXPORT
commands support only the fixed-length format.
After you start the IGESEXPORT command, you specify the name of the IGES
file to create. Thereafter you select what objects to export. Depending on the
number of objects you select and their complexity, the export process may
take time to complete. If processing takes longer than 5 seconds, IGESEXPORT
starts running in the background and displays the Export icon on the status
bar.
Once processing is complete, a notification bubble is displayed on the Export
status bar. The notification bubble displays the path to the file IGESEXPORT
created.
Understanding the Limitations
Under ideal conditions, translation preserves the appearance and functionality
of entities. However, this process has limitations, and roundtripping may not
be symmetrical.
For example, when exporting to IGES, a 2D polyline is translated as IGES
entity 106:12. When importing from IGES, entity 106:12 translates to a spline.
Hence, if you use IGESIMPORT to read a file created by IGESEXPORT, the
resulting drawing may not be identical to the original drawing.
Similar data loss may occur when transferring data between AutoCAD and
another CAD system, using IGES. Usually, a one-time translation to or from
IGES does not pose a serious problem. However, data loss can become a concern
if drawings are repeatedly translated in and out of IGES.
Recommendations
Inspect the conversion tables of the IGES translators of both the target CAD
program and AutoCAD. Get to know what entities are supported. Restructure
the drawing to minimize the usage of objects that require compromises and
substitutions.
See the conversion table for IGESEXPORT for specific details of the scope of
the IGES translator.
Export IGES files | 1947