Dwg to Mcd File Size

[Caddame]

I work on both AutoCad & Vectorworks, however when I import Architectural Dwg files into Vectorworks, the file size jumps by about 3 times. Is there any way to keep these files smaller ... I'm maxing out computers with these large files.

[MikeC]

I also use both. The trick is to import only the bits you want. You could copy and paste part of the acad file to a new file for importing to VW but a better way would be to structure your acad file with xrefs in a way that would allow you to import only the xref.

[Caddame]

Thanks, but it seems that every bit of the drawings is needed. I'd like to break them up ... but there is always somebody that needs more information. .... Does anyone know of a better translator dwg to mcd than Vectorworks uses?

[Guest]

How large are the DWG files and how large are they after importing into VW?

Are you importing into blank files or files that already have information?

Without facts and figures, it's all nothing more than perception.

[Tobias]

I'm also experiencine this. The .dwg are ~15 mb, and the vectorworks file is ~86. I don't have access to autocad, is there an easy way to trim the fat? Were is it all?

[jan15]

Have you tried purging symbols? It's traditionally been pretty common for Autocad users to store every Block (symbol) definition that they have in every DWG file. And if they insert a file they got from someone else, they get all the other person's blocks in there also.

[G_Hannigan]

I did the following tests:

1. Imported a workstation file from Herman Miller website in dwg format into VW. Saved as mcd - no editing to original

Original dwg file = 253 KB

After save as mcd = 467 KB

2. Imported a glass vase with 3 flowers from Ultra3D site in 3ds format.

Original 3ds file = 118 KB

After save as mcd = 1.88 MB

No changes were made to the content of these files in VW other than import dwg or 3ds and save as mcd.

Blocks were converted to VW symbols. The symbols contained a very large number of 3d polygons.

Note: a 3ds file inserted into Autocad will also result in a large # of polygon.

It may be the unavoidable price of converting from one format to another.

George

[Tobias]

Purging symbol worked for me. the size went from 80mb to 7.5mb. Much better. Thanks alot for the tip.

[Lee]

Before you import the DWG to VW's Follow these steps

-while in Autocad go to file menu drop down and look for the word Audit and click it.

-next it will ask you a yes or no question. type yes. This will Audit the drawing.

-next Purge the dwg. make sure you purge all.

it is important to audit before you purge

I hope this helps

[mac]

I too am a recovering AutoCad user that has finally returned to Vectorworks 12.5 but am in a position where I have to share files with the AC crowd. When I try to export my mcd. drawings which are rather large to begin with ( approx. 17mgs.) they end up being more like 64 mgs. when I'm finished. I tried converting everything to group and then ungrouping everything and deleting all the symbol, and resources. I purged all unused layers, symbols, classes, resources, etc. and end up with an enormous file (approx. 53mgs. ) that when exported to dwg ends up being more like 107 mgs.!!!

I really need to get a handle on this as soon as possible cause the boss's patience is running thin.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[Petri]

Don't use polygons or polylines. Don't use data records. Do NOT convert symbols to groups. Ungroup everything.

[Guest]

In the export options, remove the checkmark for options like export hatches and patterns. That's likely where the volume is coming from.

[mac]

Thanks Petri,

I'll try this. I just flew over Helsinki two nights ago on my way back from Europe.

It looked cold down there.

Take care, Mike

[mac]

Hi Katie,

I've tried that option as well... I've also tried saving it in every available version of dwg, and dxf. with no success. I notice that in FormZ they can save their stuff down to a dwg. with no problem.... is it because FormZ isn't as acurate as VW?

[Petri]

I've seen this happen and heard many sad stories of similar events. Just recently someone placed a few pot plants in VW into a simple interior design project and the DWG-file was over a 100MB.

3D is the most likely common factor, but I can't quite understand why: in AutoCAD everything is in 3D and with the full 16 decimal (or whatever) accuracy, totally regardless of the original program's own accuracy or mode.

[SteveK]

Un-check "Export 2D Fills". That seems to knock a big chunk out of my dwgs.

[Guest]

MAC - send your VW file over and I can take a look at it.