AutoCAD Architecture - Collaboration

By: Dwane Lindsey 

Many architects need to work with consultants who are using AutoCAD, an earlier version of AutoCAD Architecture (formerly known as Architectural Desktop or ADT), AutoCAD MEP (formerly known as Building Systems) or maybe even other software that can read DWG’s.

Just like AutoCAD, you can do a “Save-As,” but it doesn’t quite work the same.  It does save your drawing back to the version needed, but AutoCAD Architecture objects (AEC Objects) don’t save back to a previous version efficiently.  Saving AutoCAD Architecture drawings back to a previous version will cause the person opening the drawing many ARX Errors and will essentially disable some commands.

This saving back not only applies to different DWG versions when it comes to AutoCAD Architecture, it also applies to the YEARLY releases as well.  Since about 2003 (calendar year), Autodesk has been changing the DWG version every 4th year.  For example, 2004, 2005 & 2006 are all the same DWG version…2007, 2008 & 2009 are the same DWG version.  With each yearly change though, saving AutoCAD Architecture drawings is technically saving a new version, because the AEC Objects get updated even though the DWG version doesn’t change.  This update to the objects is really what “messes up” the ability to share even the same DWG version without potential issues.

To work with consultants who are using a previous version, you really need to do an “Export to AutoCAD” through the File pull-down menu…or the big ‘A’ (Application Button) in 2010.  Be aware though that this will explode all of your AEC Objects (Walls, Doors, Windows, etc.) to flat AutoCAD lines.  It will save it as a new file however, so the integrity of the file you are working on isn’t affected.  

It is important to note that getting the file back with changes doesn’t mean you’ll be able to open it up and get all of your AEC Objects back.  Once they are exploded, they can’t be retrieved.  Ultimately, to work effectively with a consultant(s), everyone should be using the same version.

Oh, one more thing…going UP in versions is perfectly fine.  Older drawings can be opened up into a newer version without (usually) any trouble.  I can’t say it’s 100% perfect, but we rarely see issues with the older drawings being opened up in a newer version.

Come back next week where I’ll touch on another topic regarding AutoCAD Architecture.