AutoCAD

From Wiki.OSArch

AutoCAD is a 2D/3D drafting software developed by Autodesk.

A good place to look for alternatives is https://alternativeto.net/software/autocad/

Getting data out of AutoCAD[edit]

File formats[edit]

AutoCAD has industry specific versions, called verticals, some formats are supported only by one of them

  • DXF - Recommended, although not every features can be saved
  • DWG - Everything is saved, but not readable by other applications
  • IFC - Only in AutoCAD Architecture, Civil3D and MEP

Accessing data in AutoCAD with free software[edit]

Limitations[edit]

Dynamic block custom parameters are not accessible via any method, and not readable from dxf files, visual representation are saved though. This data can be exported with DATAEXTRACTION command to csv or xls files.

See also[edit]

  • LibreCAD is a free/libre alternative to AutoCAD
  • QCAD is a free/libre alternative to AutoCAD

External Resources[edit]