Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/16/2010

Question
Hello Kevin,

We use mechanical AutoCAD files and bring them into Illustrator or Corel to create the overlay graphics. We have had no problems opening .DWG files from AutoCAD 2000 into Illustrator CS2 or below. We purchase CS4 but are unable to use it because polylines with arcs are no longer closed and all arc are facetted.  Our sister company is having the same problem.  They have to open the file in CS2 then open it into CS4. Is there a way to fix this without relying on an older version of Illustator.

Thanks in advance,
Kathy

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Unfortunately, this was an issue with CS4 and AutoCAD, and I can understand your frustration with this. There was no update or fix to the import plug-in for this, but it was addressed in CS5. Opening in CS2 and then transferring to CS4 is a great work around if you can do it. Otherwise, there is this third-party plug-in available:

https://www.baby-universe.co.jp/en/plug-in/products/exdxf-pro/

Thanks

Kevin