Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 10/17/2011

Question
I'm exporting my Illustrator drawings as DXF files and DWG files in order to open them in AutoCAD for Mac 2011. Problem is all curves and circles render as straight lines or 'polylines' in AutoCAD, so circles become squares etc..

I've tried exporting from older versions of illustrator but no change.

The same DXF files when sent to a laser cutting company and opened (in their machines software) are rendering with 'open contours' when all lines are complete when viewed in Illustrator?

Any solutions?

Answer
Hi Robin,

This is a normal (and frustrating) function when in AutoCAD. If you require your lines to be complete contours and not line segments, you will have to purchase a plug-in for Illustrator to export them out properly.

This is the link to the Plug-Ins section of Adobe.com and has various Illustrator plug-ins that you can purchase for specific uses.

http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator/extend.html

Thanks

Kevin