Expert: Bob - 6/20/2006

Question

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Followup To

Question -
Hi, Is it possible to change a .dwf file into a .dwg file?

Answer -
Hi -- you do not tell me the circumstances or why--
Generally, people make and send out a dwf because they do not want you to have the dwg file.  For instance, if an architect sends a dwg, and the client makes changes that violate code, then has a contractor build the structure, they sue the architect when it does not pass code, claiming it is his fault, since it was his drawing.
Ask the originator for the dwg if they will give it.
Or write back with the entire story, so I am not helping you circumvent someone's wishes.
Cool?

BOB



Hi Bob,

This is a file that was made available to architects to use in their specifications by the extrusion company. I need to insert various components into my plans.

Answer
OK, if they send dwfs on purpose, they probably meant you to draw over the dwf, so it would be your authorship, or ??
I forgot to remind you that no question is really good without mentioning your release -- I am assuming 2006 -- stuff can change.
Your question is really "how can I get objects that are in a dwf into a dwg?" I think.
If you need to insert them on the sheets to show what they are, I am guessing you can clip the dwf -- if you need to insert perfectly accuratly drawn objects, you may have to draw them.
From Autodesk discussion groups:THIS SEEMS TO BE THE BEST
SOLUTION, GOING BY OTHERS' EXPERIENCE--
Re: Dwf to dwg
Open the DWF
Copy to the clipboard
Paste Special in AutoCAD
Choose AutoCAD Entities
and from a blog:
« DWF Publishing: Between the Lines Recap (Part 2) | Main | Full DWF Writer 3.0 Download »

Can I convert my DWF to an AutoCAD drawing?
DWF to AutoCAD drawing (DWG) converters do exist.   An AutoCAD drawing uses floating point doubles. A DWF uses 32 bit integers. You will lose precision and to that extent - accuracy. Converting a DWF to an AutoCAD drawing is the equivalent of scanning in a plot and tracing over it.  


With the advent of the DWF Attach command in AutoCAD 2007, this question is likely to come up again. The topics of DWF precision and DWF Security have been covered by Brian Mathews in Shaan Hurley's Between the Lines Blog. For simple DWF files, 32 bit integers may be sufficient; however, there is a strong relationship between the "vector DPI" used to generate a DWF file and its resulting precision. This is evident when measurements are taken using Autodesk Design Review. This relationship has been documented in a table for imperial users as well as a table for metric users.



GOOD LUCK

BOB