IMAGINiT Civil Solutions Blog

AutoCAD 2013 File Format

By Brian Allen:

So whats new in the new release of AutoCAD? Well, for starters how about another file format revision. In fashion with previous trends it was about time for Autodesk to update the platform file format and that happens this year with the release of 2013.

So here are some FAQ’s we normally see when new file formats arise as it pertains to Compatibility, Interoperability between the various versions of AutoAD as well as system requirements:

Compatibility and Operability

• Customized Menus:
  • Upon running 2013 for the first time you will get prompted  by a Migration Wizard. A nifty feature that allows you to transfer customized menus, toolbars, etc…
• AutoCAD 2013 DWG format:
  • Updated file format to accommodate technology and performance updates in the software. You still have the ability to save to the other formats you’ve always had. Yep, all the way back to R14 DWG and R12 DXF
• Opening 2013 drawings in previous versions:
  • As with all previous releases we have the ability to “go forward” only. A 2013 file cannot be opened in 2012 for example.
  • To open a newer DWG in an older version, use the free application, TrueView to convert the new file into the needed version.

System Requirements

• Lots of info, just click here.

 

Trimble Link

For those that use Trimble Data Collectors out in the field you can download a free add on for Civil 3D, TrimbleLink which will allow you to directly convert your *job files into a *fbk for survey database importing right from the Civil 3D Ribbon as shown below.

To use this add on you’ll need to install the following in order:

1. Trimble’s Data Transfer v155
2. Trimble Link

Note that there are specific installations for the different versions of Civil 3D. You’ll need to search for the ones you need. These work with Civil 3D 2012.

Using Trimble Link, you don’t actually have to leave the collector attached to the PC. With this it allows you to dump the files from the collector and then process the *job file. If that is your preferred method, it doesn’t really matter.

Ok, lets see it in action!

Select Import Job on the Trimble Link Tab.

You’ll need to add a device. In this example, I’m going to add a Generic Data Card and define it as my Hard Drive so I will be able to browse to the location where the files reside.

Select General Survey Data Card, then OK.

Define desired path, then select Next

Name the Generic Device, then select Finish.

The new "Device" is now listed and searchable.

Browse to the *job file to be opened/imported into the Survey Database by double clicking on the newly created device name.

The Check In dialog: Allows for checking data for importation and edits if needed. Select OK.

And yeat another dialog box indicating that the job file was converted into a *fbk and the Survey Database Wizard will begin upon selecting close.