Convert Archicad To Autocad Free

You want to convert a Solidworks file format to the DWG format. To convert a Solidworks file format to a DWG file format in AutoCAD: At the command prompt, type IMPORT and press Enter.

Issue:

You have a drawing created with Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D open in AutoCAD and you want to convert the objects in the drawing to standard AutoCAD entities and want to know how to do this.

Solution:

  • ​Within AutoCAD Civil 3D, enter EXPORTC3DDRAWING in the command line.
  • Download and install the appropriate object enabler.
  • You can find the object enablers here by clicking on AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler
  • After installing the Object Enabler, you can use the -ExportToAutoCAD command to export files to AutoCAD. This command removes all AEC intelligence from the objects and the saves the drawing with a different file name by default. You have options to save the drawing to different file formats if needed.
  • The DWG file will be exported as a 2D drawing with a view that corresponds to the view used during the execution of the -ExportToAutoCAD command.
  • All external references (xrefs) can be bound during this process.

See Also:

To Export a Drawing to AutoCAD
To Export an AutoCAD Civil 3D Drawing to an AutoCAD DWG File
Video on exporting AutoCAD Civil 3D corridor to AutoCAD only entities for 2D plan and drafting purposes:

Versions:

2017; 2013; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2019; 2018;

It’s been 35 years since the launch of AutoCAD in 1982, and in that time, the program has gone from strength to strength. Today, AutoCAD is not only the flagship product of its parent company, Autodesk, but is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Originally created for mechanical engineering, AutoCAD has dramatically expanded its reach to incorporate practically every branch of design, with industry-specific “flavours” being added with the launch of AutoCAD 2017.

It’s no wonder, therefore, that AutoCAD is in such high demand. However, the product’s great functionality requires an investment. Much like many other software developers; Autodesk has now phased out perpetual licenses for all its products, leaving customers with subscription options only. Weighing in at $175 per month, or $1,400 per year, this doesn’t come cheap but given the value that users can get from the software, thousands of users worldwide find that it’s worth the investment. However, dependent on your requirements, it is possible to get AutoCAD completely free. Want to learn how? Read on for the full details.

Table of contents

About AutoCAD

The history of AutoCAD begins in the late 1970s, when programmer Mike Riddle created Interact CAD. Though not a successful program at the time, it included many of the features that would later become part of AutoCAD. Several years later, the program was acquired by Autodesk, who used it to form the basis for the first edition of AutoCAD, which was released in 1982. Some of the program’s most well-known features were already in place even at this early stage, including its native DWG file format.

Early AutoCAD packaging (Source: Ohio State University)

In the following 35 years, AutoCAD has become ubiquitous in the world of design. Though initially created to serve the needs of mechanical engineering, the program has expanded its scope to embrace all forms of design, including the gaming, animation, and graphic design industries. Its reach is so widespread that there are now a wide range of careers which require knowledge of AutoCAD.

However, AutoCAD’s huge range of features doesn’t come cheap. As of 2017, perpetual licenses no longer exist for Autodesk products. Subscription options start from $175/month, or $1,400/year. Whilst this price point is reasonable for companies that rely on AutoCAD for day-to-day use, lighter users may be wary of shelling out such a large amount.

Luckily, there are ways to get the functionality of AutoCAD free.

Educational licenses

Convert Archicad To Autocad Free

As part of their commitment to education, Autodesk have made their products available to educational users for free three-year licenses

In 2014, Autodesk made the landmark decision to make its products free for students, teachers and academic institutions. This means that any user with a valid academic email address can sign up for a free AutoCAD license.

Autodesk state on their education page that they “genuinely believe in education”, and aim to equip users “with tools and resources to help [them] achieve academic and future career success”. The provision of free software is available to around 80 million students and educators worldwide. Not only is the software free for students, but also there’s no charge for academic departments. This allows students to get familiar with software they’ll later use in the workplace, making the transition from academic to professional life easier.

To get AutoCAD free as a student or educator, simply visit the Autodesk education licensing page. Users can sign up for a three-year education license completely free. The licence is then renewable, provided you still possess a valid academic email address. The three-year terms mean that many users can sign up in their senior year and continue to use AutoCAD after graduating.

Free trial

Archicad

If you’re not in education, there’s still a way to get AutoCAD free. Autodesk offers free trials of AutoCAD, amongst many other programs in its design suite.

Thanks to this trial version, users can take advantage of AutoCAD’s full range of features completely free. This includes the software’s 2D and 3D functionality, cutting-edge design features, and support for a wide range of file types. The trial is available for a generous 30 day period, giving users the chance to test out all of AutoCAD’s features, enabling them to make an informed decision on whether to continue with their subscription.

However, this does mean that, for non-educational users, the time period in which AutoCAD is free to use is limited. Fortunately, if you need the functionality of AutoCAD without the premium price tag, there are still solutions you can try.

AutoCAD 360

Whilst most users cannot download the full version of AutoCAD free, Autodesk offer other solutions for image drafting, viewing and editing. One of these is AutoCAD 360. As the official AutoCAD mobile app, AutoCAD 360 offers many of the features of the full version. The program allows users to:

  • Open and view DWG files
  • Make accurate measurements and view coordinates
  • Zoom and pan around drawings
  • Store drawings in the cloud—with syncing even when working offline
  • Share designs with colleagues and collaborators
Convert Archicad To Autocad Free

Additionally, the Pro version of the app grants a greater level of functionality, including the ability to draw, edit, move and scale objects. Upgrading to Pro means paying for a subscription—but at only $5/month ($50/year), it’s considerably cheaper than the desktop software.

Both the free and paid versions of AutoCAD 360 lack some of the features of AutoCAD. However, for users on a budget, it provides a great way to edit and view DWG files—especially on the go. This option is most suitable for users who do not require AutoCAD’s more advanced features, and are primarily looking to view drawings, make simple edits, and add annotations.

Looking for more official Autodesk solutions? Check out the online-based A360 Viewer, which allows you to view and share over 50 different file types with no download—or DWG TrueView, which is perfect for converting DWG versions and adding markup to documents.

Archicad File Converter

Alternative CAD software

Whilst AutoCAD may be the market leader, it’s far from the only CAD program on the market. There are a wide range of solutions available for creating, drafting, editing and viewing CAD drawings—many of which are completely free. Though they may lack some of the most specialized features unique to AutoCAD, they’re still perfect for most standard design work.

With so many programs on the market, however, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which are worth your time. Luckily, we here at Scan2CAD have done the legwork for you. We’ve put together a list of 14 top free CAD packages, helping you make an informed choice on the software you download. The list includes software from some of the most well-known names in CAD, including DraftSight, from Dassault Systèmes, and SketchUp Make. It also includes a handful of more niche software solutions—such as LeoCAD, the CAD program designed for use with LEGO.

It’s important to ensure that the software you download is suitable for your needs. Many programs are available for free only on the condition that they are not used for commercial purposes. As such, they may be perfect for hobbyists, but unsuitable for small business users. Meanwhile, some programs may lack 2D or 3D capabilities. Be sure to thoroughly research the pros and cons of each program to make sure the software you download is right for you.

DraftSight, from Dassault Systèmes, is one example of free CAD software

Scan2CAD

Scan2CAD is the ultimate vectorization software—but it’s so much more than that. With support for 33 different file types, and complete raster and vector editing suites, Scan2CAD gives you all the tools you need to take your design from an initial draft to a cut-ready image.

Best of all, you can try Scan2CAD completely free for 14 days. During this trial period, you’ll be able to use Scan2CAD’s full range of features, with no watermarks or restrictions. There are also no limits on how many files you can convert, meaning you have a real chance to put Scan2CAD to the test.

Archicad To Autocad Converter Free Download

After the initial trial period, you can also take advantage of Scan2CAD’s flexible licensing system. This gives you the chance to choose the right solution for you and your business.

Interested in downloading Scan2CAD for free? Simply click on the button below.

How not to get AutoCAD free

Archicad To Autocad Problems

There are a myriad of great CAD solutions on the market that can help you design and create great things. Nonetheless, many may still be tempted to circumvent the rules and download a cracked copy of AutoCAD instead.

Archicad Export To Dwg

However, as we’ve previously discussed on our blog, downloading a crack can lead to a wide range of issues. Not only are cracks illegal, they come with a host of potential problems for your computer. Cracked software provides criminal organizations and hackers with a way of infiltrating your system. Using a crack can leave you vulnerable to viruses, trojans, and other malware. Worse still, CAD users run the risk of intellectual property theft, which can put your entire business at risk.

Is Archicad Compatible With Autocad

No matter which program you use, cracks can cause far more trouble than they’re worth. Learn more about why downloading a crack for Scan2CAD, AutoCAD, or any other software simply isn’t worth the risk.

How To Convert Archi Cad To Autocad

Introducing Scan2CAD

Archicad To Revit

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