AUGIWorld Magazine November/December 2007

the same way as using standard layers in Impression. This allows for all renderings to look the same and to reduce the amount of time needed to create them. Importing AutoCAD files Figure 3 – AutoCAD file of a simple movie theater. AutoCAD files can be imported into Impression as DWG or DWF files. Both are vector-based files and both use layers. You have many options when importing a CAD file. The model tab or layout tab can be imported. Further, if multiple view ports exist in a file, the user can choose which one to import. This is nice when multiple views of a model have been created in a layout tab. When the Impression file has been created, rendered, plotted, and shown to a client, changes to the drawing often take place. Perhaps a redesign of a particular area has been done. Because Impression and AutoCAD are made to work with each other, Impression can update its file to match the altered CAD file. Select what needs to be updated and use the Update CAD Geometry command. This will bring in the new linework and replace the old, keeping the layer styles that Impression set up. Finishing Impression When finished, Impression can save the file in several different file types depending on your needs or the needs of your client. The standard file type for Impression files is IRF, but the software can also save the file in dwf, bmp, eps, jpg, pdf, psd, or png format. Conclusion Autodesk Impression can create many different types and styles of color renderings and also creates black and white sketches. I believe you will be impressed by this tool’s flexibility and, ultimately, its output. As with all design software, for best results you’ll want to establish a basic standard of practices for using Impression. Have fun! Figure 4 – Watercolor rendering of an AutoCAD file done in Impression. ranges from barely noticeable to one that appears to have been hand-drawn during an earthquake! Starting with CAD files Impression was designed with AutoCAD in mind. That being said, it works best when an AutoCAD file has been imported onto the canvas. The biggest difference between using a CAD file and using an image file is that Impression can work with the vectorized linework of AutoCAD. A user can immedi26 ately begin by applying fills to the shapes in the file, or by applying styles to the layers that were imported with the CAD file. The process of establishing layer styles is the same as was done with an image file. Because both AutoCAD and Impression use layers, they can make everyone’s work easier and more efficient. When a CAD file is imported into Impression, the CAD layers come with the linework. The lines brought into Impression will be on the same layers as they were in the CAD file. Using standard layers in AutoCAD works Brian C. Benton is senior engineering CAD technician/designer for Heidt & Associates, Inc, Fort Myers, Florida. Brian has been working with AutoCAD since release 10 in the mechanical, structural, and civil engineering fields. He has been a detailer, drafter, designer, IT assistant, CAD software manager, protector of standards, and proverbial “Help Desk.” He can be reached at benton. brian@gmail.com w w w. A U G I . c o m http://www.AUGI.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AUGIWorld Magazine November/December 2007

AUGIWorld Magazine November/December 2007 Table of Contents The CAD Manager Education & Training Finance Training Google Earth: Now Showing in AutoCAD Civil 3D Get Your Input Here A Good First Impression, Part 2 Share and Share Alike Who's Using Revit MEP? Ready… Get Set… Properties! On the Back Page: The Brazilian Model

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.