Designers can bring in DWG files on Snaptrude with the exact dimensions and units as the CAD drawing. You can import multiple drawings onto a single storey. Moreover, vertex snapping is enabled on the CAD drawing for the Draw and Move tools. This allows you to accurately trace over the imported plan using the Draw tool. The DWG file can also be moved around Snaptrude’s design canvas seamlessly and accurately with the move tool.
How to upload a CAD drawing
Select the storey on which you wish to add the CAD file.
Click on the Import tab from the top toolbar.
Choose the upload CAD option and select the DWG file from your computer that you would like to upload. Alternatively, you can choose to drag and drop the file onto the “Upload File” dialog box. Note that, you can also change the storey level while uploading the CAD.
After uploading the CAD file, you can begin modeling with ease, as the draw tool conveniently snaps with the vertices of the drawing, facilitating precise referencing during the modeling process.
Once uploaded, you can hide, unhide or delete the drawing from the “Imported Files” tab from the panel on the right. Another simpler way to hide/unhide the drawing is by clicking on it in the design canvas and hiding it using the “hide” tool, shortcut ‘H’.
Pro-tip: Use the "Lock" tool found at the bottom tab of the screen to secure the CAD files, ensuring they do not interfere with the drawing process.
Pro Tips for uploading AutoCAD files in Snaptrude
Please note that very large AutoCAD files (> 80,000 edges) may make the interface unstable. We recommend removing unnecessary information and layers and purging the drawing before bringing it into Snaptrude.
Verify the project units (Type and Units in Insertion Scale) in AutoCAD to ensure no import discrepancy. AutoCAD recommends that projects in Metric units be saved as Decimal type and projects in Imperial units be saved as Engineering or Architectural type.
You can import multiple AutoCAD drawings into your project. So bring in the site outline and roads as one file, and any other details such as trees, survey lines, text, and any other details as separate files. This will enable you to use the Create Drawing tool and create your model 5x faster.