Expert Training

Overview
At various times, you probably need to transfer information from one kind of document to another. You even may have taken the CAD plunge because you want to import AutoCAD drawing data into your word processing or other documents. If so, this chapter is for you. It covers exchanging AutoCAD drawing data with other programs — what works, what doesn’t, and how to do it. I also tell you when to give up and reach for the scissors and glue.
Remember This chapter frequently mentions vector and raster graphics file formats:
A vector format stores graphics as collections of geometrical objects (such as lines, polygons, and text). Vector graphics are good for high geometrical precision and for stretching or squeezing images to different sizes. These two characteristics make vector formats good for CAD.
A raster format stores graphics as a series of little dots, or pixels. Raster graphics are good for depicting photographic detail and lots of colors.
Warning Exchanging AutoCAD drawing data with other programs sometimes works great the first time you try it. Sometimes, you have to try a bunch of techniques or exchange formats to get all the data to transfer in an acceptable way. Occasionally, no practical exchange method exists for preserving formatting or other properties that are important to you. Where your exchange efforts fall in this spectrum depends on the kind of drawings you make, the other programs you work with, and the output devices or formats that you use. I provide recommendations in this chapter, but be prepared to experiment.