Converting to DWG + Block

[Dani]

Hi,
Is there a way to "mix" the 2 conversion solutions ( DWG Block or DWG + XData) in a way that will produce a normal DWG shape + insert point with a corresponding block?
Such solution will enable the Autocad user to mainain the data without exploding and destroying the connectivity to the shape or edit the data in the block without the need to add unneeded fields to the XData.
Thanks,
Dani

[GuthCAD Software Support]

Hi Dani,

There is an option in the Arcv2CAD 'Attribute Properties' dialog that may do what you want:

'Output Attributes separately attached to a point _INFO block'.

Otherwise there is currently no ability to output both normal ATTRIB data + XDATA. We can consider it, but the above may do what you want in any case.

Also note that the later AutoCAD versions allow editing of Blocks without the need to explode them and destroy the attached data. (In AutoCAD 2000 the command is accessed via the menu 'Modify | Inplace Block Edit')

Hope it helps,

best regards,
Paul Guthrie

[Dani]

Hi Paul,
We use the dll version.
The command you refer to, as we found out, works only on polygons.
We would like to use it for points and polylines.
As to the BLOCK version once you want to edit the shape you need to explode the block and loose every thing.
The idea behind our request is to enable us to maintain the Handle which we export and keep the same handle till the end of the updating process.
When finished it will be imported to ArcView. The database integrity is kept because of the handle.
Dani

[GuthCAD Software Support]

Hi Dani,

The latest software has the output of the _INFO block for Polylines. Download the updated DLL here:

http://www.guthcad.com/arcv2cad_dll_download.htm

re.
> As to the BLOCK version once you want to edit the shape you need to explode the block and loose every thing.

Yes, it's true that exploding the BLOCK will cause the ATTRIB (data attributes) to be lost as you say. However just to note again that in AutoCAD 2000 or above, Block geometry _can_ be edited (i.e. the geometry changed) without exploding the Block. The method is called 'in-place reference editing' and can be accessed via the AutoCAD menu 'Modify | In-place Xref and Block Edit', or by using the command line 'REFEDIT' command. Refer to the AutoCAD User's Guide topic 'Editing References in Place'.

The in place block editing may be a solution.

best regards,
Paul G