Exporting a 3D Model in DXF/DWG Format

The entire 3D model can be exported from Chief Architect as a 3D file, with all surfaces exported as 3DFACE entities. This file can then be imported by any program that is fully compatible with AutoCAD's 3D .dxf or .dwg format.

To export the 3D model, a 3D view must be active. Make sure that everything to be exported is visible. If you use the delete surfaces tool, the deleted surfaces are not exported.

When the model is ready, select File> Export> 3D Model (DWG/DXF)... . Give the file a name, making sure to save it in the desired location. The 3D model is created.

Layers for 3D DWG/DXF Model

When you export a 3D model, all surfaces are exported as 3DFACE entities. Each entity represents a surface in the 3D model. The entities are placed on layers that are named by Chief Architect. The names currently used by Chief Architect are listed below.


AutoCAD Layer Name	Chief Architect Surface / Object
A-APPL-MAIN	Appliance
A-CASE-CABF	Cabinet Door
A-CASE-CABN	Cabinet Box
A-CASE-CNTR	Cabinet Counter Top
A-CASE-GLAS	Cabinet Glass
A-CASE-SOFF	Soffit
A-CASE-TOEA	Cabinet Toe Area
A-CEIL-BAY	Bay / Bow Window Ceiling
A-CEIL-MAIN	Platform Ceiling
A-CEIL-SLOP	Roof Ceiling
A-DOOR-STND	Door
A-EQPM-DOOR	Window Hardware
A-EQPM-HDWR	Cabinet Hardware
A-FIXT-GLAS	Fixture Glass
A-FIXT-MAIN	Fixture
A-FLOR-BAY	Bay / Bow Window Floor
A-FLOR-MAIN	Platform Floor
A-FOOT-FOOT	Footing Top
A-FRAM-CEIL	Ceiling Framing
A-FRAM-DECK	Deck Framing
A-FRAM-GENL	Framing
A-FRAM-JOIS	Floor Framing
A-FRAM-ROOF	Roof Framing
A-FRAM-TRUS	Truss Framing
A-FRAM-WALL	Wall Framing
A-FURN-MAIN	Furniture
A-GLAZ-DOOR	Door Glass
A-GLAZ-WIND	Window
A-HRAL-BAL	Stair Baluster
A-HRAL-BLST	Railing Baluster
A-HRAL-NWEL	Newel
A-HRAL-RAIL	Handrail
A-CASE-CABD	Cabinet Drawer
A-MASN-FIRE	Fireplace
A-NONE-NONE	Miscellaneous
A-PLAT-RIM	Platform Rim
A-RISR-MAIN	Stair Riser
A-ROOF-EAVE	Roof Soffit
A-ROOF-FASC	Roof Fascia
A-ROOF-MAIN	Roof
A-STRS-RUNR	Stair Runner
A-STRS-TRED	Stair Tread
A-STRS-UNDR	Stair Bottom
A-WALL-BAY	Bay / Bow Window Wall
A-WALL-EXTW	Corner Board
A-WALL-MAIN	Wall
A-WALL-PAPE	Wallcovering
A-WALL-PONY	Pony Wall
A-WDWK-EXTR	Exterior Door / Window Trim
A-WDWK-EXTTRIM	Exterior Sash
A-WDWK-MOLD	Molding
A-WDWK-SHLF	Shelf
A-WDWK-TRIM	Interior Door / Window Trim
C-PROP-CURB	Curb
C-PROP-ROAD	Road
C-PROP-TERA	Terrain
C-PROP-TRFE	Terrain Feature
C-PROP-TRSK	Terrain Skirt
E-ELEC-TRIM	Electrical

DXF Code

Each layer name exported can include a DXF Code from the materials used for items on that layer. If a material has been specified for an item and appears on its surface, the DXF code for the material is included in the layer name. This DXF Code is specified on the General tab of the Plan Material dialog.

These codes are specified in the Plan Material dialog for each Chief Architect material. As you add new materials in this dialog, you can specify an appropriate DXF code for each.