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  8. Importing AutoCAD and MicroStation files with import method defined in Template Editor

Importing AutoCAD and MicroStation files with import method defined in Template Editor

Tekla Structures
Modified: 18 Nov 2024
2025
Tekla Structures

Importing AutoCAD and MicroStation files with import method defined in Template Editor

Before you start, ensure that you have defined the import preferences for the size of AutoCAD and MicroStation files in the General preferences dialog. If you want Template Editor to ask for the size when the file is being imported click Always ask for import method.

To import a file:

  1. Click Insert > File.

    The Import File dialog opens.

  2. Select the file you want to import and click OK.
  3. You are prompted to click the insertion point for the file. When you do that the Select Import Method dialog opens.
  4. Because you specified the import preferences, you can click in a template component and define the insertion point. You have three options for specifying the size:

    • Import by Scale - Template Editor multiplies the dimensions of the original file and will resize the component if the scale results in an image size that is larger than the component.

    • Import by specifying Dimensions - Type the values in the Horizontal and Vertical fields. Templated Editor maintains the aspect ratio when the file is inserted.

    • Import in the Maximum Size - Template Editor inserts the file in the maximum possible size without resizing the component.

  5. You can also select whether the file is imported to the nearest rounded unit (millimeters or inches). Click the checkbox for Round object locations to the closest <unit of measure you have specified>.
  6. Click OK to insert the file into the template component.
  7. You can modify the file if needed, for example, by ungrouping it and modifying individual file objects.
Note:

If you have designed a template with AutoCAD, you can use free attributes in AutoCAD to mark value fields. Template Editor converts them automatically to value field objects as the file is imported. Template Editor uses the name and the value of the AutoCAD free attribute as the default contents for the value field. For example, a free attribute named REVNO with the value xx is converted to a value field with the formula GetValue("REVNO").

See also

Modifying general preferences in Template Editor

Importing AutoCAD and MicroStation files with no import method defined in Template Editor

Setting fill type and font import settings in Template Editor

Limitations in AutoCAD and MicroStation file imports in Template Editor

AutoCAD and Microstation import errors in Template Editor

Grouping or ungrouping template objects

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