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EXDXF-Pro ver 1.0.8
Manual
Installation:
How to Install EXDXF-Pro
Double-clicking the Installer icon starts the installation process. Click OK to continue. The Installer will automatically locate appropriate versions of Adobe Illustrator. If you have multiple versions or copies of Illustrator installed, you can use the Change Disk and Change Folder buttons to specify which version you want to use with EXDXF-Pro. If the Installer cannot locate any copies of Illustrator, you can use the Change Disk and Change Folder buttons to locate the program. In case the Installer still cannot detect any copies of Illustrator, You can also install EXDXF-Pro manually by dragging the plug-in from the EXDXF folder to Adobe Illustrator’s Plug-ins folder.
The next time you start Illustrator after installing EXDXF-Pro, you will be prompted to enter your serial number.
EXDXF-Pro System requirements
Adobe Illustrator 7/8/9 and Mac OS 8 or later
While there are no known conflicts with other third-party plug-ins, the possibility exists. EXDXF-Pro is not compatible with modified MTEXT.
DXF Export:
How to Save a File
Choose Save As from Adobe Illustrator’s File menu. EXDXF-Pro also allows you to save a file by choosing Export from the File menu. From the Format pop-up menu, choose Drawing Interchange (DXF). With Append File Extension checked, the .dxf extension will be automatically added to the file name. Clicking the Save or Export button opens the DXF Type dialog box, which allows you to choose the required options.
DXF Export Options:
The DXF Type dialog box presents several options when saving files from Illustrator.
Use layer name When checked, the DXF file will retain the Illustrator layer name.
Smoothing (Arc) This option retains Bezier curves (smooth curves) created in Illustrator upon conversion.
Line optimization Depending upon the optimization of the original path, Illustrator’s Bezier curves will be optimized, resulting in fewer anchor points and simpler paths.
Use circle (No line width) When checked, perfect circular objects can be maintained upon conversion without exporting the line width information.
Use line width information When checked polyline width information is exported. However, the line width of regular lines and paths is not exported.
Convert special characters The characters % ø ± will be maintained when not checked. This option works in conjunction with the comparable command in the DXF import options.
Tolerance The tolerance of the exported document can be maintained from 0.01 points to 1.0 points.
Point of Origin The exported document can maintain Illustrator’s point-of-origin for the document, or you can specify the appropriate point. By default, Illustrator uses the lower-left corner of the document as the 0,0 point.
Units The document can be exported using either inches or millimeters as the unit of measure.
Scale The DXF file can be saved at various percentages of the original’s size. The pop-up menu offers choices from 20% to 500%.
Line Conversion The Line Conversion options are Polyline, Polyline and Arc, and Line and Arc. Select the appropriate option, depending upon the CAD software you will be using:
Polyline: For general CAD software use. It is compatible with most CAD programs.
Polyline and Arc: It offers compatibility with different DXF formats and curves with no rough edges.
Line and Arc: For CAD software that does not utilize with polylines.
Character Set The character sets offered are ASCII for either Applw or Microsoft.
DXF Import:
EXDXF-Pro allows you to bring DXF files into Illustrator by means of the menu commands File> Open or File> Place. When Drawing Interchange Format (DXF) is selected as the file format, only .dxf files will appear in the window. To import a file, it must have the .dxf extension as part of the file name. Select a .dxf file and click Open or Place. You will be asked to select between EXDXF-Pro's Drawing Interchange (DXF) format and Illustrator’s AutoCAD Interchange File format. Select EXDXF-Pro's format.
*On Illustrator8.0, you can import a .dxf file using the menu commands, File> Open or File> Place. On Illustrator9.0, it is recommended to bring a .dxf file by means of File> Open. By Opening a file through File> Place might cause some imprecision on your file.
Approximate Bezier When this option is checked, the imported document will convert splines to approximated Bezier curves. When unchecked, corners and angles will have priority.
Place MTEXT to area This option allows MTEXT within a rectangular object to maintain line and paragraph breaks. When this option is not selected, text will be treated as point text and will not "wrap" within a container.
Convert special characters When unchecked, the conversion will maintain the special characters % ø ± and if unchecked, the characters will be converted. This is the counterpart to the DXF export option of the same name.
Connect lines When converting from splines to Bezier curves, the nearest lines can be connected.
Point of Origin This pop-up menu allows you to determine the point of origin for the document.
Units Both inches and millimeters are available.
Scale The pop-up menu gives you the option of opening the .dxf file at a variety of sizes from 20% to 500%.
Connect Lines Interval When the Connect Lines option is selected, this determines the maximum distance between lines that will be connected.
Character Set You have the option of opening the file with Apple or Microsoft ASCII.
Properties of EXDXF-Pro:
Note: EXDXF-Pro does not support modified MTEXT (Import / Export).
EXDXF-Pro offers compatibility with the R12 DXF format, which makes it extremely useful for users of programs other than AutoCAD. While most CAD programs require the R12 format, Adobe Illustrator natively supports only R14 DXF.
EXDXF-Pro's support for R12 DXF includes arcs and polylines, which are compatible with most CAD applications, unlike splines and Bezier curves. EXDXF-Pro's output is also invaluable for users working with CAM and creating signs.
EXDXF-Pro offers accurate shapes, efficient conversion from Bezier curves to arcs and polylines, and precise layer output. EXDXF also fulfills the requirements of CAM users for Bezier-to-arc-&-polyline conversion, eliminating the need for costly specialty converters. Such expensive programs are hardly cost efficient when purchased only for conversion purposes, leaving their other features idle. EXDXFPro will accurately, and inexpensively, convert drawings and designs for maps and blueprints. In addition, EXDXF-Pro's memory and disk space requirements are minimal.
DXF Export Capabilities
1. Exported DXF documents are compatible with CAD and DXF release 12 (R12).
2. Only 512 KB of memory is required.
3. Depending upon how they have been recorded, Bezier curves can be maintained.
4. Limited polylines can be created from Bezier corner points.
5. Illustrator layers can be maintained.
6. The document’s original scale, point-of-origin, and unit-of-measure can be retained.
DXF Import Capabilities
1. EXDXF-Pro can import DXF versions R12, R13, and R14.
2. Designs sized to 10ft x 10ft (3m x 3m) can be imported.
3. Bezier line shapes can be maintained.
4. DXF spline curves and be maintained or converted to Bezier curves.
5. Existing layers can be maintained.
6. The document’s original scale, point-of-origin, and unit-of-measure can be retained.
Developed by Baby Universe, Inc.
Distributed by CValley, Inc. www.cvalley.com info@cvalley.com
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