Exporting to dwg to align with a given .ctb file

[boyd.112779]

I am working on a project in Revit for the Navy and they require drawings to be submitted in .dwg format and with specific layer standards and line weights per a given ctb file - NavFacStnd.ctb (see attached).
This ctb applies the lineweights by color not as WYSIWYG - which is how I think Revit exports to dwg...as a WYSIWYG.

So,
What would be the easiest way to set up the export from Revit to dwg so when the dwg drawings are plotted (by the Navy) from AutoCad they use their ctb file?

Thanks,
Boyd j.

[Scott Womack]

In 2010 it is harder to find. You'll need to edit the Export Layers List that Revit Uses when exporting to DWG. It is found under the Big R in the Upper Left Corner, Go to Export, and in the dialog box that appears there is a tiny down arrow at the bottom, make the list go down, and you'll see the Options item, sliding to the Right, Gives you Export Layers DWG/DXF. You'll have to manually edit the layer names/colors to match the CTB. Revit will export items to layers Bycolor, so this should not be a big issue.

[boyd.112779]

Thanks Scott - I will give it a try...sounds like a fun process

[eeblack]

How do you add new layers if they are missing, and how do you map elements to the correct layer? It's my understanding that all of the Revit elements are listed at the far left. You then have the option to change the Layer Name and Pen Color assignments.

Do you need to adjust the Export Options>Layers and properties settings (Category properties BYLAYER, overrides BYENTITY; All properties BYLAYER, no overrides; All properties BYLAYER, new layers for overrides) so that elements are exported BYCOLOR, or is this automatic regardless of the above setting?

How do you print out a *.ctb file?

How do you get around the issue of Revit having multiple pen weights depending on scale? Do you set them all the same?

If the DD-phase output is going to another firm to finish the CD-phase, is it easier for us to try and modify Revit to match their AutoCAD standards, or easier for them to work with our Revit DWG exports? What does everyone else do?

[t1.shep]

When you edit the export settings (which you can also access when you export to dwg) you can just type in the name of the layer you want to create. You'll need to do this for all the Revit objects you want to change.
"Do you need to adjust the Export Options>Layers and properties settings (Category properties BYLAYER, overrides BYENTITY; All properties BYLAYER, no overrides; All properties BYLAYER, new layers for overrides) so that elements are exported BYCOLOR, or is this automatic regardless of the above setting?"
The help file explains this pretty well, but basically these options become applicable if you have any graphic or view overrides. The first option basically creates an new "linetype" under the same layer. So if you had a wall in Revit overridden with a hidden line, then when you sent that to dwg you would have the wall layer, but some lines would be continuous and some would have the linetype overridden with a hidden line type.
The second option ignores this and puts it all on the same layer with no overrides.
The third option creates a new layer for the view and graphic overrides.

As far as I know, there is not a way to print out a .ctb file. Though you could create screen shots and print.

What I'm coming to realize as I've worked in Revit longer now than I have in AutoCAD, is that I have forgotten how cumbersome AutoCAD is in some regards. This issue of line styles, and plot styles, and annotation and paper space and model space...
In CAD you needed to be aware of the scale your drawing would eventually print at and set lines to the appropriate layer or adjust your plot styles...
With Revit, you can mostly ignore that. The factory did a pretty good job of setting it up.
But now, when you attempt to go from Revit to CAD, a lot of the automated things that Revit does behind the scenes can't translate to CAD. So, you're limited to one export setting for your drawing. You can differentiate between the projection and cut lines, but you don't control the print scale. This needs to be done when you get into CAD. You can, however, setup different export settings and use those for individual exports.

[ron.sanpedro]

Anyone know how to also control those layers that are created due to Phase overrides? Currently when I export using New Layers for Overrides I get two sets of layers
A-WALL
A-WALL-DEMO
A-WALL-EXST
A-WALL-1
A-WALL-DEMO-1
A-WALL-EXST-1
And all the linework is on the "-1" layers! Stupid. But worse yet, I can't see a way to control the colors and line weights via the export text file, and Revit is automatically using STB based layers, so different line weights for the same color. My only option seems to be to open the files in AutoCAD and use Layer Translate to move the -1 layers into the proper layers and get the colors right. WTF?! Maybe marketing thinks this is a good way to keep selling copies of autoBAD? ;)

Anyone found a solution that actually results in a usable DWG with minimal post processing?

Thanks!
Gordon

[nancejd]

I'm actually having this same issue. I need to export my Revit file to AutoCAD, to match the NAVFAC standards. Is there a better way to come up with the export settings than changing one item at a time until it displays correctly in CAD?

[t1.shep]

Anyone know how to also control those layers that are created due to Phase overrides? Currently when I export using New Layers for Overrides I get two sets of layers
A-WALL
A-WALL-DEMO
A-WALL-EXST
A-WALL-1
A-WALL-DEMO-1
A-WALL-EXST-1
And all the linework is on the "-1" layers! Stupid. But worse yet, I can't see a way to control the colors and line weights via the export text file, and Revit is automatically using STB based layers, so different line weights for the same color. My only option seems to be to open the files in AutoCAD and use Layer Translate to move the -1 layers into the proper layers and get the colors right. WTF?! Maybe marketing thinks this is a good way to keep selling copies of autoBAD? ;)

Anyone found a solution that actually results in a usable DWG with minimal post processing?

Thanks!
Gordon

This is an unintended behavior according to Autodesk...
"I was able to verify with our development team that the issue you are experiencing is not correct and I have logged it. Development will be investigating and I will keep you apprised as to their progess."
This statement, in my experience, is like the kiss of death...never once been appraised of their progress on any of the support requests when I received this answer.

[kingjosiah]

How do you print out a *.ctb file?

eeblack...I know your question is almost a half year old, but if you're still around, check out this tool from Nolitubare. It's a great little app and will do exactly what you are looking for. http://www.noliturbare.com/plot-print/print-ctbs-and-more.

- Jon

[brendan.225840]

eeblack...I know your question is almost a half year old, but if you're still around, check out this tool from Nolitubare. It's a great little app and will do exactly what you are looking for. http://www.noliturbare.com/plot-print/print-ctbs-and-more.

- Jon

And this would be why you always read the whole thread! You never know who is going to add a response all the way at the bottom that is going to save your butt!
Thanks Jon, this little link is going to save me a lot of trouble.