Difference between 'Save As DWG' and 'Export DWG'

Modified on Thu, 24 Jul at 10:22 AM

Export or Save As DXF/DWG

In Pythagoras, there are two ways to create a DXF or DWG file: via 'Save As...' or via 'Export'. While the final file format is the same, the content of the file can differ significantly depending on the chosen method.

SUMMARY

	Save As... DWG/DXF	Export DXF/DWG
Objects and layers	All (no selection needed)	Only the selected objects
	Includes invisible layers	Only visible layers
Sheet layouts	All sheets	Only the active sheet, no page objects
	Includes objects in Page CS	Not possible when in Page CS
		No layout, no sheet objects

Regardless of the method used, all objects are exported in 3D by default. Pythagoras supports export to all AutoCAD versions up to and including 2010.

Save As... (DWG/DXF)

This function creates an exact copy of the entire drawing as it currently exists in Pythagoras.
There is no need to preselect objects. Line thicknesses are preserved unless a conversion table is loaded.

The complete floating drawing corresponds to Model Space and includes all layers. The sheets in the drawing appear as Paper Space tabs.

Use 'Save As... DXF/DWG' when:

You want to keep or share a full, exact copy of the drawing.
You want to ensure that all layers and sheets are preserved.
The drawing only needs to exist in Model Space.

STEPS

Go to File > Save As...
In the window Save Current Drawing As enter a name and choose the desired DWG or DXF format.
You can tailor the DXF/DWG output to meet the recipient’s needs in the DXF/DWG format settings window. See: Settings options for DXF/DWG format.

Export DXF / DWG

This function is more selective and flexible, designed for controlled data exchange.

Set up what you want to export:

Activate the coordinate system (CS) you want to export in.
Note: Exporting from Page CS is not possible.
TIP: Preferably choose a horizontal coordinate system to avoid unwanted rotation in other software.
If you want to export the entire drawing (including Page CS data), the whole drawing must be in local coordinates.
Select the objects you want to export. Only this selection will be included. Objects on invisible layers are not exported.
Go to File > Export > DXF/DWG...
Review the export settings in the dialog window and confirm with OK. (These follow the current settings in the Control Panel.)
You can tailor the DXF/DWG export to meet the recipient’s needs. Adjust these settings in the DXF/DWG format window. See: Settings options for DXF/DWG format.
Export the DXF/DWG file by entering the name and choosing the format.