17 Replies Latest reply: Jan 23, 2015 9:41 AM by steve.arch

Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 4:59 AM

Despite the option to "merge layers" in the AI DXF import dialog, I find that in fact when I import a DXF it all ends up in a single layer (whether that option is ticked or not).

The DXF comes from the British government "Ordnance Survey" mapping agency. It has several dozen layers in it.

Each layer has its own Autocad color number (dxf group code 62) and AI correctly notices this and assigns the right colour to each object. But it always merges the layers.

Any fix for this?

1. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

ru73 May 4, 2012 5:06 AM (in response to PeterFacey)

If you are using CS3, they had a problem with everything going to one layer.

http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/updated-dfx-dwg-plug-illustrator.html

If not CS3, what version are you using?
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2. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 5:49 AM (in response to ru73)

Sorry, forgot to mention: AI CS5 v15.1.0
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3. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

Larry G. Schneider May 4, 2012 9:17 AM (in response to PeterFacey)

You'll probably have to recreate the layers. If infact everything is color coded then it is simply a matter of choosing everything with a given color and placing it on a new layer. Use the Select Same Fill/Stroke (as appropriate) and just drag the little square at the right end of the layer line to the new layer. It will probably help to turn off the visibility of the layer as you complete each just to keep track.
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4. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

Wade_Zimmerman May 4, 2012 10:12 AM (in response to PeterFacey)

I would download a map myself and try but it seems they send you a disk and I am not sure if they charge or not.

Is there somewhere we can have access to a map or portion of a map file to test?

Are you ate liberty to post a file?
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5. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 10:19 AM (in response to Larry G. Schneider)

Thanks. Yes I could do that, but was really hoping Adobe might come up with a DXF import that actually works correctly. After all, if they put a tick box purportedly allowing you to choose whether or not to "merge layers" then it should work.

I tried the solution suggested by ru73 above. That is a revised plug-in for CS3 which is supposed to preserve Autocad layers and does not have the tick box (so I guess it's earlier). It ran ok within AI CS5.1 but didn't solve the problem.
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6. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 11:27 AM (in response to Wade_Zimmerman)

Actually you can download the whole map for the UK free, but its 150 MB. I've put up on my web site a small tile of it:-
http://www.brisk.org.uk/pics/su42.dxf

This data is copyright the Ordnance Survey and please respect it is just for test purposes here.

I also tried importing this into CorelDraw. That preserves all the layers perfectly. However, it has other serious problems. So at the moment I'm stymied in both directions. The layer names are seen in this screen clip of CorelDraw:
http://www.brisk.org.uk/pics/su42corelsnip.png
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7. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

ru73 May 4, 2012 11:28 AM (in response to PeterFacey)

I use cs5 for importing DXF and DWG files with layers all the time. It preserves layers. Upload a link to one of files and I will look at it. You might need to save your DXF or DWG files to an older version or maybe the files are not layered.
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8. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

ru73 May 4, 2012 12:02 PM (in response to PeterFacey)

I just opened the file in CS5. Layer names were perserved. I did it with the attached preferences. If I check "Merge Layers", it forces all entities to Layer 1.
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9. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

Larry G. Schneider May 4, 2012 11:58 AM (in response to PeterFacey)

It opened the same for me when using Scale to Artboard. Otherwise its off the working area completely.
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10. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 12:11 PM (in response to ru73)

That looks good. Unfortunately, me opening it in CS5.1 shows as attached.
I’ve still got CS5 installed so I could try that, but first need to install the dxf import filter there.
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11. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 12:44 PM (in response to PeterFacey)

This is getting weird. I tried it with my old CS5 and it fails the same way: one layer only.

My CS5 import filter file DxfDwg.aip has creation date 27 Mar 2010 and size 7,146,944 bytes. Are your working ones different? Or is there some global preference that might be affecting me?
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12. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

Larry G. Schneider May 4, 2012 12:56 PM (in response to PeterFacey)

Mine is 17.4 MB and is dated Sep 22, 2011 which is probably when the software was installed.
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13. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

ru73 May 4, 2012 1:03 PM (in response to PeterFacey)

Mine is Windows version. It is closer to 7mg. Make sure you uncheck "Merge Layers" when importing.
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14. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 1:55 PM (in response to ru73)

'Make sure you uncheck "Merge Layers" when importing.' - Of course. As I said in OP, it makes no difference either way.

Funny that Larry's is 17 MB. I'm on windows 7 64-bit (although AI runs as a 32-bit app).
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15. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

Larry G. Schneider May 4, 2012 1:59 PM (in response to PeterFacey)

I'm on a Mac.
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16. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

PeterFacey May 4, 2012 2:16 PM (in response to Larry G. Schneider)

I've finally solved this. It depends how you import it. If you OPEN the DXF it keeps the layers. If you create a blank new document and then PLACE the DXF, it doesn't. With the benefit of hindsight, I supose that's obvious enough, since placing involves having some layer activated. Thanks for the help.
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17. Re: Importing DXF loses layers

steve.arch Jan 23, 2015 9:41 AM (in response to PeterFacey)

Hope to revive this old thread...

PeterFacey, i've got the exact same problem with my layers that all merge automatically... (AI CS5 v.15.1.0)

What was your solution, and what type of dxf did you "open" in Illustrator?
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