DWG/DXF Import Not Available

[esedla]

I was trying to import DWG files exported from Rhino 7, with export settings set to the AutoCAD R14 Version, but when I try to import the files into Designer they are greyed out in the iPadOS file browser that comes up after long-pressing the New Document button>Import Document. I’ve reexported from AutoCAD itself, from Rhino in R12, and in both DWG and DXF but it seems as though Designer doesn’t even read them as compatible to import at all. Dragging from the Files app in slide-over and trying to place instead yields the same inaction, so this may be a case of where they didn’t tell iPadOS that it was possible to import DWG/DXF? I was under the impression it was an error on my side but after little resolution on my last post on the Questions board I am led to believe this is just a bug. I’ve attached an image of the described issue here, if anyone else is having this issue or if you have files that are working feel free to comment below!

[Dan C]

Hi @esedla

Are these documents local or on the cloud?

Is it possible to try locally if they are on the cloud, I'm wondering if the files app is not correctly downloading the file when it's tapped?

Lee

[esedla]

@LeeThorpe Good suggestion, I just tried that but unfortunately it ended up with the same result. Are you able to replicate this issue on an iPad available to you? I’ve tried 2 different iPads and they’ve both had the same issue, but I’m wondering if there’s any chance it could also be due to the specific way the file was exported. That shouldn’t be the case since the file extension should still at least be openable, but I don’t want to rule anything out this early in the release!

[Dan C]

No, we're able to open both, and place both file types. would it be possible to upload a small sample of something that doesn't load for you?

Lee

[esedla]

Of course, I’ll send the DWG and DXF I was testing with. Could you also attach a file that you know is working, for me to try as well? Thanks!

Test Export.dwg Export Test 4.dxf

[Dan C]

Thanks for those, while I test out yours, here are some examples I tested with. (demo file from Autodesk's website)

Lee

bridge.dxf architectural_-_annotation_scaling_and_multileaders.dwg

[esedla]

Hey Lee, thanks for those! Oddly, I was still unable to open/import either of those files on my iPad Pro. I even was able to open them in the iPad AutoCAD app, just to make sure they hadn’t been screwed up in transfer, but they operated normally and were editable there. The same issue was present on my iPad Mini, where I was unable to import, open, or place them into an existing document, and I’ll note that I also don’t have AutoCAD installed there either. I’ve attached a screenshot from there as well for clarity. Very strange stuff still given it’s working for you, I appreciate your help regardless!

[Saiburx]

I had the same issue. I couldn’t import any dxf or dwg files. I fixed it by removing autocad and gnacad on my ipad.

[esedla]

Very interesting, I tried that as well and found that that was the underlying issue! Although, not only did uninstalling AutoCAD need to be done, but also Shapr3D and Microsoft Outlook. This was because in the files app those DWG/DXF files would show up with the icon of the problematic app over the preview placeholder. So, I went down and uninstalled everything until there was no icon above them, and then everything was editable and worked out great.

The con is obviously that I would need to also remove all of my other creative DWG-recieving apps, as once I reinstalled Shapr3D the issue reappeared, however I’ll see if I can find any janky workarounds! Thanks for the help!

[jer0en]

I have the same issue on my iPad.
The icons are dimmed and can't be opened.
The filetype is not associated to Designer V2 - also not via the sharing menu (open with other app) route.

As a workaround you can open/import the files without uninstalling other apps with the following steps:

• Click and hold the file icon. 
  An options menu appears below the icon (The icon is no longer greyed out)
• Click on the file icon (with the menu still open) to open/import it.

 

[esedla]

Thanks for mentioning that, unfortunately this method is not working on either of my iPads on 2.0.3. It did not work when going through both the ‘Open>Open Document and Open>Import Document’ menus on the main screen, and in the place tab inside a document. However, I am able to open supported file types with that workaround so you’re definitely onto something. Can you confirm what version you were on or if you did anything different?

I appreciate any further help regardless, I’d love to fully cut desktop Illustrator out of my workflow in architectural linework touchup as a student!

[jer0en]

Hey Esedia,

My version of Designer is 2.0.3 on iPadOS 15.6.1.

It works for me the same as you described: open document, import document, and placing inside a document.
I attached a document that works for me for you to try.

Radius Dish Router Jig.dxf

Edited December 27, 2022 by jer0en

[jer0en]

I just upgraded to iPadOS 16.2 and this workaround no longer works in the same way.

You now have to do the following:

• Click and hold on the dimmed icon until the options menu appears.
• Choose "get info" from the menu.
• In the information window, click on the file icon to open the file.

[DM1]

5 hours ago, jer0en said:

I just upgraded to iPadOS 16.2 and this workaround no longer works in the same way.

FWIW, I am able to open /import directly to Designer. No other CAD apps installed.

[esedla]

5 hours ago, jer0en said:

You now have to do the following:

• Click and hold on the dimmed icon until the options menu appears.
• Choose "get info" from the menu.
• In the information window, click on the file icon to open the file.

That was it! This works for me, if anyone else sees this and is having the same issues, that’s the solution. For Affinity, this bug is that DWG/DWF files are not detected as being openable by Affinity Designer 2.03 (as of right now) on iPadOS, when other apps are installed on the iPad that can also open said formats. I’ll be looking out for the patch that eventually fixes this, but until then the quote above from jer0en is the working fix!

[Boma]

The open icon is dimmed as well, so I can’t open Dwg on dxf files on the iPad

Edited June 27, 2023 by Boma

[OmarC]

This continues to be broken for me.  IOS 18.3 and it still shows def files grayed out.  The file info window trick doesn’t work either.  

Edit:  The File Info window Trick works from the Import Document function. You have to be outside of any document. It does not using the “place” command. At least for me it doesn’t.  

Edited February 14 by OmarC

[sidechained75]

I got this working using the workaround above.

Is there any development on not having to access the DWG files through this really clunky method?