1) For comparison, open a dwg file directly in illustrator and turn layers on and off. Note that all layers are preserved.
2) Selecting layers: Open the Carr’s Hill file dwg file. From File, select either Open or Import. Use the Files of type list to select .dwg.
Turn off all layers you don’t need. Leave on the layers:
Buildings, Index, Intermed, Road, RR, Parking, Trees
Note: If you’re not sure what layer an object is on, select it and hit the properties icon.
2) Exporting:
There are two ways of exporting your file to different file types (.obj, .dwg, etc.)
File / Export Selected: after selecting the objects you wish to export, type a filename and use Save as type to select .dwg.
File / Export with Origin: after selecting the objects you wish to export, pick an insertion base point that will be the origin of your new file, or you can push enter/spacebar to use the current model origin. Again, type a filename and select the Save as type box to pick the format of your exported file.
NOTE: you also have the options of Save small and Save geometry only.
1) Open the Carr’s Hill file dwg file. Turn off all layers you don’t need. Leave on the layers:
Buildings, Index, Intermed, Road, RR, Parking, Trees
Note: If you’re not sure what layer an object is on, select it and hit the properties icon.
2) Export the file from Microstation by following these two alternative options:
Method 1
a) File > Export > Save as 2D (note that topo is originally 3D, but 2D is a good abstract way of working)
b) File > Open the file and save as it as a dwg file (the options button can give you more control)
Part II: In Adobe Illustrator
1) Importing:
1) Open Illustrator and open your file. Set the scale here (100 units [this is the CAD unitst] to 1” in the Illustrator file)
2) Modifications on initial CAD file in Illustrator
1) Open Swatch Library and Ruler (CRTL+R))
2) Select Objects In Sets:
Select > Object > On Same Layer, or Select > Same > Fill/Stroke
Object > Group
3) Modifying line appearences: Change the color of the line (notice the box, one is in front, one is behind, that denotes the fill and outline of the object). To change the outline color of the box, make sure the outline is in front and change the object that way.
Now change the stroke of the object. (If you don’t see the box, go to Window > Stroke). Change line weights here.
4) Object fill: Now say you want to quickly fill the buildings objects with a solid color. You can do this with Live paint.
First select the objects you want to fill.
Select the Live Paint Bucket and select the objects. Now you can pick a color and fill the objects quickly.
5) Modifying the topo layer.
Change and make dashed lines ( a b c b )
2) Drawing in Illustrator:
1) Pen tool
Click and drag to create tangent lines (similar to a b-spline)
2) Selection tool (black arrow) vs. Direct Selection tool (white arrow)
3) Make a North Arrow
Add Arrowhead (Effect > Stylize Add Arrowhead)
4) Graphic Styles If you like a certain line type and style that you wish to reapply.
Set up an object style.
Apply it to any other line that you make without having to re-do the style definition all over again.
5) Clipping Mask in new layer
Draw rectangular mask overlaid on geometry in drawing.
Apply mask to clip out elements outside of rectangle.
3) Exporting to Photoshop:
1) Save in different layers.
2) Export file as a PSD. Can save as jpeg as well. Will export different layers separately so that manipulation Photoshop is easier..
For example, I almost always export trees as a separate layer, so that I can efficiently use the magic wand tool in Photoshop
3) Note: export during the actual workshop failed due to high amount of geometry in file: deleting geometry would be necessary.
This will be re-examined in the next workshop.
4) Other Photoshop key tools to know (will be covered in the next workshop):
1) Magic Wand Selection.
2) Inverse selection, Saving Selections.
3) Fill
4) Object Styles (opacity, multiply, etc)
