Linework works with the files that travel around a building project: DWG from the architect, the point file from the surveyor, IFC from the consultant, Shapefile for the network operator. Here is what each format carries and what it does not.
Drawings and sheets
Format
Direction
What it carries
.frame
in and out
The native format: readable JSON with stable ids and the exact geometry, large files compressed.
DWG
in and out
Read and write in the AutoCAD 2018 format: layers, blocks with attributes, hatches, text and dimensions with their styles, references, layouts with viewports. Solids made in AutoCAD (ACIS) and DWG terrain do not come in yet; your own 3D goes out as meshes.
DXF
in and out
As DWG, plus export to a network operator’s layer profile.
PDF
in and out
In: vector PDF as an underlay at plan scale, text stays text, scans come as images. Out: all sheets to scale with lineweights, a bookmark per sheet, PDF/A-2b or -1b on request.
SVG
out
The top view with layer colours, linetypes and lineweights.
PNG, JPEG, TIFF, WebP
in
Images and scans as underlays, cropped and brought to scale.
Building model
Format
Direction
What it carries
IFC
in and out
Out as IFC 4: storeys, walls with layered build-ups, slabs, roofs, stairs, openings with windows and doors, rooms, types, quantities, georeference, terrain, pipes with fittings. In from IFC 2x3, 4 and 4.3: straight walls and slabs editable, types with materials, rooms, terrain, building services as a network, the rest as solids.
BCF
in and out
Issues with their viewpoint, version 2.1.
STEP
in and out
Solids from makers and for the workshop, converted to the drawing’s unit.
glTF
out
The model for web and rendering, one node per object.
BTLx
out
Timbers with cuts, notches and tenons for the joinery machine, version 2.3.
GAEB X31
out
Quantities per item number for the tendering program (GAEB DA XML 3.3). Linework does not read a bill of quantities yet.
CSV
in and out
Every list out: rooms, room book, costs, circuits, material. In: building types, catalogues, attributes.
Survey and civil works
Format
Direction
What it carries
CSV, PNEZD
in and out
The surveyor’s points in, setting-out points with station and offset out.
LandXML 1.2
in and out
Terrain as a triangulation with breaklines, alignments and profiles.
OKSTRA
in
Terrain models with their triangulation, alignments and profiles.
ISYBAU
in and out
Sewer master data: in from the 2006 to 2024 versions, out as 2017 or 2024 with manholes, reaches and house connections.
DGM1
in
The German states’ 1 m elevation model as GeoTIFF or XYZ.
GIS and utilities
Format
Direction
What it carries
GeoJSON
in and out
Points, lines and areas with attributes, as a network if you like. Out in WGS 84 or in the drawing’s system.
Shapefile
in and out
As GeoJSON, with the companion files for attributes and reference system.
GeoPackage
in and out
One layer per drawing layer, individual tables selectable.
GIS-NB 5.1
out
The Shapefile sets of the German gigabit funding’s GIS rules, with a list of missing mandatory fields.
ALKIS (NAS)
in
Parcels with their numbers and buildings from a file of the surveying office.
WMS
in
Aerial image or map as an underlay in the drawing’s coordinate system.
Events
Format
Direction
What it carries
MVR
in and out
Lighting rigs with fixtures, fixture type, DMX address and position. Trusses go out as generic objects.
GDTF
in
Fixture types with body, weight, power and channels.
What a valid file does not prove
We check exports to LandXML, ISYBAU and GAEB X31 against the published schemas. That does not say your client or your tendering program accepts the file as it is.
We have not tried every round trip with AutoCAD, Revit, ORCA and the makers’ machines yet. Tell us when something does not arrive.
When you open a DWG from Linework in AutoCAD, AutoCAD points out that it was not saved by an Autodesk program. That is not a fault in the file.
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