SAP2000 models may be exported to DWG (Drawing) format through the process which follows:

1. Within SAP2000, select File > Export > AutoCAD .dxf File, as shown in Figure 1:
   
   
   
   
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   Figure 1 - Export SAP2000 model to DWG format

   
   
   
2. Select AutoCAD .DWG Files (*.DWG) from the drop-down menu within the browse window, as shown in Figure 2:
   
   
   
   
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   Figure 2 - Select file for export

   
   
   
3. Choose the SAP2000 model you wish to export to DWG format from the list of saved files which are available.
   
   
4. Specify the global vertical direction and the appropriate units, then select OK.
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5. Assign DWG layers to the SAP2000 objects, then select OK.
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6. The SAP2000 model will then automatically convert and open as a DWG file.
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A few notes which concern this process are as follows:

• AutoCAD must be installed on the desktop to import or export between SAP2000 and DWG. This is because DWG files are in binary format, and must be read or written using the AutoCAD functions available through the AutoCAD API. DXF import and export, however, does not require AutoCAD installation because DXF is a text file of published and available format.

• SAP2000 uses
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  ActiveX

  late binding to create AutoCAD entities.

• SAP2000 objects will convert into DWG entities as described in the following table:
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See Also

• Import DWG to SAP2000 article

• Export SAP2000 to DXF article