OrthoGraph-Vectorworks compatibility

However we work with industry standard export formats such as IFC and DXF, many of our users or to-be users ask about the compatibility of OrthoGraph with a specific software that they are using for their everyday work.

So we decided that we will show you how OrthoGraph export files work in different CAD software. At this time, we would like to write about the Vectorworks compatibility. We have tested the OrthoGraph export files in Vectorworks 2015 software both with the DXF and with the IFC export files.

Please watch our short video about the OrthoGraph- Vectorworks compatibility and see it with your own eyes how simple and accurate it is:

DXF export

OrthoGraph's DXF export is a two dimensional export format. To use this, you don't have to do anything else but export your OrthoGraph project in DXF either with the "Upload to Dropbox" tool or with the "Send by email" tool.
You can choose from single and separate layers. Separate layers means that every location and measurement will be on a separate layer. If you chose single layer then everything will be on one layer.

In Vectorworks, you can click on  File/Import/ DXF import and simply open the file. After that, we recommend to click on View/Zoom/ Fit to page area in order to see the model well.
This steps will result a fully measured and accurate 2D floor plan.

 IFC export

OrthoGraph's IFC format is a 3D format. To use this, you don't have to do anything else but export your OrthoGraph project in IFC either with the "Upload to Dropbox" tool or with the "Send by email" tool.

There are also the same steps in Vectorworks. Simply select File/Import/ IFC import and open your IFC file. In View menu select Layer Options/ and allow "Show others".
With these settings, you will be able to see the full 3D model.



Your OrthoGraph team

OrthoGraph Architect v5.0 with IFC and Box

A new version of OrthoGraph Architect is out in the Apple AppStore with amazing new features.

The most important is the IFC export, from now on OrthoGraph Architect 3D projects can be saved into IFC 2x3 format directly from the iPad. Based on established, international standards for common objects in the building industry, the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format provides an interoperability solution between different software applications. Using IFC allows the transfer of all BIM data collected with OrthoGraph including the building's logical structure, the object properties etc.

OrthoGraph’s IFC format contains the logical structure of the building with all properties, all walls, windows and doors in a 3D model also including their measured properties, and the objects will also be included in a soon release (objects will have only 3D box representations in their proper position and with their properties transferred).

IFC files created with OrthoGraph can be imported into most CAD systems. Some important links describing the opportunities are listed on our website: http://www.orthograph.net/orthograph-cad-connectivity.html

Another feature asked by many customers is the Box integration, and it is also available from this version. Box is one of the leading online file sharing cloud applications available. With this feature besides e-mail and Dropbox you have a third solution for transferring and sharing your results.

We have introduced a new property for openings, both doors and windows have now the entry 'position' on their property sheet, which is a distance from the wall surface telling where the particular opening is within the wall. Now this is an information only, later we will use this also for the proper 2D and 3D display.

We have enhanced some other features, most important is the fit-in-window both within the app and in the PDF roombook.

We are working on the next version, the freehand annotation is in the beta testing phase, and we are also working on a fresh new design with more self explaining tool icons (the old skin will be available for those accustomed to it).