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Data can be exported directly to CAD systems using the 'Export to CAD' menu commands or
buttons. The data is seamlessly transferred and normally requires no setup provided a CAD system is
installed to receive the data. The transfer is implemented through DXF files (data exchange files)
despatched to a temporary file, then the CAD system registered by Windows to handle DXF files is invoked
to open the file.DXF Application Registration
For the CAD export to work properly it is important that the CAD system is registered to handle DXF files within windows, which is normally the case. However there are times when more than one application installed in Windows registers itself as the default application for handling DXF. In these cases the application that was installed last usually becomes the one to receive it, which may be the wrong application. The alternatives are 1. Register the correct application as the default for handling DXF files in Windows 2. Use the 'Export to Application' command/s in Sheet Lightning instead of 'Export to CAD'. 3. Output the data to DXF file, then open the CAD system (or application) you wish to receive the data and import it.
Testing and Altering the DXF Application
To test which application is registered to handle DXF files, open Windows explorer (or My Computer). Browse to find a DXF file. Double click on the file. The application registered to open DXF files will be invoked to load the selected file. If none is registered windows will prompt you to select an application with which to open it. To change the application that opens DXF files go to the 'View' menu in Windows explorer (or My Computer) and select the 'File Options' command. For more details see 'Opening files > file type association' in the Windows help.
Exporting to Applications
DXF data can be exported directly from Sheet Lightning to any chosen application. Select the 'Export to Application' command to open the application browse dialog. Now browse for the application program file to receive the data by selecting the browse button. Of course the chosen application must be capable of receiving DXF data for the data transfer to be successful.
Fig: Open Application Dialog
The currently selected application is saved as part of the program configuration on exit from Sheet Lightning (if the save configuration option is checked). The parameter macro can be used to add switches to the selected application. Normally only the file name is required, but sometimes the application can be invoke with special modes or options using command switches specific to the application.