I get asked this frequently and was just asked again which caused me to think, “hey I should blog this.”

I received a set of DWG files from a client and want to clean up the layers to my CAD standards, how do I do it and not take days or having to write code?

The solution is actually quite simple, and powerful. Using the AutoCAD Layer Translator within AutoCAD you can read a specific drawings layers or a DWS (Drawing Standards) file and use them as the target then select the drawings you want to translate layers from to your standard layers and map them or as Michael Beall says “connect the dots”.

Find the AutoCAD Layer Translator:

AutoCAD Command: LAYTRANS
Ribbon:  Manage tab > CAD Standards panel > Layer Translator
Menu:  Tools > CAD Standards > Layer Translator

AutoCAD Layer Translator mapping problem or non-compliant layers to a target layer of your drawing or standards file.

AutoCAD Layer Translator Settings

• Force Object Color to BYLAYER
  Specifies whether or not every object translated takes on the color assigned to its layer.
• Force Object Linetype to BYLAYER
  Specifies whether or not every object translated takes on the linetype assigned to its layer.
• Force Object Transparency to BYLAYER
  Specifies whether or not every object translated takes on the transparency assigned to its layer.
• Translate Objects in Blocks
  Specifies whether or not objects nested within blocks are translated.
• Write Transaction Log
  Specifies whether or not a log file detailing the results of translation is created. If this option is selected, a log file is created in the same folder as the translated drawing. The log file is assigned the same name as the translated drawing, with a .log file name extension.
• Show Layer Contents When Selected
  Specifies which layers to display in the drawing area.

When you are done you will be promoted to save the mapping data to use again in a .DWS (Drawing Standards) file.

Cheers,
Shaan

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