General information on exporting layouts

By using the Export Layouts tool in Layout Editor, you can export a layout and the documents therein as a DXF/DWG/DGN file. Two options are available:

Explode and transfer layouts: This option unlinks the documents from the layout, writing the data to a single file. Select this option if you want to achieve as identical a layout as possible in AutoCAD.
Transfer layouts as complex elements (not exploded): This option keeps the link between the documents and the layouts. When you export to AutoCAD model space, the program creates a separate file for the layout itself and for each document placed in the layout. When you export to AutoCAD paper space, the program creates a single file. Select this option if you want to edit the layout in AutoCAD.

To define what to do, select or clear the Layouts / XRef files and XRef to smart symbol options in the Explode compounds area on the Advanced Settings tab of the Settings... dialog box.

The following table shows the most important differences between these two options.

	Explode and export	Export as complex elements
Files created	A single file. If Layouts / XRef Files is selected: Each document becomes a group. If Convert XRef to smart symbol is selected: Each document becomes a block.	Export to model space: The program creates a main document for the layout and a separate file as an external reference (XRef) for each document. The individual documents are always created as .dwg files. Export to paper space: The program creates a single file; each document becomes a movable viewport.
Exploding elements (in documents)	Always exploded	Depending on the setting in the Explode elements area
Exploding elements (in layouts)	Depending on the setting in the Explode elements area	Depending on the setting in the Explode elements area
Filtering elements (in documents)	Print Layouts tool: Turn off the corresponding options on the Printer tab in the Selection area, Elements to print -> Set, and select the Currently visible data option for export.	Depending on the setting in the Transfer elements area
Filtering elements (in layouts)	Depending on the setting in the Transfer elements area	Depending on the setting in the Transfer elements area
Considering clip boundaries (for example, by layout windows)	Yes (regardless of the setting made in Transfer) If Convert XRef to smart symbol is selected: If a document is placed several times but with different clip boundaries, it might happen that the document is always placed in a clipped or unclipped state in AutoCAD.	Export to model space: No Export to paper space: Yes
Paper space – model space	Model space	Depending on the setting on the AutoCAD specific tab

What do you want to do?

Export layouts in a complex manner (with external references)

Export layouts in a complex manner (to a single file that can be edited)

Export layout windows and sections