General information on exporting layouts

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

Resolve and transfer layouts: the association between the layout and the documents is lost and all data is written 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 resolved): the association between the layout and the documents is not lost. When you export to the 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 the AutoCAD paper space, the program only creates a single file. Select this option if you want to process the layout in AutoCAD.

To select one of these options, click Options..., open the Advanced Settings tab and enable or disable the Layouts/ XRef files and/or Convert XRef to smart symbol options in the Explode compounds area.

The following table shows the major differences between these two options.

	Resolve and export	Export as complex elements
File(s) 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-format files. Export to paper space: the program creates a single file; each document becomes a movable viewport.
Exploding elements (in documents)	Always resolved	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: switch off the corresponding options on the Printer tab in the Selection area, Elements to print -> Set, and select the Currently visible data option for the 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
Consider clip boundaries (using layout windows, for example)	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 may 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