Steps to Export from RENDR:
Complete your scan in the RENDR app. Ensure you have captured all necessary areas of the space.
Export the scan as a DXF file. Within the RENDR mobile or web app, navigate to the completed scan and select the export options.
Enable the "CAD to walls" toggle. When exporting the DXF file, ensure that the "CAD to walls" option is turned on. This setting makes the data adjustable by Chief Architect.
Note the scale setting (optional but recommended for consistency). While the specific unit (feet, inches, etc.) doesn't strictly matter for the export as long as the import in Chief Architect matches, it's good practice to be aware of this setting for consistency.
Choose your transfer method. You can download the exported DXF file to your computer, or from iOS mobile app via various methods such as:
Airdrop (for Apple devices).
Emailing the file.
Saving to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Steps to Import into Chief Architect:
Open Chief Architect on your computer.
Import the DXF file. Navigate to File > Import > CAD. Alternatively, you can often drag and drop the DXF file directly into the Chief Architect window. This action will open the DXF/DWG Import window.
NOTE: For X17 users: Check the Import Settings Dialog
You will see an "Import Drawing" box with various options.Turn Off "Create CAD Blocks"
In the import dialog, locate the "Create CAD Blocks" option and make sure this box is NOT checked (i.e., turn this option off).
Select "Chief Architect Layers by Name". In the DXF/DWG Import window, ensure that the option "Chief Architect Layers by Name" is selected.
Verify the import scale. Confirm that the import units in Chief Architect match the units used (or noted) during the RENDR export (e.g., inches to inches). You can adjust this setting in the DXF/DWG Import window.
Import all layers. The RENDR export typically includes layers for walls, windows, doors, objects, and openings. It is crucial to import all of these layers to ensure proper functionality with the CAD to Walls tool. Do not import into a single layer.
Convert CAD lines to architectural elements. Once the DXF file is imported, the plan will appear as a series of CAD lines. To convert these into walls, windows, and doors, go to CAD > CAD to Walls.
Assign RENDR layers to Chief Architect elements. In the CAD to Walls window:
Set the "Wall Layer" to "RENDR Walls".
Set the "Window Layer" to "RENDR Windows".
Note that while there is a "RENDR Doors" layer, the CAD to Walls tool automatically detects doors based on the CAD lines, so you do not need to select the door layer.
Click OK to initiate the conversion. Chief Architect will now generate walls, windows, and doors based on the imported RENDR data!
Review and adjust the plan. After the conversion, carefully review the plan and make any necessary adjustments. This may include:
Adjusting wall heights and thicknesses.
Fine-tuning window and door placements.
Adding door swings, as these are not automatically captured by RENDR. Consider referencing a PDF export of the RENDR plan with markups or site photos for door swing information.
Verifying critical dimensions using Chief Architect's measurement tools.
Adjusting or adding details like soffits and bulkheads, which may not be fully captured by RENDR.
Tips for Enhanced Accuracy:
For the highest level of accuracy for single room scans, consider exporting the RENDR scan as a single line DXF and manually tracing the walls in Chief Architect instead of using the "CAD to Walls" tool. This method preserves the precise measurements captured by RENDR.
By following these steps, you can efficiently export your RENDR scans into Chief Architect, significantly reducing the time and effort required to create as-built drawings and allowing you to focus on the design phase of your projects. This integration streamlines your workflow and helps you get designs out the door faster.