When using one or more CAD files in your CET drawing, settings for all files can be controlled in the CAD Settings dialog found in the Tools component tab:

Imported files

All drawings that are imported into CET are listed and managed on the left-hand side of the CAD Settings dialog:

	List of all imported CAD files, categorized as currently in the drawing or not yet inserted.
	State of the selected file, telling you whether it is frozen, locked, placed inside a block or on a paper in Paper View:
	Tools for managing the CAD file:
	Open CAD file with default associated software. If Windows cannot find a default software for opening CAD files, you are prompted to pick which software you would like to use. Locate CAD file in drawing. Reload CAD file if changes were made in AutoCAD. Rename CAD file. Remove CAD file from drawing.
	Import new CAD file.

Once you have imported a file, you can control the settings in the two tabs: CAD properties and CAD layers.

CAD properties

You can use a CAD Settings preset for either a Floorplan or a 3D symbol from the Settings dropdown at the top of the CAD properties tab:

Or you can customize the settings for your individual file: 

 The CAD properties tab is divided into five sections:

File

Displays detailed information about the loaded file selected on the left.

Embed CAD file in drawing: Check this option if you may be sharing the .cmdrw file with someone who does not have access to the original AutoCAD file or if the AutoCAD file is saved in a Network location and you may work somewhere without access to the network. Otherwise, the AutoCAD plan only references the file from the file path where it is saved, like an Xref.

Scale and unit

Select the original drawing scale by picking the scale from the dropdown menu or by selecting Custom scale and entering a value in the text box to the right. Finally, choose the distance unit that was used for the original drawing. The actual scale and dimensions are calculated and shown beneath. A size preview gives an approximate scale compared to a human. This is not an exact size and is meant only as a reference.

2D

Control how the CAD file will behave in the 2D view.

Show in 2D view: Make the drawing visible in the 2D drawing view.

Show only outline of meshes: Displays fewer lines for a neater appearance. Hides excess lines that are created for 3D objects.

Maximum Curve Deviation: This feature gives the user the opportunity to manually choose the level of curve precision on imported 2D CAD elements like curves, arches, and circles. Note: we suggest first importing the file without changing the precision. If there is an issue (e.g. an ellipse having edges) then change the precision options.

3D

Control how the CAD file will behave in the 3D view.

Show in 3D view: Make the drawing visible in the 3D drawing view.

Show 2D entities in 3D view: Display lines that are only drawn in 2D in AutoCAD.

Flatten 2D entities in 3D view: Some CAD files have 2D entities in the 3D space.  This feature forces those lines to be flattened out in the 3D space.  However, the box can be unchecked to be able to view the 2D entities in the 3D drawing view, as shown below.

Vertex normal break angle: Smooths out the rough-edged appearance of a multifaceted surface. CET calculates the surface normally and blends the colors across two or more adjacent faces. The break angle is the angle at which CET interprets an edge. The default is 45 degrees. Angles greater than 45 degrees are considered edges. Angles less than 45 degrees are smoothed. To define an edge as less than 45 degrees, reduce the smoothing angle.

Surface tolerance: This feature gives the user the opportunity to manually choose the level of tolerance on imported 3D CAD elements like curves, arches, and cylinders. Note: we suggest first importing the file without changing the precision. If there is an issue (e.g. an ellipse having edges) then change the precision options.

Import (changes require reload of dwg)

Import CAP symbol data: Import existing pricing and part information to the Calculation from CAP symbols that are imported as .dwg files.

Import 3D entities:  Check this option to allow renderable objects with 3D meshes that can accept materials/textures to import with the CAD file.

Import Materials: Check this option to import materials from the CAD file. Materials are not embedded in your CAD drawing so you will have to have them available locally on your computer for the import to work.

Explode Solids (more detailed 2D):  Shows all lines in the 2D CAD model.

CAD Settings Presets

There are two pre-made settings that you can choose from at the top of the CAD properties tab: Floorplan and 3D symbol. Choose one of the two based on whether your CAD plan is a 2D or 3D file.  

Besides the two existing presets, you can create your own with a few quick steps:

1. Adjust your CAD properties for your new desired preset.
2. You will see the name of the original preset with (modified) after it.
3. Click the save icon next to the dropdown.
4. Choose a save location.

This preset will now always be available in the dropdown. It is also saved as a reusable file (.cmdwgset) that can be shared or reused.