Using the "Generate and Publish Selected Drawing as SVG" feature SVG file icon with green graph lines on blue background, showing file extension and preview thumbnail, you can upload a layer status to eTASK as a colorizable and navigable graphic. The AutoCAD drawing is then available as an SVG graphic to all users, even those without CAD knowledge. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics and enables lossless scaling of graphics with a small file size. This means that AutoCAD drawings can be displayed in eTASK using this format and enlarged as needed. It serves for navigation and the graphical representation of alphanumeric data in the database.
The actual plan should always be saved as a PDF document. This then contains all information such as the plan frame, plan header, dimensions, hatching, etc.
Rooms in eTASK marked with Icon showing a yellow folder with a blue arrow pointing into it, indicating file import or upload indicate graphic links. Those marked with Google Drive icon with blue, yellow, green, and red triangular sections forming a rounded square shape have an SVG link, while those marked with Icon of letter C in blue square, representing AutoCAD software logo have a CAD link. A graphic in eTASK is only displayed once an SVG graphic has been generated in AutoCAD and linked to the database.
Before an SVG graphic can be generated from a linked DWG and published on the eTASK portal, you should first verify that all desired labels and section views for the drawing display have already been created. In addition to the default label, additional labels can be created for use in the SVG graphic. The label templates available in eTASK can be defined under Label in the ribbon.
Dialog for generating SVG graphics, showing layer visibility settings, drawing views, and SVG export options for an AutoCAD drawing
Section Views
Under Section Views, you can select whether and, if so, which section views should be available for selection in the SVG graphic in eTASK.
The section views are displayed under the structure path or, if there are deviations within a structure, under the floor path, and can be enabled or disabled for publication.
Section view as in the last generation: If this option is active, no section view can be selected; the ones selected during the last generation are used.
Layers as set in DWG: If no section view is to be created, the option "Layers as set in DWG" is available. This transfers the layers currently visible to the SVG. If this option is not active, multiple section views can be selected. The layer settings for the currently selected section view are displayed in this option. These cannot be edited in this dialog. The icons Icon showing "ABC" text with a chain link symbol, representing hyperlinked text or a connected alphabet concept, AutoCAD interface showing "Export SVG" dialog with options for layer selection, scale, and output file settings, and Icon depicting a radio with antenna, representing broadcast or transmission functionality
indicate whether the layer to be set contains polygons, labels, or drawing elements. The number of polygon elements, labels, or other drawing data is displayed in the tooltip when the mouse hovers over the layer.
SVG options for the file
Use the SVG options to define how the content is displayed in the graphic.
Hide connection polygons: If the room polygons to be linked are to be visible in the Room Book module, this option should not be enabled; otherwise, the rooms will be invisible. Normally, there is an architectural representation of the walls, windows, and doors. In this case, the "Hide Link Polygons" option should be selected, as otherwise the polygon lines would be visible in the door area. This would give the impression that thresholds have been installed in all doors. Note: The text sorting, which frequently required the "Move connection polygons down" option in the old interface, is automatically preset during SVG generation with the new interface.
Hidden hatching: Hatching can be hidden using this option. Otherwise, hatching is displayed if this option is not selected.
Use only black as color: Architectural renderings are typically created in multiple colors. If you want a neutral black rendering of all graphics in the SVG file, you should select the "Use only black as color" option.
Use black only for SOLID fills as well: SOLID fills can also be displayed in black when this option is selected. If this option is disabled, SOLID fills are displayed in color. This enables, for example, typical design renderings with SOLID fills in grayscale or colored markings for fire walls/sections in eTASK without having to assign new colors to all linearly displayed elements. A representation with predefined color assignments for layers in AutoCAD, e.g., according to the criteria of a specification sheet, can thus be converted into a clearly legible plan view during SVG generation.
Left: AutoCAD, Right: eTASK SVG
Display with colored SOLID fills, but with black lines
Display all lines as solid lines: In the SVG graphic, all AutoCAD line types—Solid Line, Solid Line, Extended Line, Continuous, Solid Line, and EXTENDED—are displayed as solid lines. If you use other line types, you can still display solid lines in the SVG graphic using this function. Caution: This applies to ALL lines in the graphic, including beams, ceiling arches, vaults, axes, and section lines. Note: This option can be helpful when using DWGs that were not created in AutoCAD. Their line types are often displayed as dashed or dotted lines in the SVG due to different scaling—this allows the drawing to be published as an SVG without having to adjust every single line type.
Output all as line weight [mm]: For a scale of 1:100, a line weight of 0.25 mm is recommended. (Specify line weight separated by a "comma"—not a "period") If line weights exist in AutoCAD but are not to be displayed in the SVG, this option allows you to globally control the line weight at which all lines should be displayed in the SVG. The specification is scale-dependent.
Line weights for scale 1: ... : Please enter the scale used here. For this option, the default scale is 1:100, which can be left as is for most use cases. Plans at a scale of 1:50 are generally not used for generating SVG graphics.
Explode nested blocks: In practice, it often happens that drawings contain blocks that are nested multiple times within one another. This can lead to rendering errors in the SVG. However, this makes the SVG graphic significantly larger and takes longer to load. It would be better to adjust the critical blocks in the original.
SVG Layer Boundaries: Especially in large drawings or site plans, there may be layers that are significantly larger in size than all other layers. When generating the SVG graphic, this layer must then be explicitly specified.
If you only want to use a section of the entire drawing as an SVG, it is recommended to create a separate layer with, for example, a rectangle, which is specified here.
Use settings from last generation: The settings from the last SVG generation can be applied if the SVG has already been published.
Start SVG generation: Once the desired section views and options have been set, the drawing can be published as an SVG. Start the SVG generation by clicking OK.
