New here - question inDesgin & DWG file

[tsg]

Hello. I have been searching through google trying to find a solution for my problem, then I came across this forum and might have to stick around.

I am doing a piece of literature for a client. I am using InDesign 2.0. They have sent me a .DWG (autoCad) file to add to the piece. 1) I can not link the DWG file to my project in inDesign. 2) I don't have autocad and have downloaded a viewer and can save as a jpg, but looks like crap in the literture.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I can get this file 1) converted or 2) the best solution for this to add to the literture? I am not familiar with autocad or the files, but I know what I am doing now is not acceptable .. at least to me.

Any advice would be great!

Great looking forum!

Tim

[Kool]

Hi tsg, welcome to the forum.
Ahh the joys of autocad files. I don't think you can do anything with autocad DWG files. I believe your client can save or export his files as EPS. Sometimes they go wierd though. If it's like a floor plan or something you can have him print it and then scan it.
Good luck

http://home.comcast.net/~rnick9/Sig.jpg

'I used to be with it. But then they changed what it was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me.' Abraham Simpson

Welcome to the forum.

Now about your problem. I think you would be fine if you just open it in illustrator and save it as an eps. I've done this with auto cad drawings in the past.

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[tsg]

Thanks for advice guys!

I unfortunately do not have illustrator. I am a web developer moving in to the print sector by necessity. I believe illustrator is going to be my next big purchase.

I have photoshop 7.0 and inDesign 2.0. Been doing ok with the inDesign until this!

If I asked them to send me a eps file (or have someone convert it for me), any certain specifications for a print area of about 3' x 4'? The first file they send me was a small JPG file ... useless ... asked for a larger version, send me the DWG file ... ugg!

Thanks!

An EPS should do. Just ask for the EPS version. It'll be fully scalable so don't worry to much about the size.

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[tsg]

Thanks, that's what I will do!!

When I get a chance to chill, I am going to check out the rest of the forum. Hopefully I can answer more than ask .. lol

No problem. Thats what we are hear for. =)

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[Mickey]

If you get them to send you a EPS file you can open it in photshop (rasterize it) and then save it as a tiff file that you can place into ID.

http://home.wi.rr.com/mygraphics/konceptcreative.jpg