Simply copy and paste your KML objects from Google earth to AutoCAD using Plex-Earth 5.
Plex-Earth 5 has been programmed to be as user friendly as possible. We have developed features to simplify procedures as much as we can and one of these features is the ability to simply copy and paste KML objects from Google Earth to AutoCAD. This tutorial will show several ways how this can be done.
Step 1. Creating a Google Earth Element
Let's start with creating a Google Earth element from scratch. It may be placemarks, paths, polygons, etc.
On the toolbar at the top, click on the icon of the element that you would like to make.
Create your element on the map and then customize your element properties on the pop up window. For this tutorial, we will create a polygon (pink section below):
You may skip this step if you already have a KML file. Just open it on Google Earth and the show the KML layers by ticking the box beside it on the Places tab of the side bar.
Step 2. Copying the KML Objects
Once displayed on the map, you can copy these depending on the number of objects.
Copying a single GE element or KML layer
Right-click on the object that you would like to paste in AutoCAD. Click on "Copy".
Copying grouped objects
In the sidebar of the Google Earth window, under the "Places" tab, right-click on the folder containing all the objects that you would like to fetch and click "Copy". This will save you a lot of time especially if there is a significant amount of objects instead of selecting them one by one.
Step 3. Pasting the KML Objects
After copying, simply go back to your DWG file in AutoCAD and paste the item. Here are the different methods of pasting GE elements/KML layers to AutoCAD via Plex-Earth:
- using the Ctrl+V command on your keyboard
- right-click >> Clipboard >> Paste
- typing PASTECLIP on the command line
- typing PXV_PASTE on the command line
- from the KML Tools Panel in click Import KML/KMZ >> YES, USE CLIPBOARD
With a simple keystroke and click of a button, a designer can now fetch KML objects from Google Earth to AutoCAD with no sweat.
Note: Not all KML layers will retain its existing layer properties when pasted to AutoCAD.
In cases like this, set up AutoCAD layers first for the KML objects you'd like to fetch before pasting and make sure to enable the desired layer so the object will have the AutoCAD layer properties.
Go to Home >> Layer Panel >> Layer Properties (or type in "LA" on the command line then enter).
Afterwards, double-click on the desired layer to enable it. There will be a check mark on the left side, indicating that the layer has been enabled.
You may now proceed with pasting the KML layer and it should adapt the properties of the enabled AutoCAD layer.
For this example, even if an AutoCAD layer is enabled, the KML object, which has its embedded properties which can be edited in Google earth, will retain them when pasted onto AutoCAD.
Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may have and don’t forget to start your free trial today.