dannyjanani / dwg-pdf-converter

A project to convert batch convert DWGs to PDFs.

DWG-PDF-Converter

A project to batch convert DWGs to PDFs.

Project Overview

At Con Edison, there were many times where they wanted to send drawings to the customer, that need to be converted to PDF. To convert each file to a PDF was tedious and sometimes wouldn't work in AutoCAD. The name will not be saved the same as the original and the user will have to rename each file with long complex file names based on Con Edison Convention Techniques. To manually convert 1000s of drawings, would in itself be a full time job. The project was to create a program to do this using VBA and AutoCAD API. I created a tool where the user would specify the directory of files they would like to process. The program will copy the directory to the server, convert them, save the files as their original name, and send an email to the user saying the files have been converted with a link to the directory. After the drawings have been converted, the files will be deleted after 7 days as set by the admin to avoid overloading the server. The challenge was that it had to be a tool that anyone can access, without having to download on their machine due to the limitations set by Con Edison, where only an admin can download any executables. The solution was to place this program and processed in the background on a server, having a File Listener. The File Listener would listen for any directories added in a certain location, and it will begin the process notifying the user when it is complete.

Project Goals

• Fully designed and implemented by me.
• Weekly meetings with manager showing progress for the week.
• Obtaining admin approval to create the executable.
• Obtaining a server to run the program on.
• Obtaining a no-reply email to be used to let user track progress.
• Have the ability to convert DWGs-to-PDFs.
• Making it as convenient and as quick as possible for the user.
• Client Side:
  • User will specify the directory they would like to process.
  • The program can convert a directory of DWGs.
  • The directory will be copied to the server for processing.
  • No additional downloads for the user.
  • The user will receive an email with a link to the processed files.
• Server Side:
  • There is a File Listener, watching for a new directory.
  • When it sees a new directory, it will open a process of AutoCAD with an Embedded Drawing.
  • The drawings will be converted and stored on the server.
  • An email will be sent to the user with a link to the files.
  • The files will be deleted after 7 days as specified by the admin.

Gallery

How it Works!

Skills Used

• Software:

  • Visual Studio
  • AutoCAD
  • AutoCAD API

• Languages:

  • VBA
  • C#