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AutoCAD Batch FBX Exporter

This script automates the process of exporting FBX files from a folder of DWG files in AutoCAD. By prompting the user for input and output folder paths, it efficiently converts all DWG files to FBX format while minimizing manual effort.

AutoCAD Batch FBX Exporter

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import os

from comtypes.client import CreateObject


def batch_export_fbx():

    """Batch exports FBX files from DWG files."""

    # Prompt user for input and output folder paths

    input_folder = input("Enter the full path to the folder containing DWG files: ").strip()

    if not os.path.isdir(input_folder):

        print(f"Invalid folder path: {input_folder}. Exiting.")

        return


    output_folder = input("Enter the full path to the folder to save FBX files: ").strip()

    if not os.path.isdir(output_folder):

        try:

            os.makedirs(output_folder)

            print(f"Created output folder: {output_folder}")

        except Exception as e:

            print(f"Could not create output folder: {output_folder}. Error: {e}")

            return


    # Initialize AutoCAD application

    acad = CreateObject("AutoCAD.Application")

    acad.Visible = False  # Set to True for debugging purposes


    # Loop through all DWG files in the input folder

    for file_name in os.listdir(input_folder):

        if file_name.endswith(".dwg"):

            dwg_path = os.path.join(input_folder, file_name)

            output_path = os.path.join(output_folder, f"{os.path.splitext(file_name)[0]}.fbx")

            

            try:

                # Open the DWG file in AutoCAD

                acad.Documents.Open(dwg_path)

                

                # Export to FBX

                acad.ActiveDocument.SendCommand(f'_FBXOUT "{output_path}"\n')

                

                # Close the document without saving changes

                acad.ActiveDocument.Close(SaveChanges=False)

                print(f"Exported: {file_name} to {output_path}")

            except Exception as e:

                print(f"Failed to export {file_name}: {e}")


    # Quit AutoCAD

    acad.Quit()

    print("Batch export to FBX completed.")


# Run the script

batch_export_fbx()


Description

Overview

The AutoCAD Batch FBX Exporter script simplifies the process of exporting multiple DWG files to FBX format. Instead of manually opening and exporting each file in AutoCAD, this script uses automation to process all files in a specified folder. It ensures that users can easily manage large-scale file conversions, saving time and effort.

This script works entirely in a terminal or command-line interface and uses Python’s built-in libraries along with AutoCAD’s COM interface.

Prerequisites

  1. AutoCAD Installed: Ensure AutoCAD is installed on your system, as it is required to run the script.

  2. Python Installed: Install Python 3.x on your computer.

  3. comtypes Library: Install the comtypes library by running the following command:
    bashCopy codepip install comtypes

  4. DWG Files: Prepare a folder containing the DWG files you want to export.

  5. Output Folder: Decide where you want to save the exported FBX files.

How to Use the Script

  1. Save the Script:Copy the provided Python script into a file and save it as batch_export_fbx.py.

  2. Run the Script:Open a terminal or command prompt.

    Navigate to the folder containing the script using the cd command. For example:
    bashCopy codecd C:\path\to\script
    Run the script:
    bashCopy codepython batch_export_fbx.py

  3. Provide Folder Paths:
    The script will prompt you to enter the full path to the folder containing your DWG files. For example:
    luaCopy codeEnter the full path to the folder containing DWG files: C:\path\to\dwg_files
    Next, the script will prompt you for the full path to the output folder where the FBX files will be saved. For example:
    vbnetCopy codeEnter the full path to the folder to save FBX files: C:\path\to\output_files

  4. Batch Export Process:
    The script will process all DWG files in the input folder one by one:Open the DWG file in AutoCAD.
    Export it to FBX format in the specified output folder.
    Close the file without saving any changes.

    During this process, you’ll see progress messages in the terminal, such as:
    vbnetCopy codeExported: file1.dwg to C:\path\to\output_files\file1.fbx
    Exported: file2.dwg to C:\path\to\output_files\file2.fbx

  5. Completion:
    Once all DWG files have been processed, the script will display a message:
    arduinoCopy codeBatch export to FBX completed.

  6. Verify the Output:Navigate to the output folder you specified and confirm that all FBX files have been created.

Additional Features

  • Error Handling: If the script encounters any issues (e.g., invalid folder paths, unreadable DWG files), it will log an error message and proceed with the next file.

  • Output Folder Creation: If the specified output folder doesn’t exist, the script will attempt to create it automatically.

  • File Naming: The FBX files will retain the original names of the DWG files, ensuring consistency and easy identification.

Example Scenario

Imagine you have 50 DWG files in a folder located at C:\Projects\DWG_Files. You want to export these files to FBX format and save them in a folder at C:\Projects\FBX_Output. Follow these steps:

  1. Run the script.

  2. Enter C:\Projects\DWG_Files when prompted for the input folder.

  3. Enter C:\Projects\FBX_Output when prompted for the output folder.

  4. The script will export all DWG files to FBX format and save them in the output folder.

By automating the export process, the AutoCAD Batch FBX Exporter ensures you can focus on more critical tasks while it handles repetitive operations seamlessly.

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