2019 Object Enablers Civil 3D

By Dave Johnson 

Object Enablers – What are they? 

Object enablers are a free Autodesk download that allow the user to access, display and manipulate object data in software different from the native environment in which it was created. They can be thought of as a translator from software to software within the Autodesk Suites.

 The benefit is that you gain data accessibility across the entire design team regardless of the Autodesk software being used. 

In basic terms, an item created in Civil 3D can be viewed and manipulated in AutoCAD, while you do not gain the full functionality, you can view all the items, move, copy, snap to and print etc.

Why do I need them? 

Object Enablers are for users who are, for example, using AutoCAD and do not have access to Civil 3D, but have a requirement to view the drawing exactly as it was created in Civil 3D. After a user installs the Object Enabler, they can view the drawing and plot using standard AutoCAD commands. AutoCAD Civil 3D objects are maintained as intelligent objects, and the drawing can be modified again using Civil 3D without loss of intelligent data. As long as data shortcut references are not broken, they can be viewed in non-Civil 3D AutoCAD based software.  Civil 3D data shortcut references cannot be re-pathed in non-Civil 3D products. 

Without an enabler installed, you can share drawings using proxy graphics. Proxy graphics are an alternative means to object enablers but will only display objects using simple graphical representations. Objects you are viewing using proxy graphics lack the full intelligence of objects created in their native format. AutoCAD uses this for drawing file compatibility if the custom application is not loaded. 

It is worth noting the comprehensive list of software packages that can utilise the power of the object enablers, while this blog concentrates on Civil 3D you can get object enablers for all the Autodesk products. 

2019 Civil 3D files can be used in the following software using the object enablers: 

• Autodesk AutoCAD 2019-based products
• Autodesk 3ds Max
• Autodesk Navisworks Manage
• Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
• Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis
• Autodesk DWG TrueView