Both EASE and EASE JR include an Import/Export module that allows a wide variety of different file types to be imported into them and most EASE files to be exported from them in several different file types.

EASE 2.1, CADP2, ASCII and DXF files can all be imported into EASE and EASE JR. EASE and EASE JR can also export most of their data files as either DXF or ASCII files.

The most important of these routines is undoubtedly the DXF Import routine since it allows DXF drawing files created in AutoCad, SketchUp or other 3D drawing programs to be imported into EASE and EASE JR.

This includes 2D drawings and many EASE and EASE JR users are finding that architects who don’t have a 3D drawing of the structure quite often have a 2D drawing of the floor plan that can be imported and used as the foundation (floor) of their model.

The DXF Import/Export routine includes a number of conversion tools that smooth the transition from one file structure to another.

One routine, for example, identifies the outside layers (walls and other outside details) often included in the AutoCAD drawing and makes it easy to discard them. Remember EASE and EASE JR are only interested in the inside of the room.

The graphic below shows the result of exporting the Church2 Example as a DXF file and then opening it in AutoCAD. Notice that the different wall materials used in the Church2 model have been identified by AutoCad, assigned colors and placed on different layers.

The graphic below shows the result of converting this AutoCad drawing into a DXF file, importing the DXF file into EASE and then rendering it. Note that the wall material colors assigned by AutoCad were imported into EASE along with all the other drawing details.