Batch export multiple layers to DXF

Question

I have only had limited experience with QGIS.

What i have: I currently have many different layers (water mains, sewer mains, drainage etc.). These layers are TAB files with attributed data.

What I want: I want to select (by any means) the relevant layers i need (could be up to 15 layers) and export the layers to DXF so that i can use them in AutoCAD. I would like these layers to export as separate DXF's not all as one DXF. I understand that you can export by selection to dxf, however this is a lengthy process if you need to export many layers.

Why I need this to work: At work I constantly need to export areas of GIS information from our data base and I have been using QGIS as a replacement for Mapinfo (which I do not have access to any more).

In Mapinfo I used a combination of the plug-ins "MapBasic - Batch Cookie Cutter" and "MapBasic - Batch DXF export with attributes" to first cut all the layers I needed based on a polygon area and then converted the cut layers to individual DXF's - this process took only a few minutes and worked well. I do not know how to do this process or equivalent with QGIS.

Answer 1

Under Processing toolbox (you need to have it switched to Advanced interface) you can find GRASS command v.out.dxf which with right click on it you can execute as batch process.

After that you can select as many layers from open project as you like or browse into directory of your choice. For DXF vector output you only need to set first location and preferably prefix like trans_ and the rest can be populated after that with autofill settings with parameter set to "Name of input vector map".

Good tip is that if you want to populate the whole column with some value, just set the first row and double click on column header. For example to change "Load in QGIS", set first row to No and double click on that header to avoid loading DXF outputs into QGIS.

Answer 2

I have found a efficient way to batch export SHP files to DXF based on a selection so that they can be used in Autocad:

1. Install QGIS Plugin called: "Multiple Layer Selection"
2. With your required layers loaded, use the "Multiple Layer Selection" plugin to select the specific layers you need to export.
3. Select "Project" Tab (top left) > "DXF Export" > follow prompts to export to DXF > select "OK".
4. Navigate to where you saved your DXF file and load in Autocad.

Tip:

• In the DXF export options - select the "Use layer title as name if set" tick box under the "Select all" button. This will allocate the SHP layer name to the exported data, which is helpful to isolate specific lines etc. in Autocad. List item.
• If you get a blank DXF file when you open it up after the export, check the CRS (by:"Project" (Top Left) > "Project Properties" > CRS) of the project is the correct CRS.

Answer 3

For QGIS 3.XX users, exporting multiple layers to .dxf does not require plugins and is quite simple - see process below:

1. Load all layers you require and zoom to the area you require exporting
2. Navigate to: Project > Import/Export > Export Project to DXF...>
3. With the "DXF Export" dialogue box open, select save location and layers should you want to export will already be selected (change if required)
4. If you want to save a specific area rather than exporting the entire layer, select the tick box (bottom left of dialogue box) "Export features intersecting the current map extent".
5. If you want to export the entire layer, leave this tick box "Export features intersecting the current map extent" un-ticked.
6. Navigate to save location, open .dxf and save as .dwg to edit data as require.

Done :)