How Do I Draw an Interchange Binary File Name Extension in AutoCAD .DXB?

In AutoCAD, you can export your work into a number of different file formats. One of these is the DXB or Drawing Interchange Binary format. This format only contains certain data from the drawing such as basic shapes and polylines, and it is often used to transfer the general concept of a drawing between two programs that are generally not compatible or to send rough outlines of drawings to plotters. DXB files can be created using a custom plotter driver.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Launch AutoCAD. Click the large “A” icon in the top left of the screen; then click “Open.” Navigate to the directory containing your project and double-click the file to load it into AutoCAD.
   • 2
     Click “A” again. Click “Plotter Manager” and double-click the “Add-a-Plotter” icon to run the Add Plotter wizard.
   • 3
     Work through the wizard. Select “My Computer” from the Begin window and click “Next.” On the Plotter Model screen, select “DXB” file in both the Manufacturers and Model drop-down menus. Click “Next.”
   • 4
     Import any existing plotter configuration files that you want to use as a template for your DXB plotter driver. These files must be in PCP or PC2 format. This step is optional; if you don’t have any configuration files or you don’t know what this means, just click “Next.”
   • 5
     Select “Plot to File” from the Ports screen. This tells AutoCAD that this plotter driver will not print your work but rather save it as a file. Click “Next” to continue.
   • 6
     Type a name for the driver in the Plotter Name window. Click “Next” and then click “Finish.”
   • 7
     Click “A,” and then click "Plot.” When the dialog window opens, select the plotter driver that you just created from the Name drop-down menu under the Plotter Configuration header. Choose a filename in the Save to File section, making sure to give your file a DXB extension; for example, “myfile.dxb.” Specify a location to save the file in the Location input field. Click “OK” and the file will be saved.