📐 DWG/DXF Drawing Search System

This is a complete CAD drawing management system that allows you to convert, index, search, and open thousands of drawings instantly. The system consists of four main components working together seamlessly.

Required Software:

1. Python 3.6 or Higher

• Download from: https://www.python.org/downloads/
• During installation, check "Add Python to PATH"
• No additional Python packages required - uses only built-in libraries

2. ODA File Converter (Free)

• Download from: https://www.opendesign.com/guestfiles/oda_file_converter
• Completely free, no registration required
• Install to default location for automatic detection
• Converts between DWG and DXF formats

3. Autodesk DWG TrueView (Free)

• Download from: https://www.autodesk.com/products/dwg/viewers
• Free official Autodesk viewer
• Opens DWG and DXF files
• Allows viewing, measuring, and printing

Run convert_dwg_to_dxf.py to batch convert all DWG files to DXF format.

🚀 How to Run:

📂 What It Does:

• Scans recursively through current directory and ALL subdirectories
• Counts files first and displays accurate conversion time estimates
• Creates parallel directory structure with '-dxf' suffix for organization
• Converts to DXF using ODA File Converter (AutoCAD 2018 DXF format)
• Skips existing files to save time on subsequent runs
• Shows progress for each file with success/failure status
• Provides summary of successful, failed, and skipped conversions

📁 Directory Structure Example:

Run build_drawing_index.py to extract text from DXF files and create searchable index.

🚀 How to Run:

📊 What It Does:

• Counts DXF files first and provides smart estimates:
  • Actual file count detected
  • Processing time estimated (based on ~0.08-0.15 sec/file)
  • Index file size estimated (based on ~8-10 KB/file)
• Extracts ALL text from DXF files including:
  • Drawing titles and numbers
  • Part numbers and specifications
  • Notes and annotations
  • Dimensions and labels
  • Table data and schedules
• Creates two JSON files:
  • drawing_index.json - Complete searchable index
  • drawing_index_keywords.json - Keyword statistics
• Shows progress for every 50 files
• Provides statistics on text entries and averages

Run open_drawing_server.py to enable one-click opening of drawings from the search interface.

🚀 How to Run:

🌐 What It Does:

• Starts HTTP server on localhost:8765
• Auto-detects DWG TrueView installation location
• Accepts drawing open requests from the web interface
• Opens drawings in Autodesk DWG TrueView automatically
• Shows diagnostics for TrueView detection
• Logs all operations with success/failure status

📋 Server Features:

• Runs in the background while you search
• Automatically finds TrueView 2020-2026 versions
• Handles multiple drawing open requests
• Press Ctrl+C to stop the server

Open search_drawings_local.html in your web browser to search through all indexed drawings.

🚀 How to Use:

1. Make sure the server is running (open_drawing_server.py)
2. Open in browser: http://127.0.0.1:8765 (the server serves the HTML)
3. Load index: Click "Choose drawing_index.json" and select the file
4. Start searching: Type any term and results appear instantly
5. Click to open: Click any result to open in DWG TrueView

✨ Search Features:

• Instant Results: Search happens as you type (or click Update Results)
• Multiple Search Modes:
  • Match ALL words (AND logic) - default
  • Match ANY word (OR logic)
  • Exact phrases (use quotes: "motor control center")
  • Regex patterns (advanced users)
• Advanced Filters:
  • Case sensitive option
  • Whole word matching
  • Exclusion terms (exclude unwanted results)
• Result Features:
  • Expandable text preview with highlighting
  • Match count for each file
  • Export results to CSV
• Quick Search Buttons: Transformer, XFMR, CT, Bus, Breaker, etc.

🔍 Search Examples:

Common Issues and Solutions:

Recommended Workflow:

1. Initial Setup:
   • Install all prerequisites (Python, ODA, TrueView)
   • Run conversion once on all drawings
   • Build initial index
   • Test search with known drawing numbers
2. Daily Use:
   • Start open_drawing_server.py in a terminal
   • Access search page at http://127.0.0.1:8765
   • Search and open drawings as needed
3. Updates:
   • Re-run convert_dwg_to_dxf.py when adding new drawings
   • Re-run build_drawing_index.py to update the index
   • Index updates in minutes, not hours

System Requirements:

• Disk Space: DXF files = ~same size as DWG files
• Index Size: ~8-10 KB per drawing (e.g., 3,879 files = ~35 MB)
• RAM: Minimal - index loads into browser memory
• CPU: Any modern processor - indexing is I/O bound

Python Scripts:

• convert_dwg_to_dxf.py - Download
  • Batch converts DWG to DXF using ODA File Converter
  • Creates parallel directory structure
  • Shows progress and provides conversion statistics
• build_drawing_index.py - Download
  • Extracts text from DXF files
  • Creates searchable JSON index
  • Provides smart estimates based on file count
  • Generates keyword statistics
• open_drawing_server.py - Download
  • HTTP server for opening drawings
  • Auto-detects DWG TrueView installation
  • Serves the search interface
  • Handles drawing open requests

Web Interface:

• search_drawings_local.html - Download
  • Full-featured search interface
  • Advanced search options (AND/OR, regex, exclusions)
  • One-click drawing opening via server
  • Result highlighting and CSV export

Generated Files:

• drawing_index.json - Complete searchable index (~35 MB for 3,879 files)
• drawing_index_keywords.json - Keyword statistics and counts
• *.dxf files - Converted drawings in -dxf directories

External Dependencies:

• Python 3.6+ - No pip packages required (uses standard library)
• ODA File Converter - Free DWG/DXF converter
• Autodesk DWG TrueView - Free drawing viewer