Connect your ETABS model and automatically generate structural drawings for AutoCAD

The connection between ETABS and StructaCAD

A typical structural workflow looks like this: model and design in ETABS, then start a separate CAD drafting process. That second step becomes repetitive because the model already contains a lot of useful information, yet the drawings still have to be assembled manually.

StructaCAD is designed to sit between the ETABS design model and the AutoCAD drafting process. Instead of forcing the user to redraw everything from scratch, it imports selected ETABS outputs and uses them to generate a first structural drawing package.

The idea is simple:

ETABS model and tables -> StructaCAD import -> Automatic drafting logic -> Editable DXF -> Review and cleanup in AutoCAD.

How to export the model data StructaCAD needs

To start the drafting process, StructaCAD does not need every ETABS table. For the first import, the goal is to reconstruct the building reference system: stories, levels, and grids.

1. In ETABS, open File > Export > ETABS Tables to Text...
2. In Choose Tables for Export to Text File, open MODEL DEFINITION > System Data > Towers, Stories and Grids.
3. Select Story Definitions.
4. Select Grid Definitions - General.
5. Select Grid Definitions - Grid Lines.
6. Save the file as .txt.
7. Import that file into StructaCAD.

Those tables are enough to reconstruct grids and levels. You do not need to export the full model just to begin the drawing process.

How to export beam reinforcement demand from ETABS

Once levels and grids exist in StructaCAD, the next step is to import reinforcement demand information. StructaCAD can use that data to automatically select and place beam reinforcement based on the required steel areas.

1. In ETABS, open File > Export > ETABS Tables to Text...
2. In Choose Tables for Export to Text File, open DESIGN DATA > Concrete Frame Design Output > Concrete Frame Summary Data.
3. Select Table: Concrete Frame Beam Design Summary - ACI 318-14.
4. If your model uses another design code, export the equivalent beam design summary table.
5. Save the file as .txt or .e2k.
6. Import that file into StructaCAD to update the beams.

The table must include Story, Label, Station, AsTop and AsBot. StructaCAD uses those fields to match each record to the correct beam and station.

From there, StructaCAD can read the required top and bottom steel areas and select beam reinforcement according to the available options. It does not replace engineering review, but it reduces the manual detailing required to prepare drawings.

Column reinforcement imported from ETABS

StructaCAD can also import column reinforcement information to generate details and elevations using data that already comes from the design process.

This helps because column drafting is repetitive: columns must be labeled, sections shown, dimensions organized, longitudinal bars and ties represented, and the same column line coordinated across multiple stories.

The final drawing must always be reviewed by an engineer or drafter. StructaCAD generates a first-pass output, while the user remains responsible for validating reinforcement, code requirements, constructability, and office standards.

What StructaCAD can generate after importing ETABS

After importing the data, StructaCAD uses the reconstructed grids and levels together with structural element information to generate drawing outputs. Depending on the information available, the DXF package may include:

• Structural floor plans organized by story
• Grids, levels, dimensions, and element labels
• Frame elevations
• Beam details based on required reinforcement areas
• Beam sections
• Column sections and elevations
• Slab and wall information
• Editable DXF output for cleanup in AutoCAD

The goal is to generate a usable drawing base. The output is intended to be opened, reviewed, edited, and refined in AutoCAD or another CAD-compatible workflow.

Why use StructaCAD before Revit

Revit is powerful for BIM, coordination, and documentation, but it is not always the fastest path when the immediate goal is to produce structural drawings from ETABS design information.

A geometry transfer by itself does not solve reinforcement detailing. For reinforced concrete, the design results matter: required reinforcement areas, beam stations, top and bottom steel, column reinforcement, and how those values will appear in the drawings.

StructaCAD is intentionally more direct: it is easier to learn, faster to remodel in, and focused on generating editable DXF drawings rather than building a complete BIM model from the beginning.

Common items to review after import

• Units: confirm that the ETABS export and DXF use the expected units.
• Story names: verify that they match between the definition and design tables.
• Beam labels: check that reinforcement records are assigned to the correct beams.
• Stations: confirm that they correspond to the actual positions along each beam.
• Column reinforcement: review the imported reinforcement before using it in details.
• Text and dimensions: dense drawings may require cleanup before printing.
• Layers and lineweights: adjust the CAD file to match your office standards.

Review checklist before using the DXF

• Confirm grid locations and story elevations.
• Check that beams, columns, walls, slabs, and openings appear in the correct locations.
• Verify element names, labels, and story references.
• Review the reinforcement selected from AsTop and AsBot.
• Check scale, units, dimensions, and text readability.
• Clean up layers, lineweights, and sheet organization according to your standards.

StructaCAD’s value is in accelerating the first drawing base. Responsibility for review, approval, and final delivery remains with the professional team.