QUESTION:
I have 2D floorplans of a building, but when I import them as a DXF to trace over, ECOTECT slows down dramatically - moving a node takes about a minute. Is there a way of using the DXF as a guide to trace the room outlines without these problems ?
ANSWER:
Usually importing a DXF file to trace over works pretty well. It sounds like the DXF file may be very detailed with several hundred thousand individual objects for simple edits to be taking that long.
Things to try:
1. Before importing it, in your CAD program try to turn off dimensions, hatch patterns, stair details and all the other superflouous stuff.
2. When importing it, first create new zones for each line in the import dialog. That way you can turn on/off different zones to simplify it to get just the lines/outlines you need. Then you can simply copy (Edit>>Copy) the simplified outline without the zone information, start a new ECOTECT (File>>New Window) and then paste (Edit>>Paste) just the lines you need in a new model.
3. If you have to use the large file, try turning 'No Linking' on (Edit>>No Linking) while you trace over each zone. Then, periodically, you can select the new objects in the model, turn Linking back on and choose Edit>>Fix Links to update the model. This should make everything except redraw times much faster.