Convert to a group or plug-in object

The Convert to Group command is typically used for a selected wall (or roof, slab, symbol, or solid) which contains symbols or plug-in objects, like windows and doors, for the purpose of converting the wall and its contained objects into an “exploded” group of either 2D or 3D geometry. If you are in Top/Plan view when converting, you’ll obtain 2D geometry, and if you are in a 3D view when converting, you’ll obtain 3D geometry.

Use caution when converting hybrid symbols. If in Top/Plan view, the 3D component of the symbol may be lost during the conversion. Similarly, in a 3D view, the 2D screen plane portion of the symbol may be lost.

The command also directly converts an extrude, sweep, mesh, or dimension into 2D or 3D geometry or grouped 2D or 3D geometry.

If you have selected a black (or green) symbol instance that was originally created from a plug-in object, the Convert to Plug-in Object command is available instead. The command converts the symbol instance back into a plug-in object which is no longer associated with the symbol definition.

To convert the selected item into grouped geometry, or to turn a symbol instance back into a plug-in object:

1. In the drawing, select the 3D geometry, dimension, wall, roof, slab, solid, or symbol instance to convert.

2.Select the Convert to Group command, or, if you had selected a symbol instance that was originally a plug-in object, select the Convert to Plug-in Object command.

If the selection consists of 3D geometry with no contained objects, the selection is converted immediately. If the selected object is a hybrid symbol, or it also contains additional symbols or plug-in objects, the Convert to Group Options dialog box opens.

Parameter	Description
Don’t convert sub-objects to groups	If executing the Convert to Group command, this option excludes any contained symbols or plug-in objects from the conversion process; for example, if a selected wall contains window plug-in objects, the wall is converted to a group, but the windows are not. If executing the Convert to Plug-in Object command, this option maintains the integrity of the plug-in object and converts the symbol instance back into its original plug-in object.
Convert nested symbols and plug-in objects	Converts any symbols and/or plug-in objects within the containing object to grouped geometry, but does not convert down to the next level of contained objects. For example, if a wall contains door plug-in objects, the wall and the doors are converted to groups, but if the doors also contain nested door hardware symbols, those symbols are excluded from conversion.
Convert all sub-objects	Converts all symbols and plug-in objects within the containing object to grouped geometry

The result of the conversion is either grouped 2D or 3D geometry, or a plug-in object. To make changes to grouped items, select Modify > Edit Group or Ungroup.

The resulting group can be left as a grouped object or plug-in object or saved as a new symbol.