To work with point clouds in AutoCAD, yes: ReCap Pro is needed to convert files to RCS/RCP. But with ATIS.cloud, you can view, measure, and share scans in all formats without ReCap, and only use it for the final AutoCAD conversion.

How do I import an E57 file into AutoCAD?

AutoCAD can't read E57 directly. Import the E57 into ReCap Pro first, convert to RCS/RCP, then use POINTCLOUDATTACH in AutoCAD. With ATIS.cloud, you can view the E57 immediately in your browser before this conversion.

What file size can AutoCAD handle?

AutoCAD is limited by your machine's RAM. A 20-30 GB file can significantly slow AutoCAD. ATIS.cloud handles files up to 1 TB server-side. View and measure in the browser without loading the file on your workstation.

Does ATIS.cloud replace AutoCAD?

No. ATIS.cloud complements AutoCAD. It lets you view, annotate, and share point clouds before and after working in AutoCAD. Drawing and modeling stay in AutoCAD.

How much does ATIS.cloud cost?

ATIS.cloud offers Standard, Advance, and Enterprise plans. Pricing is available on request.

Is ATIS.cloud compatible with my scanner?

Yes. ATIS.cloud accepts files from every scanner brand: FARO, Leica, NavVis, Riegl, Trimble, Viametris, Matterport, etc. Any scanner exporting to E57, LAS, or LAZ is compatible.

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How to use point clouds in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD only reads RCS and RCP files. Your scans are in E57, LAS, or PTX. Here's how to prepare your point clouds for AutoCAD, and how ATIS.cloud simplifies the process.

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The problem you know

AutoCAD only accepts RCS and RCP files via the POINTCLOUDATTACH command. If your scan is in E57, LAS, PTX, or PTS, you must first convert it with Autodesk ReCap Pro: an extra software, an extra license, and hours of conversion for large files.

From scanner to AutoCAD in 3 steps

With ATIS.cloud, you view and share your scans without waiting for ReCap conversion.

Upload your scan to ATIS.cloud

Drag and drop your E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, or LGSx file. All formats accepted, files up to 1 TB. Conversion is automatic server-side.

You can view, measure, and annotate the scan immediately, before even opening AutoCAD.

View, annotate, and share online

Explore the point cloud in 3D in your browser. Take measurements, add annotations. Share with your team or clients: they see the scan without installing anything.

Import into AutoCAD when ready

To work in AutoCAD, export your scan as RCS/RCP from ReCap Pro, then use POINTCLOUDATTACH. ATIS.cloud lets you validate the scan first and only convert the files you actually need.

Tip: check scan coverage and quality in ATIS.cloud before running the ReCap conversion. Avoid converting an unusable file.

With vs without ATIS.cloud

Step	Traditional workflow	With ATIS.cloud
View the scan	Open ReCap Pro (paid license)	Web browser, 0 installation
Check quality	After RCS/RCP conversion	Before conversion, in a few clicks
Share with team	File copy + software required	Share link, zero install
Measure on scan	ReCap or AutoCAD only	In the browser
Accepted formats	RCS/RCP only	E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, LGSx
Cost	Additional ReCap Pro license	Request a quote

Which formats for AutoCAD?

AutoCAD only natively reads RCS/RCP. Here's the full compatibility.

RCSAutoCAD native, individual scan file

RCPAutoCAD native, project file grouping multiple RCS

E57Convert via ReCap Pro → RCS/RCP. Or view directly in ATIS.cloudvia ReCap

LAS / LAZConvert via ReCap Pro. LAZ = 10:1 lossless compressionvia ReCap

PTX / PTSLeica text formats. Convert via ReCap Provia ReCap

XYZMinimal raw format. Convert via ReCap Provia ReCap

On ATIS.cloud, all these formats are viewable immediately, no pre-conversion needed.

To compare these extensions, read our guide to E57, LAS, RCS and RCP.

Practical tips for AutoCAD

Use POINTCLOUDATTACH (not INSERT)

POINTCLOUDATTACH is the only supported command for attaching point clouds in AutoCAD. It accepts RCS and RCP files.

Reduce point density if needed

For very dense files, use AutoCAD's point density settings to lighten the display. This doesn't affect the source file.

Verify in ATIS.cloud before converting

Upload to ATIS.cloud first to check coverage, quality, and georeferencing. Only convert validated scans in ReCap.

Mind the coordinate system

Make sure the scan's coordinate system matches your AutoCAD drawing. Verifiable in ATIS.cloud before import.

Data sovereignty in 22+ countries

GDPR / CCPA Compliant

SSL Encryption

No data resale

Other integration guides

Revit

Point cloud + Revit guide

SketchUp

Point cloud + SketchUp guide

ATIS.cad

From the survey to drawings or a model

ATIS.cad is ATIS.cloud’s CAD/BIM authoring product. Work from the point cloud, review suggestions and prepare the deliverable you need in your browser.

Three separate exchanges: a plugin streams the point cloud into your software; DWG/DXF delivers a 2D drawing; IFC delivers a BIM model. Exporting a deliverable does not enable native co-authoring in Revit or AutoCAD. Check the result in the receiving software.

Scan-to-Plan

Prepare an editable 2D floor plan. Review proposed walls and complete the drawing before export.

PDF · DWG · DXF drawings

Scan-to-BIM

Prepare building objects. Accept, adjust or reject suggestions, then check the model.

IFC model after review

Early access until the end of November 2026, on request and activated by the team. Separate from the ATIS.cloud trial; a later commercial release is not guaranteed.

Request early access Read the ATIS.cad documentation

FAQ: AutoCAD and point clouds

AutoCAD only accepts RCS and RCP files (Autodesk ReCap formats). To import E57, LAS, PTX, or XYZ, you must first convert to RCS/RCP with Autodesk ReCap Pro.

Test with your own file.

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