ATIS.cloud

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.

1

Upload your scan to ATIS.cloud

Drag and drop your E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, or LGSx file. All formats accepted, files up to 500 GB. Conversion is automatic server-side.

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

2

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.

3

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

StepTraditional workflowWith ATIS.cloud
View the scanOpen ReCap Pro (paid license)Web browser, 0 installation
Check qualityAfter RCS/RCP conversionBefore conversion, in a few clicks
Share with teamFile copy + software requiredShare link, zero install
Measure on scanReCap or AutoCAD onlyIn the browser
Accepted formatsRCS/RCP onlyE57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, LGSx
CostAdditional ReCap Pro licenseRequest 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.

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.

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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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