CGTalk - Best Vector output for illustrator

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James1

10-18-2004, 06:51 PM

Hi All :)

I'm looking for the best software to output vector paths from max, maya, any 3d app etc. into either (preferably) adobe illustrator format, or something similar.

I've been scanning the net for various ways to produce an accurate vector path.

Maya 5 vector renderer is not very accurate, even on highest settings (though if you know better please let me know!) - it seems to only produce straight lines, which i think are linear 1 degree curves.

Exporting to dxf format is also limited as Maya cannot convert degree 3 curves correctly, which makes a bit of a mess.

I remember using 3ds Max ages ago and it having the ability to render splines - which would also be useful to know how to do in Maya, if anyone knows? Though renders are restrictive in terms of resolution - can 3ds Max output illustrator type curves correctly?

I need to output for print at the moment, which is minimum of 300 dpi, for varing sizes of page.

Thanks :)

James

--mi--

10-31-2004, 01:29 AM

Hi

You can use Illustrate - really great piece of software from www.davidgould.com (http://www.davidgould.com). There is 30 days trial. You can render DXF or AI vector files.

cheers

Michal

WireFX

11-01-2004, 06:52 AM

The only solution I found until now to get really smooth vector output from nurbs surfaces ist Rhinoceros and the command "make2d". The disadvantage is that it is incomplete. You have to rework manually to get closed areas where you can apply colors in illustrator. But all alternatives have produced only polylines so far and no smooth curves :sad:

eks

11-04-2004, 01:04 AM

hey!

i´m interested in this too. XSI seems to have a vector render also, but only with the most expensive license.

and there´s swift 3d, a plug-in for 3ds max. the company that makes it, erain (http://www.erain.com), even have a stand-alone software for 3d creation and vector render, but it´s a bit limited.

haven´t tested any of these packages yet, just swift many years ago. if you do, i would kindly ask you to post your findings here. ;)

eks

flingster

11-12-2004, 08:58 PM

cinema 4d's sketch and tool module has pretty good ai export which is only likely to improve...and would be good for print stuff.
and native render output of 16000x16000 anyways...excellent for print work also because of its cool multipass file saving for photoshop/after effects.
not sure how relevant it is to you but always something you could consider i guess.
:shrug:

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