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View Full Version : How to import AutoCAD files?

JeffPatton
10-09-2003, 07:51 PM
Sometimes I'm able to import DWG's. But the majority of the time, Max just times out when i try to import an AutoCAD file. Whats the trick?

Or, is there a better way of modeling a building from AutoCAD's? I have started taking the CAD file and making a .jpg image from it, then using that on a plane in 3ds max and tracing it with splines.

Any tips or tricks would be appreciated!
Tex3D
10-09-2003, 08:07 PM
Its all in the settings homeboy.

If you crank up the Surface Deviation and turn on weld and all that jazz, it WILL time out most of the time.

I'll be really honest with you d00d..If you are going to do a lot of AutoCad imports you are going to have to take that into a ccount when you work in ACAD. You will have to use a TON of layers for better texturing. IF NOT then you will have a bitch of a time later on.

I suggest playing around with small projects to see what I mean, but for your immediate question, Id try importing at a low surface fidelity and go from there.

Good Luck muchacho!!:thumbsup:

-Dave
Tex3D
10-09-2003, 08:08 PM
Oops I almost forgot!! You can export OUT of ACAD as a .3ds file and MAX LOVES .3ds files.

Try that too!

-Dave
JeffPatton
10-09-2003, 08:16 PM
Ouch, not what I wanted to hear, but thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I'm at the mercy of whomever created the AutoCAD file. I'm just given the file to render. Looks like I may need to invest in AutoCAD in the near future. Crap.
Tex3D
10-09-2003, 08:21 PM
Or just play around with the Import settings like I said.

Max and AutoCAD don't always play well together unfortunately, but sometimes you can find a happy medium.

If it's for your company then you may want to get Acad, but be warned..ACAD LT doesn't work with 3D files.

-Dave
JeffPatton
10-09-2003, 11:04 PM
COOL! I played around the with import setting like you said and it works wonderfully! I have to wonder why I didn't tinker with those settings before. Anywho, thanks for the tip Tex3D

Now I just have to figure out how to cut out the windows on these without using booleans. Got any ideas on that one? :beer:

http://www.pixelperfectgraphics.biz/cg%20posting/walls-2.jpg
Murf_Miser
10-09-2003, 11:51 PM
Why Can't you use booleans?
JeffPatton
10-10-2003, 01:26 AM
Lots of booleans = crashes. Atleast IMHO. If I use boolean operations, I will cut out a window, then save.....then cut out a window and save, etc.
Joel Hooks
10-10-2003, 03:11 AM
That power booleans plugin looks like it would help, or just rebuild the wall sections with windows.
Tex3D
10-10-2003, 03:30 AM
Booleans are indeed a pain, but other than that I dont see a way. Is there a window object in the ACAD file??

Maybe you can open the file in a Cheaper program like TurboCad or something of that nature.

Other than that you're hosed:shrug:

-dave
JeffPatton
10-10-2003, 03:42 AM
Booleans seem to be working fine....for now. The moon must be in the right phase or something. LOL. Again, thanks for the tips.
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