topic converting archicad to sketchup file size in Collaboration with other software

converting archicad to sketchup file size

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:52:35 GMT

When i convert the archicad document to .3ds and bring it into sketchup the file is very slow. Also everything comes in with lots of faces. How can i reduce the file size and prevent this?

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Eduardo Rolon — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:55:36 GMT

The main question here is why are you going from AC to SketchUp?
When you export from AC you are creating gazillions of polygons which make a light work program like SketchUp cry, get depressed and move slowly. Atlantis, C4D, Maya, 3DStudio etc. can handle all of the polys but if you are going to use SU then you will have to do a lot of cleanup and export the project in little pieces.

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:19:35 GMT

the project needs to be submitted in sketchup. aside from the file size can i get the faces to read as one face instead of being split?

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

rocorona — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:07:54 GMT

Interesting question. Why the SketchUp Plugin allows for READING and not for WRITING files in ArchiCAD.
The second seems the more easy task, as the SU models are only composed by lines and surfaces, not distinguishing them in construction elements.

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Eduardo Rolon — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:51:06 GMT

The solution is that when you import the 3DS or DWG in SU click on Options and select Merge Coplanar Surfaces.

I totally forgot about this, sorry.

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Eduardo Rolon — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:22:25 GMT

BTW lpbolden if the above option solved your problem it is an implied custom to acknowledge the fact.

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:35:09 GMT

it worked. Thank you.

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:50:22 GMT

Thanks, it worked for me as well!

In my case, the reason is to model walls with protruding or extruding polygonal shapes around the windows, like in this example:

http://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/interactive-floor-plan-house-in-charrat/4916

This geometries are very easy to create in Sketch UP (by just selecting and then moving a square previously drawn within a wall)...

But if you know of a better way of doing this, please let me know!

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Eduardo Rolon — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:04:08 GMT

Though it can be done in AC I agree that it is easier to do the initial modeling in SU.

Though there are advantages if you spend the time doing the model in AC.

Example playing with the door reveal settings

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:44:45 GMT

Thanks ejrolon!!

I had the feeling that there must be a trick (one of those reserved to advanced users...), so thanks for sharing your wisdom!!

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Eduardo Rolon — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:05:40 GMT

Carlos this is not a trick nor advanced this is a basic setting that all Doors have in AC.

Re: converting archicad to sketchup file size

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:45:24 GMT

Hi Eduardo,

I see your point. It is in fact a a "basic setting", but I meant that making the relation between the image that I posted (what I was trying to model) and the "basic feature" that solves it requires some serious experience. I have used AC for years and I did not know how to solve that...

Still, I am struggling with it. There seems to be some kind of bug in the 3D view. Up to a certain degree angle (in this case 70°), everything is OK. But when I keep on increasing the angle so that the recess occupies the whole wall...

Something strange happens ON THE OTHER SIDE of the window:

[/img]

There is some kind of distortion, but, as you can see, the plan does not show it, only the 3D window.

Any ideas?