topic Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11 in Collaboration with other software

Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:54:32 GMT

hello friends,

I am a new user of ArchiCAD and currently i have installed ArchiCAD 11.0.

My problem is, i can't import AutoCAD 3d objects in ArchiCAD.

Any solutioins and / or suggestions ?

arshakya

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Eduardo Rolon — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:39:57 GMT

File -> Libraries -> Open Object

select DWg file.

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:38:05 GMT

Thanks ejrolon for your prompt help.

I tried your suggestion too but no luck.

i can open 2D files from Files>Open and selecting any 2D AutoCAD file but 3D is not working.

any further help ?

Anil

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

David Maudlin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:22:12 GMT

arshakya:

The command you need to use is Open Object..., not Open... . Your Work Environment will determine where this command is to be found, assuming it is part of your Work Environment, you may have to search a bit, but it is probably under a sub menu under the File menu.

HTH

David

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:15:33 GMT

I've unfortunately found myself with the same problem. I know this has worked for me before. Currently I'm trying to convert a couple of 3D DWG files I downloaded from Sub-Zero's website. The 2D DWG files will open just fine using File>Open Object, but the 3D comes up empty. I have viewed the file with eDrawings, so I know the file is valid. I did find an article in ArchiCADWiki, which suggested that the file needs to be saved as a 3DS file to import into ArchiCAD. There is also a note that a 3D DWG with solid elements can't be imported to ArchiCAD.
Any ideas? Does it just depend on how the file was saved?

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

David Maudlin — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:13:05 GMT

Symm:

This is just to confirm your experience. I tried one of the 3D files from Sub-Zero and also did not get any 3D model. The 3D Script has some commands for ensuring a minimum size and a transformation, but then ends. A 3D Script from another file starts the same way, then has a bunch of Lin_ commands to create the 3D model, so the Sub-Zero is definitely not coming through. Sorry I have nothing to recommend.

David

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:14:06 GMT

I think you'll find that the problem is that the translator does not support AutoCAD solids..... if they are in the file to be opened you'll get nothing or very little.
Please let me know if this is not the case

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:01:31 GMT

Well I'm not sure how to check, but I imagine that's the case for these objects. Thanks.

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Jacek — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:36:56 GMT

I have to concur.
Just today tried to open a 3D.dwg AutoCAD 2007 file in ArchiCAD only to find an empty screen. Most embarrassing as I was trying to impress my Microstation friends with ArchiCAD - ended with egg on my face....

Re: Importing AutoCAD 3D objects in ArchiCAD 11

Eduardo Rolon — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:04:14 GMT

David wrote:
Symm:

This is just to confirm your experience. I tried one of the 3D files from Sub-Zero and also did not get any 3D model. The 3D Script has some commands for ensuring a minimum size and a transformation, but then ends. A 3D Script from another file starts the same way, then has a bunch of Lin_ commands to create the 3D model, so the Sub-Zero is definitely not coming through. Sorry I have nothing to recommend.

David

FYI, I just opened the file using SketchUp and exported the 3D as 2007 DWG and it was opened by AC without problems. There is a lot of extra "unnecessary" detail in the model, like bolts and plates. Apparently there is something extra in the 3D file incompatible with AC's translator that does not affect SketchUp. Once SU "cleans" it then AC's translator works. According to SU's translator there is an ignored Autocad solid but the model is complete though it is not "standing up".

I know that Autocad's solids were redesigned in R2007 to better compete with sketchup and it is possible that there lies the problem.

…let the conspiracy theories begin…