How do I open a .3ds file in AC

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to open a SketchUp file that has been saved as a .3ds file
in ArchiCad. I have the Add-On installed and it is checked in the Add-On manager. From the file menu I am going to
File>Libraries & Objects>Open Object> however when I arrive here I cannot select the .3ds file. I would like to save the file as an object. Anyone out there have a suggestion? Thanks, Caitlin

[__archiben]

Caitlin wrote:
From the file menu I am going to
File>Libraries & Objects>Open Object> however when I arrive here I cannot select the .3ds file. I would like to save the file as an object. Anyone out there have a suggestion? Thanks, Caitlin

caitlin

you're looking in the wrong place - look for File>Import 3D Studio File (.3ds)>Convert 3ds to GDL Object...

HTH
~/archiben

[Link]

Ben's right. Here's a small tip on the Add-On Manager:

Under the 'Add-On Info' panel it will tell you interesting stuff about your add-on. Usually this includes where you can find it in the interface.

For the 3D Studio In Add-On it says:

Locations in the user interface:
Design / Design Extras / Import 3D Studio file (.3ds)

Cheers,
Link.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Note too the bizarre way that this essential add-on has to be used. Under Design Extras, you have to use one command to set the target folder, and another command to set up the options for the translation. THEN, you issue the command to convert the object. Would be pretty nice if they would combine these into a single command...and move it to the standard place in the interface where Caitlin was looking.

Karl

[__archiben]

Link wrote:
the 3D Studio In Add-On it says:

Locations in the user interface:
Design / Design Extras / Import 3D Studio file (.3ds)

i had a niggling feeling that it wasn't in the File menu by default

to clarify - the file menu is where i've moved mine in the WE (since it's actually a file system function not a design function )

~/ben

[Link]

~/archiben wrote:
i had a niggling feeling that it wasn't in the File menu by default

I didn't even pick up on that. And I agree with you about the Design menu, but what I wonder is what happens if you don't have a Design Menu at all.

Where would it go then? Hmmmmm.......

Cheers,
Link.

[__archiben]

Link wrote:
Where would it go then? Hmmmmm.......

it goes to wherever you have placed the command "Add-On Commands in the Design/Design Extras submenu"

and if you haven't placed that command in your WE menus then it don't go anywhere!

in a bit more detail - each add-on is 'registered' to a certain functionality type in the program. and then there are a whole bunch of "Add-On Commands in the .... (sub)menu" that correspond to those functionality types. when first loaded, the add-on's commands go to that default place. you can change them at a later date and - provided you don't redefine your command scheme without that add-on loaded - they will stay there forever. so you can see how it would be easy to swap the 3SD add-on to the File menu . . .

don't be put off by the name of the commands - they can be placed anywhere in any menu, not necessarily in a menu that corresponds to the name of the command itself.

(i am an command scheme expert mate! )

[__archiben]

command scheme . . .