!Restored: can I import a 3d AutoCad into ArchiCAd? if yes how

[Anonymous]

can I import a 3d AutoCad into ArchiCAd? if yes how

[Achille Pavlidis]

yes you can... it has to be dxf, and in the translator setup you have to choose in the "open options" translate autocad blocks as library parts and 3d data to GDL script

[Djordje]

Achille wrote:
yes you can... it has to be dxf, and in the translator setup you have to choose in the "open options" translate autocad blocks as library parts and 3d data to GDL script

No, it does not have to be DXF.

It can be DWG too.

It can be 3DS (ArchiCAD 9).

You import the 3D DWG/DXF/3DS as a library part. If you have to manage portions of it, first break it down in required pieces outside ArchiCAD. Another use for Maxon Form maybe?

If plain vanilla ArchiCAD, go to File/GDL Object/Open Object. In the file type, select DWG or DXF. Make sure that in the Settings button the correct translator is set (units are essential). See attached.

For 3DS, use the 3DS in that you can find in your Goodies folder.

HTH,

[Anonymous]

I have a file in .max and .dwg format containing 3D information. I want to open the file in ArchiCAD 9. I don't want it as library parts, I want the information to be the base information for a project that will be worked on for months that will need to be constantly manipulated.
Is this possible without, totally breaking down the orginal file into tiny parts and bringing it in one at a time. If it is not possible, then why does ArchiCAD not work better with other file formats considering its marginal position in the market share.

[Djordje]

James wrote:
I have a file in .max and .dwg format containing 3D information. I want to open the file in ArchiCAD 9. I don't want it as library parts, I want the information to be the base information for a project that will be worked on for months that will need to be constantly manipulated.
Is this possible without, totally breaking down the orginal file into tiny parts and bringing it in one at a time. If it is not possible, then why does ArchiCAD not work better with other file formats considering its marginal position in the market share.

If you can export the file using IFC, then you will be able to work on it in ArchiCAD. Watch out what are you exporting the file from - various versions of Autodesk software have various limitations on IFC export/import. ArchiCAD has IFC 2.x; if the plugin is not in the original installation it is on the Graphisoft Web site.

One can also ask why is the DWG file format not open source so that it can be read by everybody else, not to mention max.