Library (3ds and rpc)

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Apologies if it turns out to be a FAQ.

Is it possible to use .3ds and .rpc object files within AC10?
If yes, how?
If not, why not?

Bob

P.S. Revit can use .rpc object files.

[Anonymous]

... I spotted the following application. It is open source, it runs on windows, mac and linux, and it is free.

http://www.blender3d.org

Using this application, I could re-write a Dosch .3ds file as suggested here, importing it and then exporting it into another .3ds file. This time, the AC10 plugin "3dImport" managed to read the file and import it. A few statistics on file size:

original .3ds: 388KB
exported .3ds: 377KB (via Blender3D)
converted .gsm: 3.2MB (via 3Dimport)

Comments:

1. what whent wrong with the conversion? The file is huge and the object takes ages to render on screen via the open-library-object menu, and there was no fortune in persuading AC10 to list it in the local library.

2. AC can read and write .dwg files natively. How about doing the same for .3ds files? It would be a dream to just drop the (usually large) collection of objects into the library, and use it on the fly, with no need for conversion. As the above application is open source, and it includes a (fast) reader of .3ds (and other) files, I think it is possible for ArchiCAD to be extended with a revised version of the open source code... and use .3ds natively for its libraries.

3. out of my chest, the gallery at Artlantis is inspiring, but how do we get there? I mean, those are .3ds file objects, right? How can I possibly convert hundreds of .3ds files with the above method, which take gigabytes in their non-converted format, persuade AC10 to use them swiftly, and then convert to artlantis? It is realistic, or they are using another method?

Finally, AC10 uses LightWorks for its rendering, LW is compatible with .rpc objects, as shown in the following page, but AC10 cannot load .rpc libraries . Why?

http://www.lightwork.com/glossary/rpc.htm

Bob

(revised and extended)

[Electric Flute]

The 3DS file issue is the ArchiCAD biggest deficiency in my opinion.
It is a shame that ArchiCAD can't handle 3ds files without making huge files.

Please Graphisoft, let AC communicate with the rest of the world efficiently!

[Anonymous]

We all know about Gutenberg, the father of typography. Today, typography consists of two components: high quality outlook fonts and and engine. There is a business around fonts, with designers, makers, and sellers. Adobe is one of the best known companies to deliver high quality fonts. There is also business around the engine, with different approaches, but all such engines are compatible with the fonts. You can use any (professional) engine you like, and be certain that it can use professional fonts from any professional designer. This is possible because there are standards on file types for fonts, and these standards are open.

Something similar is happening in architectural design. Objects are like fonts. ArchiCAD is an engine. It makes very good business sense for ArchiCAD and other engines to agree in the development of industry standards, so that we can all win. Having proprietary approaches to objects (.3ds, .rpc, etc.) is a shoot on everybody's foot.

It is my humble opinion that ArchiCAD can deliver more. There are open source programs out there that can read and write 3d object files from major companies. If no standard exists, it is still possible to adjust. Let ArchiCAD be open to major designers of 3d objects, just like professional typography engines are open to various file types for fonts. ArchiCAD will show its ability to read its own business with critical eye, and ride the wave of 3d architectural modelling, because no other engine is presently doing it.

Bob

[Anonymous]

Yet another open source application that reads and writes 3ds...

http://wings3d.com/

Bob

[Anonymous]

It is too much to as for feedback from Graphisoft? Perhaps this thread is not visible to most readers, but I think it is worth further comments.

Bob

[Anonymous]

I do not like fork lifts...

Have a look at this:

http://www.evermotion.org/shop_display_item.php?item=169

Click around until you see the objects. It is simply stunning.

It supports everything you can think of, except ArchiCAD...

Wake up Graphisoft.

Bob

[Rafal SLEK]

jdk wrote:
It is too much to as for feedback from Graphisoft? Perhaps this thread is not visible to most readers, but I think it is worth further comments.
Bob

Answer is simply - your thread is in bad category. It is Installation/new user not Libraries or ArchiCAD+.
Second - you've written dozen self-replying posts...

It supports everything you can think of, except ArchiCAD...
Wake up Graphisoft.

No, You are wrong - you'll find there only 3ds, obj, dxf, max - mainly autodesk formats - no C4D, no LWO etc.
Simply buy these collection (If you really need them) and import 3ds files directly into Archicad.

1. what whent wrong with the conversion? The file is huge and the object takes ages to render on screen via the open-library-object menu

I don't understand. The object weight is not problem for archicad - it is slightly slower in 3d window (if you got dozens of them). In rendering with LW maybe it took some additional time. When you got full Hard disk simply compress libraries in *.lfc container format.
In Artlantis you'll see no difference at all.

[Electric Flute]

Rafal,

I understand your point, but it doesn't make any better with the ArchiCAD's well known deficiency of handling 3ds files.
Yes they are primary Autodesk files, but they do rule the world like DWG.

ArchiCAD makes huge and obscene file sizes from 3ds. They are soooo heavy and slow that makes almost impossible to have dozens of them in your project depending of the complexity of the model.

Autodesk files = CAD world standard files.

I live in an isolated small island called Graphisoft.. I like where i live, i do not regret to live in this isolated beautiful place... But I feel so alone, I should communicate with the civilization...

[Anonymous]

Rafal,

>mainly autodesk formats

If you spent thousands on them, they are an asset. If the paradigm is that in order to migrate from AutoCAD to ArchiCAD you have to toss away your former assets, the conclusion is the obvious one.

> The object weight is not problem for archicad

It is for me, because of the size of the resulting library. If a 400K file is converted into a 3.2MB one, you need additional storage. Further, you need to convert each file, one by one. I would rather use the original files, with no need for conversion and additional storage.

Bob

[Rafal SLEK]

I can't understand where lies your problem - maybe look at these screenshots
- it is ONE Archicad object made from three 3ds files.
I've added some additional info, material parameter for every part, 2D options, producer info, link to www etc. - all in text and graphical user interface.
Simply to use (if you know polish a little 🙂) with integrated 2D and 3D.
Hundreds of combinations.
It is impossible to made in any other software!