problem with .lwa files in AC10

[Anonymous]

Hi.

Most of the .lwa files from www.lightworks-user.com doesn't work with ArchiCad 10.
Anyone have idea, why ?

[Anonymous]

Have you tried opening them in AC9?

[TomWaltz]

Lightworks is not fully implemented into Archicad. AC can only read specific LWA files, not all of them.

[Anonymous]

I have just checked, and "yes" with AC9 everything seems to be ok.


I need them in AC10.
Is there any solution for that ?

[Dwight]

If a file is downloaded from lightworks user and describes a proprietary product - like Benjamin Moore paints for example, it will not work.

It will not work because Archicad can edit all materials and there is currently no way to "lock" a material description. This could lead to you editing the paint color without authorization.

The other rason a(n) .lwa file won't work is that it addresses features not yet implemented, like radiosity and global lighting and some other sophisticated things that don't immediately come to mind.

I suggest that if users are unhappy with the current Arhicad material library that they explore the .lwa files installed with Archicad but not given a material description. These are located with the "Load Material From Archive" button in the material dialog box. But start with a duplicated material because as soon as you find a material in the archive you like, an "OK" over-writes the existing material.

[Anonymous]

Thx, Dwight for very usefull info.

I am wondering if there is any way to make visible material from .lwa (or something simillar) in real-time 3d view ? Beacouse is very confiusing when i see something extremly difrent in 3d realtime view compare to rendered image.

[Dwight]

No way at all.

The .lwa files cannot be viewed in OpenGL since that rendering engine derives its textures from those in the Internal engine material.

[TomWaltz]

It would be really nice to have a "match to Lightworks Engine" the same way there is a "match to Internal Engine"....

[Dwight]

Well, okay. One way.
Render the lightworks material as an orthographic view on say, an evenly lit (with white light) wall.

Make a snapshot of the rendered surface and use THAT image as your internal engine material texture.

[Anonymous]

Not very practical way with big project, but tricky 😉

thx


ps. anyone know any source of .law files (materials) exept 'ligtworks-user' ?