DWG into Lightwave ?

[3djock]

I know this has been ask several times but I have some dwgs that have alot of detail where they put in brick and stone on the 2d autocad drawing. Any ideas on how to get this into Lightwave ? My guess is that I'am going to have to model it again. I tried to open the dwg file in Sketchup but it did not show mainly because I think it was all the detail added. Plus it has graphics added to it probably for blueprint.

Any ideas would be great..I see DWG is a headache..:help:

[Mitja]

...they put in brick and stone on the 2d autocad drawing...

I think it's a hatch pattern. If your dwg is a 2d drawing, then you should import well in .dxf format, after exploding all the "explodable".
If it's 3d, then I suggest you to import it first in max, then export it to .obj. If you can't pass through max, then try exporting in .3ds, but it gives, usually, bad results.

[vsele]

I know this has been ask several times but I have some dwgs that have alot of detail where they put in brick and stone on the 2d autocad drawing. Any ideas on how to get this into Lightwave ? My guess is that I'am going to have to model it again. I tried to open the dwg file in Sketchup but it did not show mainly because I think it was all the detail added. Plus it has graphics added to it probably for blueprint.

Any ideas would be great..I see DWG is a headache..:help:
Import the dwg file in coreldraw x3 then get rid of all details you don't need then convert the dwg in dxf from the coreldraw exporter...after that you can import the dxf into LW...it works for me but I use the LwCAD importer for dxf....:thumbsup:

[RollerJesus]

You can usually open it in Illustrator, then save as an EPS file (Version 3 or 8) then import the eps file into Lightwave.

[3djock]

I'am really not sure if it is 2d or 3d when I look at it in a dwg viewer it shows brick and stone.. The DWG file will not open in illustrator they sent a pdf file that I opened.

[3djock]

Import the dwg file in coreldraw x3 then get rid of all details you don't need then convert the dwg in dxf from the coreldraw exporter...after that you can import the dxf into LW...it works for me but I use the LwCAD importer for dxf....:thumbsup:
I don't own Corel draw x3..

[RollerJesus]

Is the pdf editable in Illustrator?

[colkai]

There's a free cad program which I use but for the life of me, I can't recall the url, gimme a bit and I'll seek it out. :)
It allows you to exprot DXF to pull into LW

[3djock]

Is the pdf editable in Illustrator?

yes

[3djock]

I got a dxf file but I cannot load it into lightwave, it is from Autocad 2007 so I don't know what they gave me.. I tried the LWCAD DXF import but it does not show it.

[colkai]

Here you go.. they also have a free converter, but the free cad allows freezing (hiding) of layers
http://www.a9tech.com/

[3djock]

Here you go.. they also have a free converter, but the free cad allows freezing (hiding) of layers
http://www.a9tech.com/

Thanks I will try..Lightwave does not have much solutions for this..

[3djock]

Here you go.. they also have a free converter, but the free cad allows freezing (hiding) of layers
http://www.a9tech.com/

Conversion does not work it failed..Thanks anyways..

[RollerJesus]

Since the file is editable in Illustrator, clean it up as much as you need in Illustrator, then save as an eps and import into LW.

[3djock]

Since the file is editable in Illustrator, clean it up as much as you need in Illustrator, then save as an eps and import into LW.

Thanks I might just have to do that. I was hoping I wasn't going to have to rebuild but it looks like I'am going to have to.

[3djock]

Does anybody know if this plugin works in 9.3? I was sent and FBX file to try..

http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/downloads/FBX.php

[archijam]

Can you make some sort of tiny, cropped screenshot, that we can see what you're dealing with?

For a start, the versino of the cad filoe makes a big difference ... newer versions won't open in anything (except Autodesk licenced products) ..

Without knowing what you're working with, it's very hard to give good advice. Ask the source to give version number, types of geometry (if any), etc etc.

[3djock]

Can you make some sort of tiny, cropped screenshot, that we can see what you're dealing with?

For a start, the versino of the cad filoe makes a big difference ... newer versions won't open in anything (except Autodesk licenced products) ..

Without knowing what you're working with, it's very hard to give good advice. Ask the source to give version number, types of geometry (if any), etc etc.
Yeah sure this is a portion of it.. From Illustrator

[aldoktor]

my experience it is faster to model from scratch, even if the object is very complex it raises the chance of problems from converting, at least the geometry will be perfect and less likely to run into problems.

[gunk]

Try AccuTrans, http://www.micromouse.ca/ i find it opens and converts into LWO all the time without fail. Save as dxf and open in Accutrans then convert, you may have to adjust the settings for scaling, but this is simple enough.

I would be lost without it.

[Mitja]

Ok, this is definitively a 2d drawing. I guess you have the top view as well so I suggest you this (since importing in lw wouldn't be of help): put your building as a backdrop and remodel it from scratch. It should be the fastest way. (press D - backdrop).

[doimus]

Try this (a free autocad clone):

http://www.progesoft.com/smartdown.asp

[archijam]

Ok so to go back to here ..

Thanks I will try..Lightwave does not have much solutions for this..

What solution are you looking for, specifically? Autodesk products are the only ones that open new version DWG files, since they own the rights to them.

Regardless of this, almost ALL drawings require some cleanup, some easy in LW, some better in the cad program or in illustrator.

You can export an extremely accurate eps from illustrator (use EPS version 8) to bring the files into LW, but if you want to use elements to drill or extrude, make sure they are filled objects (no line), then they will come in as closed polygons.

Keep in mind, the advice from the others to model from scratch probably comes from experience. By using the original file to generate your model, you are trusting that the person who drew it a) did it accurately b) used consistent line types ('lines' are broken / 'polylines' are continuous, but not necessarily closed), and c) there are no double lines, double points, d) elevations match up consistently e) etc f) etc.

The best you can do is bring it in as an eps and put it in the background as a guide, or perhaps even to snap to (using Pictrix's SP_Move plugin for example).

I would suggest you use key elements to create a useful eps layer for modelling, room shapes, perhaps windows etc. The rest, use only as a guide, and check and double-check the scale (!).

I would be surprised if you really want to model the bricks and such hatches, which are usually just dealt with as textures. However, if so, sketch how they turn corners, plan ahead for bevels, and save multiple versions as you go.

This is the same way I would deal with other people's drawings in Rhino, FormZ, and Maya, by the way ...

Have fun with it :)

[3djock]

You can export an extremely accurate eps from illustrator (use EPS version 8) to bring the files into LW, but if you want to use elements to drill or extrude, make sure they are filled objects (no line), then they will come in as closed polygons.

:)

When you talk about about fill is that solid black or what?

thanks for your input..

[3djock]

Try AccuTrans, http://www.micromouse.ca/ i find it opens and converts into LWO all the time without fail. Save as dxf and open in Accutrans then convert, you may have to adjust the settings for scaling, but this is simple enough.

I would be lost without it.

I actually tried the Accutrans but it crashed it because the file was so large. After the crash it left a file which was 299mb and I new LW was not going to open that.

[Nicolas Jordan]

I actually tried the Accutrans but it crashed it because the file was so large. After the crash it left a file which was 299mb and I new LW was not going to open that.

Did AccuTrans crash loading the file to be converted or writing the new file?

[gunk]

Apologise, but i have used this so often on extremley large files and totally forgot about the learning curve as it has stayed set-up after it was initialy used,

I also suffered from it making files too large when saving, if this is the same problem try,

the save options and make sure you save as LightWave (huge objects) lwo and in the same panel for scaling hit the 'Use Unit' and set millimeters to meters.

it took me a while to crack the problem but i use this repeatdley now on hundreds of Auto Cad files, some with more detail than on yours.

Good Luck

[3djock]

Apologise, but i have used this so often on extremley large files and totally forgot about the learning curve as it has stayed set-up after it was initialy used,

I also suffered from it making files too large when saving, if this is the same problem try,

the save options and make sure you save as LightWave (huge objects) lwo and in the same panel for scaling hit the 'Use Unit' and set millimeters to meters.

it took me a while to crack the problem but i use this repeatdley now on hundreds of Auto Cad files, some with more detail than on yours.

Good Luck Thanks for that Gunk..I guess the first thing is getting it loaded into Polytrans the setup there.

[3djock]

Did AccuTrans crash loading the file to be converted or writing the new file?

Loading

[Larry_g1s]

Thanks I will try..Lightwave does not have much solutions for this..Viktor with LWCAD is working to get DWG's to import via LWCAD in the 3.x life cycle.

[3djock]

Viktor with LWCAD is working to get DWG's to import via LWCAD in the 3.x life cycle.
Yeah that is great the better the sooner thou.. He probably said not until 3.2 ..:i_agree:

[gunk]

Last ditch attempt, but are you able to convert these in Auto Cad to R12 DXF before loading into AccuTrans?

Otherwise if the original file is not to big post it and I'll see what i can do.

[3djock]

Last ditch attempt, but are you able to convert these in Auto Cad to R12 DXF before loading into AccuTrans?

Otherwise if the original file is not to big post it and I'll see what i can do.

I'am not sure what dxf they sent..

[kopperdrake]

Try Any DWG DXF Converter - see if it can convert the DWG to a DXF, which LW can import directly. It's free for a few uses I think. I have to admit that I often have to go the Illustrator route and use LWCAD's DXF importer as opposed to LW's native DXF converter.

[JonW]

You could open in up in Photoshop (get the correct scale for a given DPI) and put it in the background in Lightwave as a JPG. Not perfect but it helps.

DWG to DXF converter I find does not work well all drawings, although it’s not bad.

Sometimes its just quicker to use a ruler on the drawings.

[archijam]

I believe this (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6703438&siteID=123112) also converts to lower acad versions for free, can help with many problems.

The nice thing about Accutrans (if you can get your file open, that DWG sounds stupidly large) is that you can save into separate files, it splits up by layer etc, either automatically, or with full control.

Most used shareware app I ever purchased .. I am glad that Wayne focusses on the programming (it's constantly updated) rather than the GUI ;) ..

.. Tho i'd love to see a mac version ;)

[MicroMouse]

I actually tried the Accutrans but it crashed it because the file was so large. After the crash it left a file which was 299mb and I new LW was not going to open that.

If you want to, you can email the DXF file to
'micromouse at accesscomm.ca'
and I will check why AccuTrans has a problem reading it.

Wayne

[jabbermike]

hi,

the best thing that worked for me 100% all time, was using TrueDWG from Autodesk to open the .DWG file and hide alle layers that I did not need. Then plotting what I needed to a PDF file. Then converting it with Coral Draw to .EPS. I know this sounds like a fuss, but as I said, this was worked all the time with no failures.

TrueView Link http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6703438&siteID=123112

Cheers, Mike

[3djock]

Thanks anyways guys I lost the job anyways mainly because of time constraints to a person with 3dmax disappointed to say the least..

[archijam]

That's too bad. Can't say I've ever experienced such troubles as you describe. And I always work from some kind of Acad base.

That said, the kind of client that can even create a 300 meg .DWG file sounds like trouble to me ...

[3djock]

That's too bad. Can't say I've ever experienced such troubles as you describe. And I always work from some kind of Acad base.

That said, the kind of client that can even create a 300 meg .DWG file sounds like trouble to me ...

What gets me is they tried doing the rendering in Sketchup but it look like crap then they send me this huge file to begin with whatever dxf they gave me they did not say. Whatever... I gave it my best try to convert with know luck. I don't think they ever dealt with rendering before. Need a conversion that lightwave can understand for dwg sooner rather then later because I'am loosing work because of it lol..They did to want to pay for remodeling so I'am out of a job:mad:

[archijam]

Indeed that sucks.

Even if something had gone wrong like that for me, I could also get access to AutoCAD easily, whereas that sounds difficult for you.

I would still post the file to Wayne at the link above, he could at least see what the problem was for future reference (and is extremely trustworthy) .. whatever program you use, you are going to run into some 'issues' sooner or later when going from cad to 3D... if only for the simple reason that everyone uses CAD differently.

In my experience it is also good to insist to speak to the person who made the file, even if it is only for 2 minutes - to answer basic questions of geometry, blocks, layers, versions etc. - and save them and yourself hours of experimentation.

Most clients will only consider that being thorough.

[alexos]

What gets me is they tried doing the rendering in Sketchup but it look like crap then they send me this huge file to begin with whatever dxf they gave me they did not say. Whatever... I gave it my best try to convert with know luck.

I'm sorry if this sounds too "yeah-right"-ish, but IMHO if you want to stay in the field you need to get an Autocad license. There is a limit to what even the best dwg-reading 3rd party can do and, as someone else pointed out, the guys at Autodesk keep modifying the bloody format. So Sketchup, Accutrans, even Rhino will eventually have problems with one drawing or another.

Autocad is a bad beast and those who use it tend to take a lot of shortcuts that just don't translate well outside it. And in cases such as yours, where there's a lot of hatches, 3rd party converters go mad because they try to turn everything into a curve - the load is just excessive. In a way you were lucky you couldn't take that drawing straight into LW, because you would have found yourself with an impossible amount of cleaning up to do... while on the other hand, you could load the drawing into Acad (LT will do), get rid of hatches, section lines, library elements and whatnot, explode, save as DXF and have some very precise and useful construction lines in Modeler to start with. And you could, in case they gave you an actual 3d model, export a .3ds from Acad - good luck flipping polygons afterwards, but still a good starting point.

As far as 3rd party go, I suggest Sketchup with the LW-export plug-in and, for real emergencies, Rhino, which also saves in LWO. The latter you can download as a demoversion and it'll let you save 30 times before it deactivates; kudos to them for that.

ADP.

[manholoz]

I agree with Alexos.
I yet have to receive an autocad file that did not have to go through extensive cleanup.
Autocad is a very complete drafting tool, but most people just don't use it to it's potential, or, as Alexos says, take too many shortcuts. "As long as it prints alright, it's alright" seems to be the motto.
"Almost" intersecting lines, an bunch of overlaid lines, blocks with elements in a gazillion amounts of unrelated layers, parts of the drawing in unprintable layers, unevenly scaled blocks, zero length lines, "2d" lines with different z coordinates... you name it.
Cleaning dwg files can be hell. And then some.

3djock, I'ld take this time to tackle the files they sent you through an autocad-friendly program, and work on your "dwg cleaning" skills so next time you know what to do when another file like that one comes along.

[Tzan]

"2d" lines with different z coordinates...

This happens to me when I use AutoCad. When I select some lines/ copy to clip board/ Paste into another drawing, the block is at a +z 4'-(something inches) for no real reason. Took me a long time (years) to even notice that it was happening. The only way a drafter can tell it by useing the tangent modifier and seeing the point show up in a weird place.

The fix for draftspeople is to grab an end point in the pasted block and move it to a line you know is at z=0. So I'm just in the habbit of doing that all the time now.

It gets really messy when you make library blocks from copied objects.

[Wade]

Ask to have the file given to you as a PDF

1. plotted to PDF from the source "plot to PDF"

Then you

2. open in Illustrator
3. export or save to EPS (8)
4. import in LW
5. set scale

[Ron Schatz]

Wade's is great, I also ask them to plot the pdf with and without hatches and dims. This way you print one or two of the files with the hatches and dim for color and size reference. Then cram the others into modeler, scale all drawings in one layer and then separate one view per layer.
Hatches with brick and stone get point heavy fast.
See IG's sample of a base wire model of 6 story building.

With Sketchup my customers can export a .3ds file directly from Sketchup, it makes a folder with the image map as well, but you will need to file through the surface names and remove elements of the 3ds, salt to taste on how far you to go to make work for you. Here is 3 screens of 3ds file in modeler opened from the exported folder. Note the black lines, these are larger then the model it self.

In the past 11 years of pushing LW in only ArchVis, I have come to realize that each job has never been the same, and if was easy, someone is going to take my jobs to.
There are some shortcuts but without doing the longhand work you will never see the shortcuts for the next job, so price and time yourself asap and get the job first. Then get'r done, 8 hours for that jobs for first massing proofs:)

As simple as is sounds, just get the job first, THAT is most important, because without it, your not eating.

Keep it going.