Importing AutoCAD Solid Objects to ArchiCAD

Written by Péter Kis

The AutoCAD solid (ACIS) data import with ArchiCAD today is impossible from AutoCAD dwg/dxf files. How can we still use objects of this types in ArchiCAD?

The answer is: Object conversion within the ArchiCAD environment.

Follow these simple steps (AutoCAD 14/2000):

In AutoCAD use the 3DSout command.

The program asks for:

Select object: Select only one object!
Note: If you have a complex scene with several solid objects, you must convert every item in separate tasks. Otherwise the various objects will be merged in a joint object in ArchiCAD!
Name the 3DS object in the Save As dialog box. (i.e. object.3ds)
In the upcoming option window you can modify some export related parameters:
- Derive 3D Studio Objects From: Specifies how to group AutoCAD objects into 3D Studio objects.
  (It is recommended to use the default values.)
- AutoCAD Blocks, Override (Each Block is One Object): Overrides the current Derive setting and converts each block into a single 3D Studio object.
  (It is recommended to use the default values.)
- Smoothing: Assigns 3D Studio smoothing groups based on the controls set in this area.
  (It is recommended to use the default values.)
- Welding: Simplifies the geometry and improves rendering time by welding congruent or nearby vertices into a single vertex.
  (It is recommended to use the default values.)
Create a new empty drawing and use the 3DSin command (3D Studio file import function).
In the option window add only the Mesh object from the Available objects.
(It is recommended to use the default values.)

The object will be built from 3DFaces.
Save the AutoCAD drawing.
In ArchiCAD you can import the AutoCAD object as a library part.

NOTE: 3DSOUT cannot convert a selection set containing more than 65,535 vertices. Therefore please avoid creating too complex single objects in AutoCAD, try to use several "sub" models instead.

Page last updated: Thursday, June 10, 2004