Hey Mark,
If you save from Acad to release 12 dxf, then you can import into rs3d
(including linework, but not polylines with curves). I've also had
pretty good luck using 3ds from acad, but your objects cannnot have more
than 32000 faces, and it doesn't take lines.
Chris Mungenast
Mark Heuymans wrote:
I'm often involved in importing architectural scenes made with
Autocad. The latest version ditched 3ds export... hm, RS can't import
3ds from Acad anyway. So I have to resort to 3dsmax to import dwg and
from there export 3ds. What I get in RS is often only useful as a 2d
overlay, it would take too much time to fix the mess... the cad people
are often sloppy and don't realize their output could be part of a
production pipeline. They never heard of IGES or .obj...
Also: one 3ds isn't the other, dxf isn't dxf... You really can't trust
a spec sheet, you have to test things and base your workflow on
practical experience. With many import/exports in the workflow, the
risk that something isn't compatible grows. And it often ends up too
big or too small, or tilted, so you have to fix those things manually
each time...
Like many people here, I'm now stuck with RS because I don't want to
learn another fullblown 3d app. I grew into it since V1.4 on the
Amiga.. loved it ever since.
About rendering: I don't want to use another renderer because of VSL.
I spent a lot of time playing with VSL and don't want to throw that
away. Besides that, render quality can be phenomenal!
For production, Realsoft's GI is problematic because 1) it's slow 2)
it's too resource hungry, especially for print resolution pics and
animations 3) AA and blur problems 4) glass and reflection problems.
That doesn't mean you can't produce great pictures with it - I just
think it's not wise to use it if you have tight deadlines.
It wouldn't hurt RS to add a few more import/export options. There's
no question it's too isolated now. I really need dwg import for
production work... and please, I want to export complete models
including textures, uvw and animation!
-Mark H
