AUTOCAD TO SOFTIMAGE

[tony_astro]

Hi,

This was probably covered already in the past. I was just wondering, what is the best way to export autocad files to a 3D package such as Softimage or Maya while keeping the exact same coordinates on the model? I tried exporting as 3ds but the model ended up having triangles and unnecesary geometry and overlapping. I tried dxf but it just doesn't want to import into any 3d package. Can anyone tell me the best format? Thanks.

Tony

[Mr T]

Check what the 3D package can IMPORT.

You might find that it can import an Autocad ver 12 file or DXF and that it will be more compatible.

Nick

[CADTutor]

I mostly use the 3DS format when moving objects from AutoCAD into other 3D apps but the translation can sometimes be quite crude. You can either try smoothing and tidying up the imported components in the destination package or use 3DS MAX or VIZ as a transition. I have found that taking AutoCAD 3DS format files into MAX and then exporting from there to whatever format you require gives a far better result.

[tony_astro]

Thanks guys. I'll let you know what happens.