Hallo!

Which export formats should be passed on so that architects can use the drawings in their plans?
As far as I know, work is often done in AutoCad, ArchiCad, VectorWorks etc.

Are there 2 or 3 formats to cover all different systems?

Thanks for the advice!

Franz

Maybe export Moi SKP then reload in SKetchuP then export in DWG ...
or maybe more speedy in export 3DS...

Hi Franz, probably .obj and .fbx would be good formats to send.

Those are polygon mesh formats though. There is quite a bit of variation in solid model support in architectural software. For AutoCAD and Revit can take in .sat format I think, others may want STEP .stp format.

- Michael

Hello!

Thanks for the quick feedback, I will forward my drawings this way.
Thanks Pilou, with PconPlanner I could also convert OBJ to DWG very easily.
I could even assign material well (PCon) without dissolving the groups.
Simlab also works well with OBJ and can also give DWG output.

Unfortunately, I cannot try Autocad and Archicad in my home, but the decisive factor is a small file size with maximum quality.
I had the feedback of a designer who uses VektorWorks, he had problems with the material assignment because he could not resolve the parts.
He will continue to try ...

I have already done object naming and color assignment in Moi.
With OBJ, these things are still there despite the export, that's the beauty of the format.

In the next days I get a feedback if the designer has achieved something in VektorWorks. He want to share the drawings with this programm (a customer from me).
But I think that the VW files are getting much too big anyway.

With kind regards
Franz

Just for info
for keep name (obj1, obj2, etc) (and "Components" by one Explode directly ) to SKetchUp (or PCon Planner) prefer the export 3DS format from Moi...

Thanks Pilou, i`try.

Franz

Note - .3ds format does not have any method in it to store vertex normals for shading unlike .obj or .fbx and so you will generally get a lower quality render from that output than .obj or .fbx export.

It has other limitations too like a 16-bit limit on the size of an individual mesh. It's usually best to avoid using it if possible.

- Michael

Hi Franz

I use Archicad 23, I have been using the system since version 4.5 so I have a lot of experience with it creating 3D models and working drawings for Interior designers and in the past architects.

You can export 2D drawings directly from Moi in the DXF format and Archicad and Autocad can import them and work with them.

You can also import Moi & Rhino 3D files in the native .3dm file format and Archicad will allow you to change the level of detail at any time by opening the objects dialog box and selecting the level of detail required which is very useful for project speed.

Archicad now connects directly to Rhino and Grasshopper with a live link between them, so you can see updates in Archicad's 3D view port and Rhino's as well, personally I don't use Rhino I use Moi which I find a fantastic companion for Archicad.

Other 3D file format that Archicad can import are.

Sketchup SKP
IFC
DWG
3DS
STL
etc, I have attached a couple of images showing the formats that Archicad can import and put 3D or 2D next to them.

I hope it helps.

By the way Michael thanks for such a great piece of software and at such a reasonable cost, amazing work for a lone developer.


You may be interested in looking at some examples on my website, the link is below.

http://www.envizionltd.com/index.htm

Hello Don1 and Michael!

I would like to thank you for your valuable report and experience.
My client will like to prepare my *.3dm files (Moi) for architects and has now chosen the Moi-Rhino way, where he converts *.dwg files from Rhino in the end.
He said, it works well, his words:
"I open your 3dm data in Rhino and convert it to DWG, save textures, volume model 2004, done!"

Thanks also to Michael. Every information is important, because not working releases should be avoided.

Best Regards
Franz

Hello Don1 (DAVID_ONEILL)!

I just saw your website. Great examples of rendering and planning!

Best regards
Franz