Import a 3ds Model
You can import a 3ds model into Vertex and add it into the
component library in the same way as a component you modeled
yourself.
To guarantee the component's portability, the 3ds file and the
possible texture related to it must be saved in the custom-specific
program environment. The files defining the texture (one or more
image file, for example jpeg or tiff file) must be in the same
folder as the 3ds file. For example, create a folder
../shared/lw/3ds for saving the files to. After that, open the 3ds
file to Vertex as follows:
- Do either of the following:
- Select File > Open > Open File. Select a 3ds model
and click the Open button.
- Open the 3ds model in Vertex using the drag and drop
method.
The 3ds File Settings dialog box opens.
- Select either of the following:
- Read as facet model - Facet models have a smaller file
size, but you cannot snap to points in the model, which makes it
difficult, for example, to select a locating point in the
model.
- Read as regular model - A regular model consists of
triangular meshes. You can snap to points in the mesh when
selecting a locating point, for example.
- Enter Scale factor. The default value is 1; the model is
not scaled.
- Select one of the following:
- Import as assembly - If the Vertex BD and 3D modeling
add-on feature is available to you, select this option. An assembly
is comprised of parts. You can edit each part individually; for
example, you can change the rendering material (Rendering add-on
feature required).
- Import as part - If the Vertex BD but not the 3D
modeling add-on feature is available to you and you wish to edit
the rendering materials, for example, select this option. A model
is a part where you can select surfaces for editing.
- Import as model - If the Vertex Layout is available to
you, select this option.
- If necessary, clear the Convert faces to planes
checkbox. The feature is intended for special cases only, such as
for reading 3ds models using an old version of Vertex. Converting
to planes will increase the file size of the model.
- Confirm by clicking OK.
The model is opened in the modeling window. If you imported the
model as an assembly or a part, the 3D modeling functions are
available on the toolbar. You can edit the model and save it to the
component library.
Save the Model
You can save the open model as a Vertex model (vxm) to any
folder by selecting File > Save File As. If you wish to
add the saved model to the component library later, save the model
in the ../custom/complibs/macro_custom folder.
You can also save and add the model directly to the component
library as follows:
- Right-click in the modeling window.
- Select Save to Library > As Macro. The Save Building
Component to Library dialog box opens.
Save a Building
Component to Library
- Confirm by clicking OK.
- Close the model window.
The model is saved to the component library as a Vertex model
(vxm). You can add it to a building from the component browser.
Save a Modeled
Component in a Library
Add a Piece
of Furniture or Another Building Component