Hi everybody,
I always save a 3D model made in Autocad as a 3ds file, then I import it into Vue Pro, no problem about that. But, since we got a brand new copy of Architectural Desktop 2005, Vue Pro seems not to be able to import a 3ds file of a model anymore...it starts to load the 3ds file, and just freezes til I do the CTRL+ALT+CANC. I have a PC with 3 main softwares: Architectural Desktop, Poser 5 and Vue 4 Pro. HP workstation, 3+3 ghz cpu, 2 gb ram
Any help or info would be very welcome!
Ciao, Luca

Is it still possible to load the old 3DS-files from Autocad? To me it more sounds that your Architectural software had changed something in the export filter that Pro does not understand. It is such a pitty that there are already several variation of 3DS-files around that are not totally compatible. Example: 3DS-files from Cinema 4D always create an error message saying that the materials are not treated correctly. When i load up a 3DS from other 3D applications it is ok. My experience is, that it often has to do with materials/texturing. Maybe you contact the other software company and ask what they have changed. And what their proposition is to solve the problem. Are there other export options for 3D models? "obj" for example, or "lwo". You could try those too - if possible.

Are you using 3d solids or massing objects? I have trouble exporting massing objects, but that's a right click fix in autocad. What are your display preferences? You might have those set too high?

I don't know if this is it or not but just thought I'd chip in with this: make sure your model is close to 0,0,0 (if not right on top of it) at the time of export, otherwise Vue will try to import it into the real world coordinates, which may be outside Vue's coordinate limits. I also agree with the others that it definately sounds like an issue with Autocad not Vue, probably having to do with Autodesk tweaking the 3ds export options for the 2005 update which means that it may be creating objects / parameters that Vue doesn't know what do do with yet (since Vue Pro's most recent update was created before your Arch Desktop 2005 update even existed). You might want to consult E-on tech support and Autodesk tech support and let them know that you're having this issue now when you weren't before.

Message edited on: 07/14/2004 11:15

Over at the e-on site they've got a new beta update to 4.54 that's fixes are supposed to include: "Improved 3DS format compatibility" you might also try that and see if that works out the issue.

Thanks guys for your help, I've been trying in several ways to make this import thing work, but with no success for the moment. It is not possible to load the old 3ds files made in Autocad. My suspect is the same you all have guys, since I installed the ad2005 I haven't been able anymore to import 3ds files. I've also installed the latest update, as nanotyrannus suggests, but nothing has changed. I'll keep on trying other ways...I have to get this sorted 'couse I have work to get done...

It might be a long shot but if it's really important (and even possible in your case) if you can save it down to a prior release format and then open it up using one of the previous releases that used to work for you and export it out that way. I know that may not be possible since downgrading sometimes causes a loss of release specific entities but just thought I'd throw that out there as an option.