Anyone have any hints on importing dxf files into Carrara? Everytime I try it, it seems to import something, but it ends up having no Master Objects, just an empty group.

Hello bluetone, It would be nice if all .dxf files were the same, but they're not. DXF files are especially problematic since there are 2D and 3D types. Not all 3D DXF files are "valid" in Carrara's eyes either. Stupid, I know, but there it is. Most often, when you get an empty group box, it means that the file has been exported as a 2D file. The 3D program that wrote it flattens the file into a plan drawing. CAD programs can open and manipulate 2D DXF files. That said, not all 3D files in DXF are created equal either. Some simply won't open in Carrara (or other applications either). If you are trying to use a DXF from 3D Cafe or somethng, you may be out of luck. If you have access to the computer that is saving the DXF try an alternate format like IGES or OBJ. I've had the best luck opening alternate 3D files with Amapi from EOVIA, the makers of Carrara. There is a free Amapi download from their web site. It will do an IGES format which you can then export to Carrara in the Carrara format. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful... Mark Bremmer

Actually that is very helpful. (The manual sure wasn't!) My client uses Vectorworks, and I have a copy of it as well, so that works well until I want to animate a flythrough, or show motion within the scene. Thanks, I'll try some other formats.