Ive searched everywhere for a good tut on how to use AI files in Carrara to no avail. Any direction would be great! :)

Just make sure they are saved as eps files and save them as Illustrator version 4, the newer file formats don't always work in all the profiles. Then just import the file to the cross section in the model room.

Actually, they don't have to be eps files... you can import straight .ai files as well. If you are on a Mac, make sure you name your file with the .ai extension. Also, I have imported versions as high as 6.0.

You can only import the cross sections into the Spline modeler. I've heard you can use AI files up to version 8.

In the spline modeller I believe you can also import .ai files to be used as the sweep path (in addition to cross sections). On the PC I save my paths as .ai version 8.0 and they seem to load fine. If all you need to do is draw curves, something inexpensive like XaraX (http://www.xara.com/products/xarax/) might suffice (I'm assuming that it can output in a format that Carrara can load although I haven't tried it). Like C4D, Carrara is nice in that your curves remain editable as you model. In Lightwave once you lay down a curve you can't easily go back and change it later.

In Mac OS, you can draw paths in Photoshop, export them as Illustrator files, and import them to Carrara as cross-sections, sweep paths or symmetrical envelopes.

I have also done the same thing in Photoshop on a PC. It's the 'save as' an .ai file that is the key. This has been great when converting clients logos into C for animations.

TY everyone for your help and input...I found I can import .ai files upto ver 8.0 :)Im having fun playing with them now instead of getting frustrated..lol...thanks again for your help!

Attached Link: http://www.creaturehouse.com/expression3.html

I have a question, I was looking at getting Expression 3, which supports Illustrator files. Would it be possible for Carrara to load these as well? I would also like to se some samples of this if someone would be so kind as to post some. My idea is to use the shapes from Illustrator/Expression to speed modeling in carrara, or am i on the wrong track here? Thanks, Sterling

Your right on track. If Expressions 3 will export an Abobe Illustrator AI file version 8 or less it can be imported into Carrara's spline modeler as a cross section or envelope. This process can speed up the modeling process if you find easier to draw with illustration software than with Carrara.

Yeah, It's way easier for me to draw in 2D. There is this terribly large mental 3D block I'm having problems getting around. Thanks for the info.

If it helps, try drawing on only one plane at a time in Carrara. I usually start by drawing on the 'front' veiwport, then I begin to manipiulate the various extrusion paths and setting other cross-sections. This way I don't get too confused with which angle I'm drawing in, like when I only use the "director's camera" veiwport. Just my little way to keep from getting lost in 3D space. Good luck, and have fun! :>

thanks for the tip, I'll try that. Poser and Bryce got me trained all wrong!!