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:

  1. Do either of the following:
    • Select > 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.

  2. 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.
  3. Enter Scale factor. The default value is 1; the model is not scaled.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 ribbon bar. 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 > Save 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:

  1. Right-click in the modeling window.
  2. Select Save to Library > As Macro. The Save Building Component to Library dialog box opens.

    The Save Building Component to Library Dialog Box

  3. Confirm by clicking OK.
  4. 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.