Importing OBJ
|
Command |
Path |
|
Import OBJ (3D only) |
File > Import |
OBJ is a 3D format commonly used for point cloud information, as well as 3D scene models. OBJ files can be optionally accompanied by material files (.mtl) and texture files (.tga, .targa, .dds, .jpg, .png, etc.); the geometry imported with the OBJ file is independent from the material file. Material files may fail to import if the referenced texture files require codecs that are not installed. OBJ files must contain at least one closed face object in order to successfully import. 3D geometry imports as mesh objects.
If you use Vectorworks Cloud Services, the Import Reality Capture command is a quick, easy way to import files directly from your cloud storage.
To import an OBJ file:
Select the command and then the file to import.
The Import OBJ Options dialog box opens.
Click to show/hide the parameters.Click to show/hide the parameters.
|
Parameter |
Description |
|
Layer name |
Select an existing layer, or select New Design Layer to create a new layer for the imported object |
|
Class name |
Select an existing class, or select New Class to create a new class for the imported object |
|
Import Materials |
Imports material files and any referenced texture files; if no material (.mtl) file exists in the folder containing the geometry (.obj) file, these options are grayed |
|
Import transparency and image data as Renderworks textures |
Converts imported texture information from the material file data into Renderworks textures, including transparency and image data |
|
Create Renderworks textures for all materials |
Converts all imported materials data into Renderworks textures, including plain color fills |
|
Mesh Import Options |
|
|
Mesh smoothing |
Select how mesh smoothing is applied to imported mesh objects. Select Custom Crease Angle to define the Crease angle for the imported objects. Select Use Document Settings to use the crease angle as defined in the document settings; for more information, see Vectorworks preferences: Display pane. |
|
Crease angle |
When Custom Crease Angle is selected, enter the desired angle to smooth all mesh objects rendered with Shaded rendering mode or a Renderworks rendering mode; enter a higher value for smoother surfaces (range: 0–180) |
|
Import as symbol |
Imports the file contents as a symbol definition in the Resource Manager; see Resource Manager and Concept: Vectorworks symbols |
|
Model Space Units |
Because OBJ files do not store unit information, select the units to use for the imported OBJ file; this affects the size of the imported meshes |
OBJ geometry and components are imported as specified. A mesh object is created, and it is automatically selected.
If the 3D information was derived from laser scanners, the object's orientation after import may be different from the original due to the differences in the coordinate systems.
