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.

Editing mesh objects

Importing reality captures

 

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