keithhill

Hi, we are having the same problem here aswell. We have reverted back to version 1 for now. Can I confirm are you using the trial version or the full paid version?? Thanks.

Unfortunately, I don't know of a way of getting an archicad PLN file into 3D Max, we use Archicad as our base modelling program but then import into 3D max using 3ds files..... (exporting group elements we found is the easiest way).

Personally I would always choose ASUS. Where that being a mobo or gfx card. Never had a problem with running or cooling of ASUS hardware.

No we apply new vray materials. 3dmax / Vray materials are far better than archicad textures.. It is a little time consuming but once you have done a few jobs you can create a library of ur common materials and thus applying materials to the 3ds models becomes a lot quicker... Note when you export from archicad, make sure you export to 3ds from archicad using following settings: Surfaces, drawing unit scale 1000mm. This basically groups all objects which has the same archicad materials as one element, therefore say in your partitions 3ds file, you can apply a painted finish across all partitions rather than selecting them individually and applying a material. Sounds confusing, but once you have done it a few times. it becomes quite straight forward.

Agree, with above post... 3DS in parts... We use Archicad to model buildings and 3d max and vray for furniture and rendering... The best way we find is to split the model out into parts and import into max separately on to separate layers. For instance, we split the archicad model in to following 3ds files (NOTE: we are interior design company and mainly deal with fitout), Building Core Partitions (new internal walls) Skirting Flooring Furniture Ceiling Roof This give us the most flexibility within 3d max and allows for quick changes from the Archicad model to be easily imported into 3D max model. (why import the whole model again and retexturing if your just changed a partition wall). Also we take it a bit further and split the above parts into stories, ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor etc.... This seems long winded but we feel it gives us the best flexibility between the 2 programs and allows for design changes to be quickly implemented. Hope this helps. Keith

Hello, I also use Archicad 18 for modelling the building structure / details, I find it to be a lot quicker than other 3D / Bim programs but that is probably down to me using it for 15 years. However I always export my Archicad models to 3D max and render with Vray. Although the new Archicad has the Cinerender plugin, I feel it still doesn't achieve the visual appeal that Vray has. As with all things in the 3D world there isn't a correct way in doing things, there is just the way you are most comfortable doing whilst achieving the results you require. Your renders look very good and I agree with a lot of the comments mentioned above. Camera position and more post work will definitely help. However If you feel you are still not getting the results you want. I would recommend Archicad / Max / Vray workflow, we use this and are achieving some really good results. It is quite expensive in terms of licensing but it does allow you to use some great plugins built for 3d Max. Forest Pack Pro and Laubwerk trees are amazing and definitely improve exterior landscaping renderings. This workflow does require a bit of management within the archicad program ( i.e. building the archicad model with materials in mind, as when your export from archicad, you export by materials, and this groups similar materials within the max model). We take it a little further and save out individual 3DS files for structures, flooring, partitions, ceiling, roofs, and landscaping. This is only because I like nice tidy max files and the flexibility to turn building objects on and off. I hope this helps...