Archicad 9 to Max7 and Viz06

[cdburningmaster]

Hello. I have created several different structures in Archicad 9. For every building:

I go to the 3d view, go to SAVE AS and save it as a .3ds file. I followed all directions found in previous posts (such as setting 1 unit=1000mm in the export dialog box). I import the file into max 7.

 

When the file opens up, everything appears so tiny that you cannot even tell what shape the building is. It's zoomed out so much that the perspective view will not even allow me to zoom in enough to comfortable zoom level. I keep trying to zoom in, and it eventually won't let me zoom any more. All I see in each of the four views is some vague shape comprising of no more than 15 pixels.

 

However, I am able to zoom in to the front, right and top views. Upon further inspection, I see that all of the units actually came out the way I wanted. This problem is EXACTLY the same when imported into VIZ 2006

 

Any help will be greatly appreciated! I am new to Max and Viz, so maybe this problem is just a result of me being a newbie.

 

Many Thanks, Shawn

[mtb0506]

just press "z" when you are in the perspective viewport and it should zoom extents or whatever object is selected

[cdburningmaster]

I just tried that, and it still doesn't zoom fit. However, I appreciate the tip, and any new information I can learn is greatly welcome! Thanks Mike

[Ace_Face]

Try creating new camera views in Max rather than relying on the imported camera views from ArchiCAD. Something happens to the lens degree setting during the export and never looks the same when imported.

[Zdravko Barisic]

try to delete archicad sun object

[V_Type]

I agree with okmijun, you have to delete your archicad camera(s) and sun in the export box before to save your project as a 3ds project.

[bricklyne]

I agree with okmijun, you have to delete your archicad camera(s) and sun in the export box before to save your project as a 3ds project.

 

 

Alternatively, just select both the camera and ArchiCAD sun ( it will appear as a target spot light), when in Max using the "h" - key function. This will list every single element in your model and you can check the boxes for light and camera to limit the list to cameras and lights and then 'select all' -> 'ok' and delete them as required. ( you may or may not leave other lights in place as you please). After this try 'Zoom extents all' again and your entire model should appear in all viewports.

 

Just make sure that before you leave ArchiCAD, you delete any stray objects far from the main model otherwise they'll always affect your zoom extent in MAX. Also if possible try to keep your model as close as possible to the origin in ArchiCAD; that usually helps a lot later on.

 

Good luck....

[stefkeB]

Can you confirm that the units in max come out identical to the ArchiCAD units?

 

I always use 1unit=1000mm when exporting from ArchiCAD and the model is usually just fine.

 

I know 3ds max/VIZ/VIZ Render behave oddly when the scale is off, and that is apparantly what you are experiencing.