Newbie to 3dsmax needs help - 2D image

[didarx79]

Hi, I'm new to 3dsmax, I need help importing an AutoCAD dwg into 3dsmax as 2D image. I want to import a dwg as a 2D to draw over in 3dsmax, because the ACad Drawing I got is pretty messed up with the z-coordinates, so when I simply import to 3dsmax, it shows a crazy 3D image. I converted the dwg into bitmap image already, but I just don't know how to import it into 3dsmax as a background to draw over. Please help~~~

[sterealkey]

Hello,

 

The way I would do it would be to draw a plane to the correct size, move it slightly below the origin point, then map the bitmap onto it, right click plane>properties>untick 'frozen in gray' option, click OK, Rightclick plane again>click 'freeze selection'.

 

Now it sits in your scene you can draw on it from top view, and you wont accidentally move it around.

 

Now to make it less distorted, go to your Bitmap Proxy settings in your render tab, select 'show bitmaps full size' and click 'generate proxies now'. This will make all the detail on your bitmap visible so you can see all the lines.

 

There might be better ways, but this is my way.

 

Good luck

 

SK

[didarx79]

Thank you SK, I understand what you said. But I'm really not familiar with this program, when I try to drag the bitmap material to the plane, it didn't let me, any idea how to solve this? Thanks in advance.

[AFK_Matrix]

Thank you SK, I understand what you said. But I'm really not familiar with this program, when I try to drag the bitmap material to the plane, it didn't let me, any idea how to solve this? Thanks in advance.

 

 

Another option is to get it all on one plane in AutoCAD. Open the drawing and select everything in the drawing, then open your properties and look at the 2 z co ordinates, the End Z and the Start Z. Then just make these 0. At the top of the properties window is a drop down menu so you can choose the lines, cirlces, arcs etc that you have selected then just do the same with the z co ordinates. Save your file as a autocad file.

 

Then in 3DMax go to file and open the file link manager and go to the Attach tab then file. Find your file and then click attach this file. You may have some issues with curved lines if so post back here and i'll help you setup some presets to help with curved lines.

[BrianKitts]

when I try to drag the bitmap material to the plane, it didn't let me, any idea how to solve this?

 

assign the material before you freeze the object....