CAD-3D........How does it work?

[Ph0n33z]

Hey guys........

 

I am still learning Cinema 4D, but I decided it would be beneficial to also learn autocad. My question is how exactly the cad works with cinema 4d, or any 3d app for that matter.

 

Do you just create and elevation and some other views and then import the lines into c4d? Or do you create the model from the drawings within the cad app, and then export that to c4d?

 

If you export the 3d model:

 

Do you draw the cad lines first, then convert them into 3d surfaces in the program? or do you start drawing the building with 3d surfaces......

 

Basically, I just want to know how cad works with 3d arch viz. Thanks!

[STRAT]

2D -

 

unfortunately, the interface between autocad 2d and cinema4d 2d is pathetic

 

you can obviously get your 2d acad stuff in to c4d and work it up, but there's no accuracy or pradictability about it. no control. dont get me wrong, it's fairly neat and tidy, and a nube wouldn't know any difference, but if ur looking for the control that say 3dsViz/max will give you from acad then it just doesnt exist.

 

read this thread - http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=148046

 

 

3D -

 

up to you. draw it all in 3d in cad first then import mesh into c4d, or draw it all in 3d in c4d. it really doesnt make a difference.

personally i draw 99% of it in 3d acad first, then export it over to cinema for rendering/animating.

[Ph0n33z]

Ok.......

 

So how does drawing in 3d as opposed to 2d in cad differ? Is it a a larger learning curve? Or are the processes the same except for adding the z axis?

 

Also, since I have yet to learn a cad program, would it be better to learn something that flows better with c4d? Such as vectorworks, allplan, or archicad? The reason I was going to learn acad is because of its ubiquitous nature. However, I see you utilize acad and c4d, so maybe I should just stick with it.....What do you guys think?

[Ph0n33z]

I just finished going through that thread u posted...

 

Thanks a lot for the info. I think it may be best to go with archicad or vectorworks in my case. IF anyone else has any other opinions, PLEASE let me know!

 

Thanks!

[STRAT]

vector works has a special plugin that allows it to interface with cine very nicely. im not sure what exactly it does, how it works or how you can benefit from it, but why not give it a bash?

 

the difference between 2d and 3d cad drawing? yup, basically you have the Z axis to consider. When i teach peeps 3d i usually state they must be FULLY proficiant in 2d first. the jump to 3d is then allot easier and faster. it really isnt that difficult.

 

and again, i personally would definately advise a cad system over a 3d application if ur after accuracy. not essential, it's just my opinion.

 

as cinema4d stands you'll have difficulties (or more like frustrations) with whatever cad program you choose if you want to do 2d drawing with both. But for 3d cinema4d is superb.

as you point out, i use autocad. i use it for nearly all my 3d drawing. then once finished, i seamlessly import it into cinema for rendering.

if i have 2d elements to draw and i dont want to use c4d, i'll use max/viz. max/viz is 100% compatible with autocad 2d wise, and very very predictable and compatible with acad. and it's draughting methods are most similar.

 

as i say, i havent used VW and rearly used archicad, but i can almost garantee you the 2d interface with c4d, and using c4d's 2d drawing methods will not be a happy time. thats unless of course you're a complete nube and dont see where im comming from and arent really interested in complete accuracy.

 

dont get me wrong though. c4d has great 3d modelling capabilites, but if you plan on 2d drawing in there then stay in there. dont mix and match applications.