Importing 3ds Objects

[garystan]

          I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong........
          I'm trying to import a downloaded 3ds object.    After downloading it,  I selected
       MY RECEIVIED FILES as the folder to put it in.
          I'm trying to follow the instructions in HELP files about Importing Custom Objects
       Into Your Catalog.   All goes well, until I reach the part about the DEFINE ELEMENT dialog
       box (where the instructions state to select IMPORT GEOMETRY FROM FILE.  I found that
       option in the  IMPORT OBJECT WIZARD.  But, I don't see the DEFINE ELEMENT dialog box.
           When I go into MY COMPUTER and go to MY RECEIVIED FILES folder, there is the
       downloaded object (in 3ds format).  i did the  "extract all files" routine.   And the object
       shows up......in 3ds format (apparently, ready to be used).
           But, when I try to import it from within TurboFloorPlan,   seems like I can't find that
       particular object.    Some of the other  3ds objects I downloaded show up,
           Is there a way  to   download 3ds objects directly into TurboFLOOR Plan ?
                                                                                                              garystan
                                                                                           

[Allan Chesney]

Hi garystan.
This has probably been covered many times in the forum, so if you Search for Import or 3DS you will find other information too but basically these are the steps:

1)  Save the 3DS to a folder on your computer so you know where it is.

2)  Go to the section of the catalogue where you want to locate the object (eg Interior Accessories)

3)  Right click in the section where you want the object (eg Decorative) and select New Element.

4)  In the Define Element popup box tick “Import Geometry from File”

5)  In the Browse, find your 3DS file (Make sure the Browse is set to 3DS – defaults to DXF)

6)  Follow the prompts to set size  and then other Properties, Appearance etc

7)  Your object will be added to the catalogue and can now be edited and used in future as necessary.

You can import straight into the model using the Import Wizard (File menu) but this does not automatically become available for future use in other projects. It can be added to the catalogue but can sometimes then be hard to find unless you import very carefully, so the first method is recommended.

Hope that helps.

Allan