Imported Sketchup files insert into a drawing as shown. I would like them to be single line drawings as shown in the screen dump. Can they be changed. I bet Allan you will be pleased when I have finally mastered TFP and don't seek so much help, which by the way is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Bob
Hi Bob,
This one is a problem - there is no way to do it as SKP, DXF or 3DS imported will always have diagonal lines across flat surfaces - which means a huge amount over curved surfaces because they are just a huge number of flat ones. Sadly this is the situation with all imported objects. If you make objects withing TFP using it's own components (but do not export as 3DS and import again) they do not have the extral lines - one of the reasons I prefer not to import.
There is only one way around this (that I know) and it is only a partial solution. It basically means drawing your own shape for the 2D plan and 'attach it' to the 3D model - as follows:
1. Insert your SKP (or 3DS) in a new project and turn off the Terrain.
2. Use the Landscape Edging tool and draw a PVC Edge (it has no thickness) around your object to the shape you want to see in the plan. (Making the object not selectable will make this easier)
3. Select one section of the PVC Edging, right click and Select All Similar.
4. Go to Properties and set its height to 1mm.
5. Switch to Elevation and lower the object (if necessary) so that it 'sits' on the edging.
6. Do a File / Export as a 3DS file (it will now be 3DS and not SKP).
7. Import the 3DS file using the Object Wizard, making sure you select an appropriate section of the Catalogue to save it later - if you choose to do so. The Wizard imports to your model NOT to your catalogue - do that later (see 11)
8. During the import process uncheck the first few 3D materials and watch what disappears - this will identify the origianl object from the Edging. Close the 2D 'Eyes' on all the original model materials
9. Do the reverse for all the edging - turn OFF the 3D components and leave the 2D ones ON.
10. Complete the import.
11. If it does what you want, go to File / Catalogues / Save Element to Catalogue. (It should save with the name you gave it, in the area of the Catalogue your chose during import - see 7)
What you have in effect done is drawn a '3D' line around your object, turned off the objects 2D and turned off the Line(Edging)'s 3D.
In your model this will then show on the plan, only your 2D lines (was Edging) but in 3D will show the object but no Edging.
Does that make sense?
It is only a partial solution because in Plan view (which is Wireframe view) it is OK as it is in Patterned View but in Hidden Line and Rendered Outline, the 3D lines still show. So the Plan is OK - BUT in Elevation view, which uses Hidden Line, the 3D lines show and always do in Elevation, even in the other display formats (except rendered of course). See the image.
The Plan is probably your main concern so hopefully this will solve your problem.
Allan
Thanks Allan for the detailed reply. Possibly best to stick to BIM files.
The reason there are so many lines is that .3ds is a vertex model file structure. Internally TFP is a native or spline modeler. As Allan mentioned, vertex models use triangular (or 4 sided) faces to create non-flat surfaces and smooth curved surfaces require many small faces.
One can use other 3D programs to simplify vertex models with the program tools, reduce file size, and still have exactly the same model (for most, but not all cases).
Or one can convert it to a spline model or create a spline model....but TFP does not import spline models so that approach is rather useless. Spline modelers usually convert to vertex models upon export.
Allan's approach to using TFP creatively is a very useful approach, is fast and fairly easy and can do most things well with ingenuity....but not all people are modelers and so importing is very useful despite the potential problems.
For imported objects with lots of lines (and no desire to re-model), if it is the ugliness of seeing too many lines...I usually just change the color of the lines in 2D so they are not so stark contrast...like gray or lighter colors...so you can see and select but it does not look so messy.
Alternatively I think you can place a simple model on top of the complex model (or at a higher elevation) and not see it in 3D but see the simple lines in 2D...but that does not always work either.
Another alternative, for print or digital viewing results, is to modify a .bmp/.jpg/or .pdf file in another program like Photoshop or similar (probably TCAD if you export .dxf )...and simply hide/paint/cover over the unwanted lines or substitute with other "art". It is called "post" work...refining 2D, or 3D renders, are often faster or easier than spending extra time in TFP.
Thanks Doug for the information. My main reason for mastering TFP is to create views of the model for importing to TC. I also import the floor plan and elevations back into Turbo Cad for creating working drawings. So fixtures and fittings can be changed in changed in TC. That being the case, I don't think I will worry about modifying the 3ds images at this stage as it appears to be a bit complicated.
Bob
Suggest you search this forum...there are learning/help video tut files for working between TC and TFP.
Author has been doing this stuff for years and is basically an expert.
He has posted links to his website etc.
Jack Zimmer is his name...good guy here.
Yes Doug, I have purchased his videos and they are great and saved me a lot of time in the learning process.
Hi Bob,
The suggestion I made earlier for adding your own 2D lines to a 3D object should work just as well for a SKP object. Just draw around the SKP object as described using the Edging tool and Export as 3DS. When you Import again just turn off the 2D for the SKP object leaving the 3D on and do the reverse for the Edging lines. If you are then doing a 2D DXF export to TCAD it should only take your outline. You could deleted all the extra lines in TC but which would be quickest I do not know.
Another option, if you are just Exporting to TC in 2D and not interested in the 3D, then you could have the object on in 3D and trace the outlinle of the object using the Layout toolbar's Line tool and Arc tools - they should automatically snap to the corners. Turn off the imported objects and the 2D lines will remain and export to TC. This way there is no need to export and import again.
Allan