Autodesk LIGHTSCAPE, Manual

Page: 64 / 362

Importing Geometry 5
56
Lightscape
block in Lightscape or save it first to a block library
that could then be loaded back into your model, if
necessary.
To merge files:
1.
Choose File | Merge.
The Open dialog appears.
2.
Navigate to the Lightscape Preparation file that
you want to merge, then click Open.
The selected file is merged with the current Light-
scape Preparation file.
Note:
You can also merge files imported from
other formats. See “Overwriting or Merging” on
page 63, and “Overwriting or Merging” on page 69.
Adjusting Light Intensity
When you bring lights from your modeling program
into Lightscape, you should adjust the Maximum
Light Intensity Scale. This converts relative light
intensities in the modeling package to physical units
used by Lightscape. For more information, see
“Importing Lights” on page 67 and “Exporting
Lights” on page 75.
Supported Formats
Lightscape directly imports the DXF and DWG file
formats, which are supported by most modeling
packages.
In addition, you can import and export files from 3D
Studio MAX, 3D Studio VIZ, and Newtek Light-
Wave 3D using the plug-ins included with
Lightscape. These plug-ins are installed when you
first install Lightscape.
Using Third-Party Applications
A number of third-party CAD software manufac-
turers provide support for Lightscape export from
their applications. For information on these
programs, consult the respective suppliers.
Importing DXF Files
The DXF file format was designed by Autodesk® and
is now considered an AEC industry standard for the
exchange of geometric data. Most commercial CAD
and modeling applications can export to DXF files.
This method is useful for models created in
modeling applications that output the DXF file
format and do not support the DWG format.
Lightscape currently imports most of the DXF enti-
ties that can be converted to polygons.
Note: ACIS® solids, lights, and cameras are not
supported by the DXF file format. To import these
entities, use the DWG or 3DS file format. For more
information, see “Importing DWG Files” on page 62
and “Importing .3DS files” on page 65.
To import a DXF file:
1.
In Lightscape, choose File | Import | DXF.
The Import DXF dialog appears.
2.
Do one of the following:
• Enter the filename in the Name box
• Click Browse, navigate to the appropriate file in the
Open dialog that appears, and then click Open.
3.
Modify the options (described in the following
sections) on the dialog as required, or use the default
settings.