DWG Import
DWG ImportDWG Import
When importing *.dwg files, problems can occur when interpreting NURBS. Therefore, it’s advisable to use the file formats listed here when importing CAD files. Importing these works much better and is much more comfortable.
The DWG format was originally developed by Autodesk for use in conjunction with CAD applications and is more or less the standard CAD exchange file format. DWG is actually a proprietary product (i.e. developed by the manufacturer and not available for external use). In order to ensure a free exchange of CAD files between various CAD applications (and thereby no longer be dependent on a single manufacturer), several companies have come together to form a consortium named OpenDWG with the goal of reconstructing the DWG environment for public use. The Cinema 4D DWG Import function is based on OpenDWG. Using this format, AutoCAD 13-2008-compatible files can be imported (of course earlier versions can be imported as well).
CAD drawings in DWG format can consist of two-dimensional (Perspective) and three-dimensional (planar or volumetric bodies) elements, both of which can be imported.
The most effective use of the DWG import function is for importing three-dimensional structures (via the Face, Polyfacemesh, Polymesh and NURBS elements). These will be imported into Cinema 4D as Polygon objects.
Make sure that the CAD files to be imported have been created in 3D. If the structure has been created using two-dimensional views, much more work will be required after import since all elements will have to be reconstructed!
Note that the AutoCAD scene to be imported must be closed before importing to Cinema 4D.
Although two-dimensional structures can be imported into Cinema 4D they will be imported as Splines or IGES Generators. These can then only be used in Cinema 4D as guides for the recreation of the actual structures in 3D.
Splines can be extruded using the Extrude Object function in order to create volumetric bodies.
If the DWG elements are assigned to layers these layers, including locked/unlocked or hidden states, will be assumed by Cinema 4D. Redundant or unnecessary layers can be removed using the Delete Unused Layers option. This will also provide a better overview of the imported layers in the Layer Manager.
Furthermore, Cinema 4D will assign all elements that have been assigned a color in AutoCAD (ByColor, ByACI) will a Cinema 4D material with the same color.
ByLayer and ByBlock color assignments will also be accounted for. However, no material will be created for these. Instead, a corresponding layer color will be used (Basic tab, Display Color: Layer).
Note the following tips for handling imported 3D objects.
Which types of objects can be read?
The following objects / elements in can be read from the DWG file?
- Arc
- Circle
- Ellipse/Elliptical Arc
- Polyline
- 2dPolyline
- 3dPolyline
- Face
- Polyfacemesh
- Polygonmesh
- Blocks and XRefs will be assumed by Cinema 4D as Instances.
- NURBS will be converted to polygons.
Solids and all other object types that are normally processed in the ACIS kernel are not supported!