What can you import?
The
Autodesk® Showcase™ software automatically installs the latest Autodesk
DirectConnect CAD file translators to enable the import of CAD data.
When you import geometry
into a scene, it is translated automatically into one or more APF
files that are then read into the Autodesk Showcase scene. These
APF files are not saved unless you save the scene.
Currently, you can import
the following model geometry into Autodesk Showcase software:
- Autodesk packet apf files
- Autodesk® Alias™ wire files
(Version 10 or later)
- Autodesk® Inventor® parts or assemblies
(Version 2008 or later)
- Autodesk® AutoCAD® drawing and model dxf, dwg files
- STEP stp files
- IGES igs files
- Items from other Autodesk Showcase sceneA3S files
- Other formats depending on your machine’s
configuration and entitlements. (Use the Files of Type pull-down
menu in the Import Models window to review the formats available
to you.)
CAD files are converted
into separate APF files before import (this is an automatic process).
NoteYou cannot import
CAD files unless you have a "Power User" or Administrator account.
If you are using a restricted “User” account, you can open existing
Showcase scenes but cannot import files.
NoteOnce you import a
model into a scene file and save the scene, you can import the model
into other scenes without needing to convert again. See
Import from other scenes.
Import general workflow
- It
is good practice to clean up your model files before importing them.
Prepare Alias geometry
- Create a new scene to import the model
files into, or open an existing scene.
Create and open an Autodesk Showcase scene
- Select File > Import Models to
import the model files.
You can select more than one file; all are converted
to APF if needed during this step.
Import models into your scene
Import from other scenes
- Save the scene if you want to keep the
APF files.
Save your scene
- Assign names to the models, change their
up-axis, and resize them to fit into the scene.
Change model settings
- Use Maya if you wish to enhance the model
in the APF file.
Enhance the APF model in Maya 2009
How imported model files
work
- Model
files (APF files) are referenced by the Autodesk Showcase A3S scene
file. APF files are stored in a companion folder with the scene
file and need to be copied along with the A3S file when moved off-network.
(See
Copy a scene to an off-network location.)
- For best results when viewed with Autodesk
Showcase materials and environments, models should be built in real
world size in their original modeling package.
- If you change model files in their original
modeling package, your changes are not reflected in the Autodesk
Showcase scene. You can use the Import Status window (File
> Show Import Status) to track changes
to original models and reload them when required. For more information,
see
Reload models.
