Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

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DXF ImporterAuthor: Jason Wells
2d and 3d dxf importer plugins for Softimage XSI v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011. Please note that dxf file format is incredibly varied and it is impossible for me to cover every valid iteration of the format (and keep it free). I have therefore stuck to the dxf formats that come from the two main CAD programs available.

Note that loading a dxf file off the internet and trying to import it may or may not work (for the reason discussed previously.) The best way to get an importable format is to use Autocad or Microstation to export the data.


See the si-community discussion for more details.

local backup: dxfimport2011.zip

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redmotion
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Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by redmotion » 09 Jun 2009, 19:22

2d and 3d dxf importer plugins for Softimage XSI v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011
by Jason Wells aka redmotion 2007/2008/2009

Download:
dxfimport2011.zip
(189.92 KiB) Downloaded 1211 times
UPDATES:
- update March 2009 with v7.5 plugin (v7.5.191.0)
- update September 2009 with 2010 plugin (v8.0.210.0)
- Measure plugin revised to default to 10cm to 1 SI unit (being the standard GI/FG scale) and give reading in metres

Before using:-

**Please note** - this plugin may not run in a workgroup folder or over a network.
**Please note** - these plugins may not work with 3dworld 60-day trial of XSI7
**Please note** - install the correct plugin version for the Softimage version

INSTALLATION

Place the .dll files into the \Application\Plugins folder of your XSI v6 or v7 user folder
(you may try a workgroup folder but it may not work)

USAGE NOTES

Please note that dxf file format is incredibly varied and it is impossible for me to cover every valid iteration of the format (and keep it free). I have therefore stuck to the dxf formats that come from the two main CAD programs available.

Note that loading a dxf file off the internet and trying to import it may or may not work (for the reason discussed previously.) The best way to get an importable format is to use Autocad or Microstation to export the data.

There are two dxf import plugins. One for 2d CAD data files and one for 3d dxf polymesh. There are seperate versions for XSI v6 and v7.

2D IMPORTER INFO

- imports dxf lines, arcs and circles

Please note that all data to be imported should be FLAT 2 dimensional line based CAD data (Microstation supports true 2d CAD drawings, AutoCAD does not.).

- Use XSIs modify/create curve commmands under the model tab to extract or seperate out multiple drawings.
- Use the scale transform to scale the file to your prefered scale.
- Use a 'measure distance' script (like red_scale - included)to confirm your drawing/data is scaled correctly.
- The 2d plugin converts a dxf file to an eps file which is then imported using the XSI epsimport command (which is uber-fast).

3D IMPORTER INFO

- imports 3d dxf polymesh only

This plugin will import 3d polymesh (triangle mesh) from dxf files exported from Microstation and AutoCAD. Any other formats are untested and probably won't load (and likely don't completely follow the standard dxf specification).

The 3d importer will create materials and seperate files onto individual scene models. The reason for this is two-fold:
1. It makes it quicker to assign appropriate materials.
2. It reduces memory use from the dotXSI import command which can cause XSI to freeze if the amount of mesh data is huge.
Dxf files can contain thousands of individual mesh elements.

N.B. It does not import dxf files exported from Valve's Hammer Editor software.
-------
MEASURING TOOL (See post below for update download)

The red scale measure's mechanics are based on another script that was used to get a distance in SI. I didn't want to change this basic interactivity, but I did want something where I could copy and paste the result much more easily, and that I could click one button and measure rather than having to open up the script editor everytime. I also wanted something that automatically converted the result into whichever units system I required. It defaults to the standard where 10cm is 1 SI unit.

UPDATED 13-04-2010 - Feet and Inches added, individual distances logged in script editor, overall distance displayed in PPG.

INSTALLATION
- Place vbs file into your /Application/Plugins directory (workgroup/user). Launch Softimage.

USAGE

1. Apply the property to the scene root by opening explorer (8 on keyboard) selecting the scene_root (the very top of the scene hierachy) and select Get > Property > RedScale
2. If the PPG doesn't appear double click on the property in the explorer.
3. Press the measure button
4. Left click to select the first point (hold CTRL to snap unless it is on) and then Left click again for the second point (again, use CTRL if you don't have snapping turned on).
5. Rightclick to complete the measurement.
NB: You can keep choosing a second point with the Left Button, if you want to get a running distance. You will see the number of points picked displayed in the dialogue.
Last edited by redmotion on 13 Apr 2010, 15:04, edited 9 times in total.

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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01 & v7.5

Post by hildara » 23 Aug 2009, 07:53

How do I become a Autocad instructor at a college? I work as a structural drafer and I love what I do. I would really like to become a professor at a college to teach autocad. What kind of degree and steps would I have to take to reach my goal. Thanks.
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redmotion
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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01 & v7.5 & 2010

Post by redmotion » 18 Sep 2009, 14:14

I've added a zip to the opening post containing new compiled versions for Softimage 2010.

(Version 8.0.201.0 to be precise)

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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010

Post by redmotion » 24 Oct 2009, 11:15

New versions for v2010 SP1.
Last edited by redmotion on 12 Apr 2010, 00:25, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by redmotion » 11 Apr 2010, 20:01

All versions now included in one download in opening post.

v2011 now included.

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Measure property tool

Post by redmotion » 13 Apr 2010, 15:02

I've updated the measure tool with instructions on how to use, plus display of feet and inches with all distances measured appearing in the script editor.
measure.zip
(2.82 KiB) Downloaded 787 times

fuad4s
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Re: Measure property tool

Post by fuad4s » 14 Apr 2010, 09:26

redmotion wrote:I've updated the measure tool with instructions on how to use, plus display of feet and inches with all distances measured appearing in the script editor.
measure.zip
Thanks Redmotion!

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redmotion
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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by redmotion » 29 May 2010, 10:35

Last update.

The plugin is now assigned automatically to the scene root so there is no need to select it.

Just select Get > Property > Measure.
measure1.1.zip
(2.42 KiB) Downloaded 412 times

klipi
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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by klipi » 04 Jun 2010, 00:12

Thanks. Much appreciated.

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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by jonatas » 10 Sep 2010, 17:48

This looks like realy good plugins.. but I can't get the DXF import to work on softimage 2011 64bit Trial

Will you compile to 64bit?

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redmotion
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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by redmotion » 11 Sep 2010, 10:28

I'm most likely to be releasing this as open source when 2011.5 comes out as I do not have 2011 yet. The 2011 plugin was compiled using the trial when it first came out.The trial may be a later version, hence why it's not working.

I'll take look when I can find the time.

luceric
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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by luceric » 11 Sep 2010, 15:23

If the converter doesn't work for you, you can also try the FBX converter http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc ... d=10775855

it should be able to convert DXF to FBX, so you can then import the FBX in Softimage

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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by redmotion » 11 Sep 2010, 19:29

As luceric says, it's definitely worth going the FBX converter route if you are importing 3d DXF information.

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Re: Softimage dxf importer for v6, v7.01, v7.5 & 2010/2011

Post by jonatas » 11 Sep 2010, 20:21

Thanks redmotion, I was just trying to checkout the plugin and it didn't work with the version of softimage 2011 I downloaded last week. So I thought it was compiled only for 32bit or something like that.

And Thanks for the tip luceric I didn't knew about that converter.

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