topic Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad in AutoCAD Forum

3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

brodie.mclean — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:10:20 GMT

I have a detailed 3D model of a Tracked Dump truck in 3DS Max that I ultimately want to create top/side view profiles in AutoCad for other drawings. I want these profiles to be 2D linework that are exactly the same as the 3D Model when in a “Hidden” view style.

I am using AutoCad 2020 and 3DSMax 2020. I have tried a few things to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.

Attempt #1: Export from 3DS Max to dwg file and open in AC. The 3D model is now a mesh. Switch to Top View. Use flatshot command. Process is very heavy and takes overnight. I end up with 2D linework but it contains all of the Lines that I want to be hidden. There are too many lines to delete manually.

Attempt #2: Export from 3DS Max to dwg file and open in AC. The 3D model is now a mesh. Switch to Top View. Use flatten command and select YES to remove hidden lines. Processing time is way too long and doesn’t finish.

Attempt #3: Export from 3DS Max to dwg file and open in AC. The 3D model is now a mesh. Switch to Top View. Change view style to Hidden and the plot the layout to pdf. Try to use pdfimport to reimport the pdf, but the 2D view is a raster image and not 2D linework.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

pendean — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:21:38 GMT

I suspect your problem is you are leaving everything not related to the 2D view you want in place and expecting AutoCAD to do the cleanup for you automagically.

Try this: go back to Attempt #2, when in AutoCAD, erase everything not relevant for the "2D view" you are trying to capture (aka below that 2D plane), then FLATTEN.

HTH

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

brodie.mclean — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:28:42 GMT

I would do that but the mesh created in the dwg export is large and that to delete non-relevant mesh-work would be impractical... I have attached the dwg file exported from 3DS Max.

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

TerryDotson — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 23:55:08 GMT

Attached is a small 1mb shot in the dark side view. If you can use it great, otherwise it didn't cost you anything.

Seems like there should be a good way to do this sort of thing.

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

brodie.mclean — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 23:38:15 GMT

That's what I'm looking for yes. How did you do this? I have many other models I want to do this to as well...

Cheers,

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

TerryDotson — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:49 GMT

Sadly it's a hack, but a fast one. I plotted to a high resolution PNG raster then vectorized it. I believe I can get a little better results, still trying. Drop me an email dotson (at) dotsoft (dot) com so I can email it and not pollute the forums with various attachments.

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

skintsubby — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 10:03:40 GMT

Hi @brodie.mclean

Try using FLATSHOT but don't tick the "Obscured Lines" check box. This should do your view without all the hidden lines showing.

Mark

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

brodie.mclean — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:07:00 GMT

I've tried this, but the 3D model is too large and this process take far too long.

Re: 3DS Model to 2D Linework in Autocad

Liubomyr_H — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:19:37 GMT

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