Problem with Rhino DWG export

[jfjacques]

Hello Alfred, 

I think we were referring to two different problems. 

To reiterate. I would like to be able to import from rhino while keeping my layers and sublayers in order. As you mentioned, this is probably not something you can deal with. But, it might be.  If I use Layer, Blocks as Node Hierarchy, import for dwg's. I would like it to create an editable mesh out of the sublayers instead of every layer. That way these new meshes could remain within within their respective parent layer. The problem with the import as is, is that it flattens out the layer hierarchy, making a mess. The hiccup with what I'm proposing is that all my parent layers must be devoid of objects if they have sublayers. This is probably getting confusing so, essentially, I want to see the same layer hierarchy I have in rhino or cad, in 3ds max. I can't seem to achieve it no matter the import setting. Maybe I am missing something, maybe max is just being max. 

I'm also having problems importing a rhino file now. It just freezes max up. I'm wondering, is this something you can help with?  I've attached the file.I have no idea why this is suddenly happening as  two days ago this was an easy import. 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @jfjacques,

Is it possible this thread is being confused with another?   I've been referring to the thread title, "Can't Rename Layer". Attaching the file that has layers that cannot be renamed would be what I need to help further with this issue in this thread, and making a new thread for your layering issues would be appreciated or if you'd like, I can move your post to a new thread.  Or, are we abandoning the renaming issue?  Thanks for any clarification.

As far as why your Rhino file is freezing Max, you might need to direct that to the makers of Rhino.  I have no control over the files produced by that software.  I can't import your Rhino file here either, so maybe something is wrong with the Rhino exporter or your export settings.  

Best Regards,

[jfjacques]

Maybe, yes the renaming issue is the least of our problems. 

Please move to whatever thread would be best. 

As for imports. I've found that usually, as in always, the problem, any problem to do with 3d software, is on the Max end. It could be rhino sure, but odds are it's max...cause you know...it's 3ds max. 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @jfjacques,

Ok, I've moved the post so we can tackle the new issue in a separate thread.  Can you please attach your Rhino file for me? 

Best Regards,

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

I've gone through the layers of your file and the problem lives on the layer called "Option 2 Facade".  If you go to layers in the importer and turn off that layer, the DWG imports fine. 

Whatever is happening on that layer in Rhino is invalid.

Best Regards,

[jfjacques]

Hey thanks for that. 

I went through them as well. But thanks for taking the time to do that. 

In any case, any chance we can have two layers of nested layers in 3dsmax import when bringing into 3ds from rhino? 

Am I on the wrong forum? 

JF

[jfjacques]

Also regarding layer management: 

Why are some of my layers italicized? On those layers and sublayers I can only select an object by selecting it's layer. Really would like to undo that i possible. 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @jfjacques,

You're not in the wrong forum or anything, it's just that the .DWG format is an AutoCAD format.  AutoCAD doesn't support nested layers so adjusting the format in that way might be a tough ask.  I don't want to say there's no chance of course but until AutoCAD supports nested layers, the DWG format likely won't.  I don't think they have an Idea Station or Feature Request for AutoCAD, but you can submit your ideas here.  

The layers or objects are italicized when they are hidden in 2016 back a ways.  (Lightbulb off.)  Is that what you are referring to?

Best Regards,

[jfjacques]

Ok, the problem is if I import as OBJ all layer management is pretty much gone. If I want to keep as much of my layer structure as possible when importing into 3ds from rhino, how would you suggest I go about doing so? Playing with OBJ sometimes gives really weird results.

I don't think it's hidden, butI'm not too sure what you mean by lightbulb so maybe I am missing something.  

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @jfjacques,

You are right that the OBJ's will lose your layers, which is a bit of a bummer.  I had to check with the AutoCAD support person about the nested layers as my experience with CAD tools is limited.  I don't know Rhino at all, but I did look on their website and they mentioned they have 'nested layer options' so it may be that you need to play a bit with those options coming out of Rhino.  I don't have Rhino so it's difficult to advise on this, it might be that you need to experiment with trial and error until you find the solution for you, or maybe post on their forums and see if another user has a tried and tested workflow with Rhino.   

If you don't see a lightbulb, you are probably on 2017 which replaced it with an eye.  Hiding a layer doesn't make it italic in 2017, in 2017 it's freezing a layer that makes it italic.  As for the lightbulb, below is a 2016 screenshot.  Since you don't see it, you must be on 2017. 

Best Regards,

[jfjacques]

Nothing was frozen yet it was italicized.... I just moved the objects to a different layer and it works fine. Just to check I froze and unfroze different layers seems to work fine. 

Yes rhino supports nested layers but the dwg export doesn't seem to support them that well. I haven't found a painless way to export so far w either OBJ DWG and FBX.

Autocad not having nested layers has always boggled my mind. 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @jfjacques,

I don't know much about AutoCAD but they have a filter and grouping system which seems better than layers to me, but they also don't have to do matte shadow passes and the like.  That's about all I know about that in AutoCAD.

I tried linking a few different files but I don't see the italic text, so it may be something to do with a switch in the file format coming out of Rhino.  I tested on Inventor, AutoCAD, and Revit DWG's that come with those software packages.  If you have a simple .dwg that you can share where they are in italics I'd be happy to take a look and see, but the documentation makes no mention of it.  

Given that it's doing it for locked layers, it may be that those layers had a specific state in Rhino on export that shows this way.  Or it may be a feature that I am unaware of in 3ds Max regarding something in file linking or importing.  I wonder, are you linking the file or straight importing it?  I should try to match your workflow and see if I can see this.  Thanks!

Best Regards,

[jfjacques]

Hello Alfred,

Thanks for helping us out through the import. I've played with yet more file formats in order to import. So far .SAT files seem to preserve more layer structure than DWGS. 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @jfjacques,

I will help with anything I can, always.  That's cool about the .SAT format, especially if it gives you the nested layers that you need.  Thanks very much for letting me know about it so I have a better suggestion for the next person who has a similar need.  Happy Holidays!

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

Hey,

I usually face similar issues, wherein I face difficulties in Rhino to AutoCAD export. I use the BIMDeX plugins, which help in seamless file transfer between Rhino and AutoCAD. You can try them.