problem exporting DWG - multiple objects / layers

[arcon]

hi all - i'm a 3D animator trying to import 3D DWG files that an architect has given me, they were exported from Vectorworks 12.5.

i have no experience with Vectorworks, but i'm told by the architect it can only export DWG or PDF... is this the case..? FBX, 3DS or OBJ would be more useful.

anyway the DWGs import without error, however there are double copies of some objects & quadruple copies of others, which makes it a real hassle to clean up. i'm told this is the way the architect draws their plans, layered.. its definitely not an import issue as the same thing happens when importing in several 3D programs.

are there export options i can tell the architect to use that will avoid or flatten the layering on export so i get a single copy of all the objects...? (hopefully not the whole scene as 1 object though). sorry i can't provide any more info & any help would be much appreciated.

[GWS]

I can't remember as far back as VW12.5 but 3DS export from VW has been available for sometime.

IGES export is also a good 3D solid export solution and will go into most 3D programs.

OBJ export has been 'wish listed' recently.

Tell your architect to edit his workspace to see what other 3D export options are available, they are not all in the default setup.

[arcon]

hi thanks for your reply - i will ask them about those formats, but i think the problem is not so much the export format but the layering options they are choosing... for some reason they work with multiple copies of everything which is bizare lol.

it would be great if i could experiment on their system so i could try & flatten or something... but i don't have access to it

what is the native Vectorworks 12.5 format & are their any standalone translators that convert vectorworks to other formats..?

[mike m oz]

arcon its possible your input could be cleaner with the right Layer and Class view combination.

It sounds like your source need to buy some training and advice from Jonathan Pickup so they learn how to work effectively and efficiently.