Recommendations For Alternative 3D Viewer?


Richard_Morrison
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No, the viewer doesn't save in other file formats. I've been having a little success with exporting a Chief model in Collada format, and using this viewer: http://glc-player.net/index.php  Pretty straightforward, but the navigation tools aren't the most intuitive for a client.

 

Lumion has a free viewer too, and its the best solution i've found when sending over 3D concepts to a client.  That said, i don't often send 3d files...mostly 2D prints of a 3D model.

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Here is a generic U3D file that I made up recently in Chief and then converted to a 3D PDF file. Just use fairly late version of Adobe's Reader to open and view the model and then use the mouse to fly around. I like to use either the illustration or the shaded illustration render mode for viewing the model in the reader. I also see some potential for the transparent mode as well. There are serveral apps that can convert to U3D

 

What I am considering is using the U3D file for structural models only, although architectural surfaces will work as well. I am trying to get a quick turn around for importing text and dimensions into Chief, and then out to the U3D format. It can be done now, it just needs to be streamlined a bit in order to be more practical.

 

I would actually like to use the Client Viewer for architectural viewing, but not if I would have to send out the entire file. Still looking into ways of doing that.

 

Edit:  BTW this appears to have a great deal of potential for 3D Wood Construction Connections such as Simpson hardware.  That is what I am currently working on.  This is actually a doable thing, it is Chief's symbol import process that needs a little work.

Chief File Converted to U3D.pdf

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I would actually like to use the Client Viewer for architectural viewing, but not if I would have to send out the entire file. Still looking into ways of doing that.

 

Rod,

 

 

I agree, I would never send my plan files to a client. Potentially easy for them to take that to someone else, and run....

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We found it best to use GOTOMEETING to show off the 3D etc

 

otherwise we sent PDF's

 

for most of our clients we worked on a retainer system so they had already paid

for the product up to that point

 

so sharing plan files was not an issue with them

 

Lew

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