Richard_Morrison Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 While the Client Viewer works well, I am getting increasingly uncomfortable with sending my clients the original Chief files. Has anyone experimented with other 3D viewers (cross-platform desired) with any success? What export formats have worked the best? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRAWZILLA Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 For me it's "PDF" format with security set to not printable. I also send a movie showing the 3d stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 If you pre-setup a scene you can actually import new home models into this app quickly and then export into all sorts of file types -http://lumion3d.com/ Does the viewer have a "save-as" feature? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard_Morrison Posted December 23, 2014 Author Share Posted December 23, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithhe Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 For me it's "PDF" format with security set to not printable. I also send a movie showing the 3d stuff. Perry, that's intriguing. What are you using for that (PDF), and can you send me a generic PDF to see how this works? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard_Morrison Posted December 23, 2014 Author Share Posted December 23, 2014 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. I haven't been able to find the viewer app for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 I haven't been able to find the viewer app for this. They call it their "free" version - which does about the same as the CA viewer. http://lumion3d.com/free/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodCole Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithhe Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 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.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbuttery Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard_Morrison Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 for most of our clients we worked on a retainer system so they had already paid for the product up to that point Architects generally sell a SERVICE, not a product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbuttery Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Architects generally sell a SERVICE, not a product Richard: not sure what you are saying ??? Lew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now