AutoCAD: Importing a 2D Project into 3ds Max

1h 32mIntermediate2019-09-30

Authors

Shaun Bryant

Autodesk Certified Instructor in both AutoCAD and Revit Architecture

Course details

Discover how to take a flat, two-dimensional CAD drawing and use Autodesk 3ds Max to develop it into a three-dimensional model with walls and a floor. Instructor Shaun Bryant begins by demonstrating how to prepare an existing 2D CAD drawing for use in 3ds Max. Next, learn about choosing the right settings for saving the drawing in AutoCAD, then see how to import the resulting file in 3ds Max. Shaun covers which tools to use inside 3ds Max, shows how to extrude a floor and walls, talks about basic shapes which might be needed for further visualization, and demonstrates how to save a 3ds Max scene.

Learning objectives
Preparing a 2D CAD drawing
Saving the correct file type
Creating new boundaries
Working with existing CAD drawing and layers
Setting up 3D layers
Working with the units of a new drawing
Setting display units in 3ds Max
Importing, linking, and locating
Extruding boundaries
Preventing clashes

Skills covered

3ds MaxAutoCAD2D Drafting and DrawingBIMAutodesk3D ModelingVisualization and Real-TimeAECProduct and ManufacturingAnimation and IllustrationDeep Dive (X:Y)

Concepts

Introduction

AutoCAD 2D projects and 3ds Max
What you should know before watching this course
Using the exercise files
The new AutoCAD 2020 interface

Cleaning Up Your CAD Drawing

Explaining the existing CAD drawing and its layers
Explaining the standards used in the CAD drawing
Why only the major CAD components are needed
Turning off the layers that are not needed

Setting Up New CAD Layers

Setting up the new 3D CAD layers
A new layer for 3D external walls
A new layer for 3D internal walls
A new layer for the 3D floor

Creating New Polyline Boundaries

Using the Boundary command (BPOLY) to create 3D boundaries
Creating a new 3D boundary for the external walls
Creating a new 3D boundary for the internal walls
Creating a new 3D boundary for the floor
Freezing all other nonessential layers

Saving Out as a New CAD Drawing

Making sure you save out as the appropriate DWG file type
Save the file out as a new 3D DWG file with a new filename

Setting Units for 3ds Max

Explaining the units of the new 3D CAD drawing
Setting your display units in 3ds Max

Importing into 3ds Max

Importing and linking a CAD drawing
Locating your 3D CAD drawing
Checking the file units import setting
Deriving your AutoCAD primitives from the DWG file
Choosing your CAD drawing layers
Sanity checking and saving your 3ds Max scene
Saving as a 3ds Max scene

Extruding Wall Boundaries in 3ds Max

Extruding your external wall boundaries
Using Slice Plane to add door and window heights
Using the Bridge tool for top sections of door and window openings
Using Slice Plane to add window sill height
Using the Bridge tool for wall sections below windows
Extruding your internal wall boundaries
Saving out as a 3ds Max scene

Extruding the Floor in the 3ds Max Scene

Extruding your floor boundary
Checking the floor does not clash with the walls and openings
Saving out as a 3ds Max scene

Conclusion

Next steps