You can import 3D objects from DXF format, and you can export 3D objects to DXF or POV formats, in the 3D object editor. Exporting is simple: just click Write DXF or Write POV, type in a file name, and click OK. Importing is more complicated.

To import a 3D object from a DXF file,

▪        Select the plant you want to use the 3D object on, and select the parameter you want to use it for -- or -- open the 3D object mover. 

▪        Either make a new 3D object (click New in the 3D object chooser) or copy an existing one (click Copy) and click Edit. The 3D object editor will appear. 

▪        Click Read DXF, choose a DXF file, and click OK.  The object will appear in the 3D object editor. Click Scale to fit to center it in the drawing area. 

▪        Now click OK and use the 3D object just as you do the ones that came with PlantStudio. 

Tips on importing 3D objects from DXF

▪        Depending on how large the DXF file is and how fast your computer is, PlantStudio may slow down considerably in drawing speed when you import large DXF files. Try starting out with some smaller DXF files until you see how it works.

▪        You might need to change which point on the 3D object attaches to the plant. This is not pretty; you have to do it by changing the number in the box labeled Connection point. Click the arrows to move the point around until it is where you want it to be. 

▪        You can change how the 3D object is shown on  the plant by changing X, Y and Z rotation parameters for each type of 3D object. For example: Leaves: Leaf 3D object X rotation before drawing, Leaves: Leaf 3D object Y rotation before drawing, and Leaves: Leaf 3D object Z rotation before drawing.

▪        PlantStudio can only import 3DFACE entities from DXF. If your 3D program has a DXF export setting that writes only 3DFACE entities, choose it. 

▪        You can import two or more objects into one 3D object. PlantStudio pretty much ignores the identity of objects in the file and just reads the points. You can use this to import several simple objects to make what looks like extra leaf parts. You can even import whole (small) plants as leaves, to make bipinnate compound leaves or to create really bushy looking plants.

▪        You can tell how many points are in the object you imported because it is listed in the Connection point label in the 3D object editor. 

▪        You may notice that starting with version 1.60 of PlantStudio, 3D objects now have a new line, "Origin=X", which has a comment semicolon at the beginning. This new parameter stories where the 3D object attaches to the plant. The semicolon makes it backward-compatible with earlier versions.

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