Converting 3D Models to Other Formats

Sometimes you need to translate a 3D model to be able to use it with an application it was not created from. AutoVue provides several conversion file formats for you.

Conversion Options

Depending on the conversion type being performed, the available options in the Convert dialog box will vary. These options are:


Option	Description
Save As	Specify the name and path of the file in which the conversion is to be stored. This file is also known as the output file. You can use Browse to provide AutoVue with the file’s path.
Convert to Format	A list of all the possible types of output file formats currently available for conversion. The available formats are: • CALS GP4 • Encapsulated Postscript (Raster) • HP Laserjet Printer (PCL) • Run Length RLC File • PCX Bitmap • PDF • Stereolithography (STL) • TIFF • Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) • Windows Bitmap
Sub-Format	The Sub-Format list appears when you select TIFF or STL from the Convert to Format list. Select the Sub-Format from the list.
Color Depth	Select an option from the list: • 1 = Black and white • 4 = 16 colors • 8 = 256 colors • 24 = True color • auto = AutoVue selects the color depth that best matches the original file. Note: Option is not available for STL and VRML formats.
Positive Triangle Values	When selected, the model is translated so that all the vertex coordinate values are positive. Note: Option is only available when Convert to Format is set to STL.
Convert Region	The area of the file to be converted. The available options are: • All - converts the entire file • Display - converts the image to fit on the output page For example, if you zoomed in on a particular region of the file, the zoomed portion of the file is converted. • Extent - converts the entire extents of the file • Selected - converts the selected model parts in the file Note: Options vary depending on the selected format.
Convert Pages	The number of pages to be converted. The available options are: • All - converts all pages of the file • Current - converts the current page of the file • Range - converts the pages of the file indicated in the range Note: Option is only enabled when converting to TIFF.
X and Y	Specify X and Y to define the resolution for the converted file. • X indicates the number of horizontal pixels • Y is the number of vertical pixels for the current active file contents Note: At times, AutoVue presets X and Y to match the specifications of the selected conversion file format.

Converting a 3D Model

From the File menu, select Convert.

The Convert dialog box appears.

In the Save As field, enter the path and filename or click Browse to locate the directory where you want to convert the file to, then enter a file name.

From the Convert to Format list, select the format you want to convert the file to.

Note: The Output and Convert area options change according to the type of format you choose.

Select the output and convert options that you want to set for the file.

See Conversion Options

Click OK.

The Conversion in Progress dialog box appears. The dialog box disappears when the file is converted successfully.