Sincronizing ArchiCAD model with 3ds Max

Sometimes there is a need to update the 3ds Max scene with the changes made in ArchiCAD. Let's see how we can do it in a few simple steps.




There is one thing you should know and remember for all your life. Almost all 3d and architectural software use a coordinate sistem in 3 dimensions: on X,Y and Z axis. The center of this space, also known as the point of intersection of this axis is the point of origin with coordinates [0,0,0]. Every object contains information about it's position in 3d space.
What does that mean? For example you have a rectangular Slab object in ArchiCAD. This object contains information about his dimensions - width, length and height; and information about his position on X, Y and Z axis (how far it is from point 0 of X, Y and Z axis).

There is another thing that should be noticed. 3ds max has two ways for importing models in the scene. The first is when you go to File >> Import and choose your model. This option lets you import the model keeping original position of imported objects. The other option is when you drag&drop the file into 3dsMax viewport. Using this option lets you choose the point in 3d space where the model will be imported.

So, the most important thing to satisfy when updating the model from Archicad in 3ds Max:
a. The model that you want to update should be imported through File >> Import

b. Try not to move your model in ArchiCAD, maintaining it's original position
c. It is preferably to use the same file format that was used when the original model was imported (.3ds, .dwg, .obj, etc..)

Follow the steps to update your model:
1. Verify what objects have been changed (walls, roof, architectural elements, etc...)
2. 3ds Max - Select the objects that you want to update and delete them
3. 3ds Max - because the impoting action does not support the UNDO, after deleting the objects from p.1, i suggest you to freeze all the objects in the scene
4. ArchiCAD - select the objects that you want to update and press F5, wich will send you to 3d window and will hide all the unselected objects; or RightClick on selected objects and "Show selection in 3D"

5. ArchiCAD - from 3d window go to File >> Save as , and choose the file format you need. Save the file.
6. 3ds Max - Go to File >> Import and select the you just saved from ArchiCAD

That's all. Verify that your objects are placed at the right position and start editing. If something gone wrong, you can easily select the imported objects and delete them, because the other objects are frozen (see p.3)

This method is not automated, it is a manual solution, but it is not so hard to do and lets you control the sincronization at all the steps.
Have a nice render!