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Model import guidelines for Vectorworks

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Arthur Roodenburg
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1. Install the Lumion plug-in for Vectorworks:

Please follow the instructions in this article to download and install the plug-in for your version of Lumion and Vectorworks:

 

2. The best export method for your version of Vectorworks and Lumion

Vectorworks Lumion Export method

Vectorworks 2025

Vectorworks 2024

Vectorworks 2023

Vectorworks 2019 SP3+ to 2022

 Lumion 9.3 and newer * LiveSync (Method A) or Export to Collada DAE (Method B) using the LiveSync toolbar.

Vectorworks 2019 SP2 and older

 All versions Export a Collada .DAE file. See section 5 below.

* Lumion 8.5 will work, although this functionality is not officially supported or guaranteed.

 

3. Method A: LiveSync export (recommended)

3.1: With Lumion LiveSync for Vectorworks and Lumion 9.3 and newer, you can immediately set up a live, real-time visualization of your Vectorworks 2019 SP3 (and newer) model:

If you are using an older version of Vectorworks, please see section 4 below.

 

4. Method B: Lumion .DAE file export

4.1: We recommend exporting the model via LiveSync rather than via .DAE format as it is faster and requires fewer resources. However, if you prefer to export your model via a file, you can export a Lumion Collada file (.DAE) using the Lumion LiveSync for Vectorworks Export button in the palette. Then import the .DAE file in Lumion:

4.2: Select the desired export options:

Repair mode:

  • Off: The exporter will not attempt to remove unused double-sided surfaces and reconstruct surfaces with incorrect lighting.
  • On: The exporter will attempt to remove unused double-sided surfaces and reconstruct surfaces with incorrect lighting. The exported .DAE/LiveSync file will be smaller and the imported model will be less complex. However, it will take longer to export the .DAE/LiveSync file.

Optimize geometries:

  • Off: The exported .DAE/LiveSync file will be bigger and the imported model will be more complex.
  • On: The exported .DAE/LiveSync file will be smaller and the imported model will be less complex. However, it will take longer to export the .DAE/LiveSync file.

 

5. Vectorworks 2019 SP2 and older: Export a Collada .DAE file

5.1: Export your Vectorworks model to a Vectorworks Collada (.DAE) file:

File -> Export -> Export COLLADA (3D only)...

5.2: Select these options in the export options window:

5.3: Import the. .DAE file in Lumion.

 

6. Tips & Troubleshooting

6.1: Why can't you see the model after importing and placing it in your Scene?

  • The Insertion Point for the Imported Model in Lumion corresponds to 0,0,0 in Vectorworks.
  • If a model is far away from the Insertion Point in Lumion, you need to move the model closer to 0,0,0 in Vectorworks, before exporting it to Lumion.

6.2: Why can't you assign a Lumion material to individual surfaces?

Lumion will always combine surfaces that use the same material in Vectorworks. If you want to assign a Lumion material to a specific surface, you must assign a unique material to that surface in Vectorworks before importing the model.

6.3: Why do some Lumion material assignments go missing when you start LiveSync or re-import a model?

  • The material names have changed in Vectorworks 2019 SP3, so if you originally imported your model via .DAE format from an older version of Vectorworks, Lumion will be unable to find matching material names when you re-import the model from Vectorworks 2019 SP3 (and newer).
  • For that reason, we recommend that you finish your existing Lumion projects in Vectorworks 2019 SP2 or older before starting on new projects in Vectorworks 2019 SP3 (and newer).

6.4: Which material names are automatically converted in Lumion?

6.5: How do you update a model in LiveSync when the file name or folder location of the Vectorworks file has changed?

6.6: Why do some surfaces not appear nicely smooth and curved, but in segments?

The export to Collada DAE is curved, and it is only when using LiveSync for direct, live import that the curves are not smooth.

Please adjust the tesselation quality in the LiveSync for Vectorworks settings:

 

 

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