Model import guidelines for BricsCAD

1. The best export method for your version of BricsCAD and Lumion

BricsCAD

Lumion

Export method

BricsCAD 18-24 and newer

Lumion 11.0 and newer *

Lumion LiveSync for BricsCAD

* Lumion 8.5-10.5 will work, although this functionality is not officially supported or guaranteed.

2. Method A: LiveSync export

2.1: With Lumion LiveSync for BricsCAD and Lumion 11.0 and newer, you can immediately set up a live, real-time visualization of your BricsCAD model:

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

3. Method B: Lumion .DAE file export

3.1: 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 BricsCAD Export button in the palette. Then import the .DAE file in Lumion:

3.2: Select the desired export options:

Collect textures:

Export all texture files to a folder in the same location as the exported .DAE file.

Export nodes:

Export the model so that all elements can be replaced by Lumion models, e.g. trees.

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 file.

Use current UCS:

Off: The 'World Coordinate System' (WCS) will be used.
On: The 'User Coordinate System' (UCS) will be used.

4. BricsCAD 17 and older: Export an AutoCAD .DWG file

4.1: Export your BricsCAD model to an AutoCAD .DWG file:

File -> Export -> AutoCAD Drawing (.dwg)...

4.2: Import the .DWG file in Lumion.

5. Tips & Troubleshooting

5.1: 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 BricsCAD.
If a model is far away from the Insertion Point in Lumion, you need to move the model closer to 0,0,0 in BricsCAD, before exporting it to Lumion.
See Also:
- Knowledge Base: Why is your model invisible or black after importing it?
- Knowledge Base: Why do yellow lines (but no model) appear after Importing your model?

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

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

Knowledge Base: Why can't I select just a part of the imported model?

5.3: How do you import BricsCAD 'Compositions'?

'Compositions' can be imported via LiveSync or by exporting the model to a “Lumion .DAE Collada” file via the Lumion LiveSync for BricsCAD plugin.
'Compositions' are a native BricsCAD feature. They are not supported via .DWG format because Lumion uses Autodesk's RealDWG functionality to read .DWG files. If you cannot use the Lumion LiveSync for BricsCAD plugin for exporting your model, please select your BricsCAD model and run the 'BIMDECOMPOSE' command via the command prompt to collapse the 'Compositions' before exporting the .DWG file to Lumion. That way, your 'Compositions' can also be imported correctly in Lumion.

5.4: Which material names are automatically converted in Lumion?

Knowledge Base: How do Auto-Converted Materials work in Lumion?

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

Knowledge Base: How does LiveSync 3 work with existing imported models in Lumion Projects?