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Model import guidelines for Softplan

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Please note that Lumion does not officially support Softplan.

 

1. Method A: Export a '.FBX' file

1.1: Export your Softplan model to a '.FBX' file and import it in Lumion:

File -> Export -> '.FBX'

One of our customers had this to say:

"I find the exporting/importing process MUCH improved since Softplan implemented the FBX export feature! I have been using Lumion since version 7, and back then it was very frustrating to export as the only option was to use a .3DS format from Softplan. All in all I would say Lumion and Softplan work very well together now in regards to importing and material assignments!"

Softplan 2020 includes an FBX export option and the developers provide examples using Lumion. FBX export (as at May 2020) is for SoftPlan+ subscribers only.

 

2. Method B: Export a '.SKP' or '.DWG' file

For other Softplan versions:

If you are using an older version or a non-Softplan+ subscriber version that can't export '.FBX' files, you will have to export your model to SketchUp first in order to export it to Lumion.

File -> Export -> SketchUp...

You may have to save to an earlier version of SketchUp depending on your version of Lumion.  See the support versions table in our article:

Lumion also supports '.DWG' and Softplan 2020 provides for '.DWG' export also.  

 

3. Autodesk '.3DS' Format:

Although Lumion and Softplan support the '.3DS' format and it does work for some models, it is a very old 3D model file format and has a number of serious limitations, so we do not recommend using it.

 

4. Tips & Troubleshooting

3.1: 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 Softplan.
  • If a model is far away from the Insertion Point in Lumion, you need to move the model closer to 0,0,0 in Softplan, before exporting it to Lumion.

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

  • Lumion will always combine surfaces that use the same material in Softplan. If you want to assign a Lumion material to a specific surface, you must assign a unique material to that surface in Softplan before Importing or Re-Importing the model.