Introducing… MODELPORT 2.0

ARCHICAD Objects Unleashed

With the release of ModelPort 2.0, developed by Day8Design, downloading and managing ARCHICAD objects has never been easier. Users can now import, edit and change settings for a wide variety of objects. Additional file formats such as MODO, Lightwave and Blender are now accessible, in addition to the popular OBJ and standard FBX formats. 

ModelPort uses the Autodesk FBX SDK, which is the same code used by Autodesk to create a bridge between their popular 3D software: Maya, Softimage XSI, 3DStudio MAX, etc. Using the FBX SDK means there is now a reliable connection to these and many other 3D programs.

But ModelPort 2.0 offers much more. With this new release users can preview models before import as well as edit material, texture, texture placement, pen weight, fill color and more with powerful parametric editing tools.

With ModelPort 2.0 ARCHICAD users can also manage imported models and objects to reduce file size and control the polygon count thus improving speed and performance. 

Edit Properties

• Modify the Properties of the Object or be more precise with selection of individual components within the Preview Window.
• Edit selected items by object or by material.
• Control settings by selections within the items list.
• Set the object scale, rotation, material, transparency, graphics and other properties.

Select Object Materials

• Selected materials in the Item List of ModelPort are highlighted in perspective, elevation and plan views of ARCHICAD.
• Interactive selection of elements in perspective, elevation or plan views within ARCHICAD will highlight the material in the Item List of ModelPort.
• View and edit the Properties of a material after it is selected from the Items List or from the perspective, elevation or plan view.

Setting Scene Views

• Rotation in perspective within ModelPort’s interactive 3D View window.
• Each view window can be set two types of views:
  • Shaded Views: Perspective, Front, Top and Left
  • Graphic View: Floor Plan
• After setting a view you can select Update Preview Image to set the default Preview Image in the Object Settings.

Zoom to Selection

• Have trouble viewing changes to selected elements when editing materials, pen colors, fills and other settings?
• ModelPort introduces Zoom to Selection, a NEW feature that allows you to see more clearly the element you’re editing.
• It’s simple – select an element and click the Zoom to Selection button.

Improves 2D & 3D Graphics

• ARCHICAD’s SketchUp and DAE import creates objects with triangulated 3D curved surfaces and messy 2D plan symbols.
•  MODELPORT converts ARCHICAD objects with smooth surfaces and generates clean 2D symbols for floor plans.

Set Plan Fill Background

• Use ModelPort 2.0 to enhance the graphics of models imported into ARCHICAD.
• Select components within a view and set the background color for the elements.
• Improve object graphics for design presentations and documentation.

Set Plan Pen Weights

• In ARCHICAD imported objects typically have limited options for editing Pen Weights.
• With ModelPort users can set custom pens and colors for selected components within the Plan View, Elevation View or any other views.

Reduce Object Polygon Count

• An object with a high polygon count can decrease the speed and performance of an ARCHICAD model.
• A Polygon Count Indicator in the 3D Viewer shows red in the bar graph when the polygon count is high.
• With the Poly Reduced Editor you can decrease the polygons on models that have a high polygon count.

Reduce File Size with New ModelPort Format

• The NEW Save Mode offers 3 format options:
  • ModelPort : Reduces size of imported files up to 80% (requires ModelPort Plug-in).
  • GDL : Standard ARCHICAD format but doesn’t store the extra ModelPort information and creates a larger file size.
  • GDL+ModelPort : Provides all the benefits of both options above but creates the largest file size of the two options.

Organize Objects with the ModelPort Browser

• The ModelPort Browser helps you organize and preview downloaded libraries.
• The browser offers visual navigation through a library of downloaded objects.
• A selected object in the browser can be opened into ModelPort for review without importing to ARCHICAD.

Edit Materials of an Imported Object

• ModelPort automatically adds material parameters to an object imported into ARCHICAD so it’s quick to change a material or texture…
  • Select the material of an object in the Properties or within a View
  • Click the Change Texture button and select a different texture file
  • Update the object

“I love that you can make changes after importing, then continue to edit and update an existing object after loaded to the embedded library. This is really a powerful feature!
– Patrick May, Digital Design Coordinator, Walker Warner Architects

Bridge to High Quality Rendering Content

With ARCHICAD’s Cinerender you can create very realistic renderings. But to make them come alive you also need realistic furniture, appliances, lighting, and more.

With MODELPORT you can access extensive libraries of entourage and manufacturer products to embellish your renderings inside ARCHICAD.

Rendering courtesy Visualize it Built

TurboSquid has the largest collection of professional 3D models on the web used by architects, visualization studios and creative professionals.

Customers tell TurboSquid they save an average of 27 hours per model, which can be a lifesaver in deadlines, not to mention more profit.

Library Statistics:
– Over 727,000 objects & 19,000 FREE objects

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3D Warehouse is a tremendous resource of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp and applications that support the DAE format.

Also browse hundreds of manufacturer catalogs of real-world products, and download them directly into your model for a professional finish.

Library Statistics:
– World’s largest and free 3D model library

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3Dsky is an online model database of high quality, strictly moderated content that is produced by talented artist from around the world.

The 3Dsky service offers a unique sharing system that provides affordable access to a wealth of objects including models from manufacturers.

Library Statistics:
– Over 270,000 objects & 88,000 FREE objects