A 3D program that works with Xara

**steps** · 12 August 2007, 09:45 PM

I'm wanting to import 3d built files into Xara imported as say an AI or .pdf file. I've been having trouble building things in Xara that have a 3D feel to them. For example a park bench with wooden slats. I was trained in the program 3dsmax and these type things are relatively easy to do, but I've tried exporting as a .AI file and that didn't work. I guess I need to contact a 3dsmax forum about that. But I was wondering if there was another program that can build 3d files and then import them into Xara? I didn't really see these capabilities in the Xara 3D progam. Sure would be nice if we could create 3d rectangles and cylinders in Xara. Well, any help would be much appreciated.
Steps

**jclements** · 12 August 2007, 10:07 PM

Google SketchUp can export to PDF which Xara can import. Also, it can export to PNG.

There is a free version
http://sketchup.google.com/download.html

**huorn** · 13 August 2007, 07:27 AM

my choice Rhinoceros - www.rhino3d.com
nurbs modeler, easy import/export in 2d shapes, support many formates ai, eps, pdf
also it's most advanced shape editor, i use it for difficult curves, massives,
blueprints, etc

**steps** · 13 August 2007, 03:50 PM

I have Rhino installed, but I didn't see the export feature for .AI files. Is this because I'm using the evaluation copy? It also looks like its missing some pluggins. I might need to install it again. Well, I believe Rhino is a much more organized program than 3DSMAX. I like simple but effective programs (Xara)!

**parahandy** · 13 August 2007, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by steps

I'm wanting to import 3d built files into Xara imported as say an AI or .pdf file. I've been having trouble building things in Xara that have a 3D feel to them. For example a park bench with wooden slats. .
Steps

I guess this is not what you really want but I did this from a photo of a garden seat I built for a friend recently. I cut out the outline and this was the result.

**steps** · 13 August 2007, 09:10 PM

Hey thats awesome how you did that chair. I'm just building cartoon images with thick outlines. Thats why I'm going to build the scene props in a 3D program and import them into Xara and then give them a cartoon look. Thanks for the help.
Steps

**DGehman** · 13 August 2007, 09:27 PM

Since you cannot transform 3D shapes in Xara, do you really need anything more than a 3D program that will render a JPEG or PNG? Transform in the 3D, render, then bring into Xara and trace (or bring into Inkscape and use Inkscape's highly effective trace utility) -- yes?

New scene - transform in 3D, render, bring in... etc. You may not need vector export/import.

I've lost track of free, open source 3D (never got the hang of Blender), but there has to be something out there.

**steps** · 14 August 2007, 01:19 PM

Gehman,
I think thats what I'll do. I'll create the 3d props in Rhino and render them out. Then bring them in and trace them in Xara. That will give me the cartoon look and will fit the scenes nicely. I just like how the 3d program take care of the perspective with absolute accuracy. I don't stink at drawing, but I do a lot of erasing when drawing objects in 3D. Its very time consuming, and its nice to have a computer file for re-use at anytime. Thanks,

**DGehman** · 14 August 2007, 01:49 PM

If you have the resources for Rhino, more power to you.

If spending less is interesting, and you're interested: For many years, I've used a fairly powerful 3D app, Web 3D, originally from Asymetrix, later Click2Learn, later Docent, currently SumTotal.

When Asymetrix scotched it, a Web designer in Daytona Beach FL obtained the rights to it and he sells a D/L version for $70.

He says it's about done, though. (The original development group was laid off by Asymetrix more than 7 years ago). Apparently it won't work in a 64-bit environment, and there may be problems in Vista, even with compatability modes switched on. Works fine in Windows XP pro.

That said, if you haven't been inflicted with Vista, Web3D has many highly intuitive modes of manipulation, lighting, motion,etc., but unfortunately, warping (handy for cartoons) while available is not easy to understand or control. The up side is that it can import 3DS and and AutoCAD DFX 3D files, and there are tons of free 3DS models on the Web.

Web 3D: http://www.digitalvideosolutions.com/web3d.htm

EDIT: just for fun, attached piano and warped piano

**parahandy** · 14 August 2007, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by steps

Hey thats awesome how you did that chair. I'm just building cartoon images with thick outlines. Thats why I'm going to build the scene props in a 3D program and import them into Xara and then give them a cartoon look. Thanks for the help.
Steps

I took a photo of the chair cut out the chair using shape tool then select piece to be removed, then hold down shift ,select the piece you wish to keep, then up to menu Arrange, combine shapes, subtract shape. When finished apply shadow if required.