1. Here's how
The Place item on nodes function lets you place objects of your choice at the same positions as imported proxy objects from your 3D/CAD software.
- Each proxy object should be a separate object, for example simple duplicated boxes.
- Make sure that a single material is assigned to all faces of the proxy objects.
- The function works with Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, AllPlan, 3ds Max and Rhino.
See the steps and export requirements for each of these applications in section 2-8 below.
1.1: Lumion 9.0 and newer
After importing a model with proxy objects and placing it in your Scene, use the Place item on nodes function to place an object of your choice on each of the imported proxy objects.
- The function is available in the Object Options panel for Imported Models.
- If a Windows Open File window pops up when you click on the Place item on nodes button, select the Imported Model file with the proxy objects, and click on the Open button.
- Please note that when you use the Place item on node function in Lumion after importing a model file, it will place additional objects at the Object Icon of the model. Simply delete those objects.
1.2: Lumion 8.5 and older
After importing a model with proxy objects and placing it in your Scene, use the Place item on nodes function to place a tree/plant or light of your choice on each of the imported proxy objects.
- The Place item on nodes function is available in the Extra menu in the Context Menu for Imported Models.
- If a Windows Open File window pops up when you click on the Place item on nodes option, select the Imported Model file with the proxy objects, and click on the Open button.
- Please note that when you use the Place item on node function in Lumion after importing a model file, it will place additional objects at the Object Icon of the model. Simply delete those objects.
2. Guidelines for Revit
2.1: Install the Lumion LiveSync for Revit plug-in if you are using Revit 2015 or newer:
- Knowledge Base: Download Lumion LiveSync for Revit
2.2: In a 3D View, place some simple objects, e.g. columns or boxes, to represent the proxy objects. Make sure that a single material is assigned to the objects.
2.3: Tick the Export nodes button in the Export as Collada file settings before exporting a .DAE file to Lumion:
2.4: Follow step 1.1 or 1.2 above.
3. Guidelines for SketchUp
3.1: Create a box for use as a proxy object. Make sure that you have only assigned a single material to all faces of the object.
3.2: Right-click on the box and select Make component.
3.3: Duplicate the box as many times as you want. Do not group the duplicates.
3.4: Lumion 9.0 and newer versions:
Save the model as an .SKP file.
3.5: Lumion 8.5 and older versions:
Select File -> Export -> 3D Model, choose Collada file (*.DAE), click on Options and make sure that Preserve Component Hierarchies is ticked before exporting the .DAE file.
3.6: Follow step 1.1 or 1.2 above.
4. Guidelines for ArchiCAD
4.1: ArchiCAD 21 or newer: Install the Lumion plug-in for ArchiCAD:
Knowledge Base: Download Lumion LiveSync for ArchiCAD
4.2: Export the proxy objects to .DAE format with the Export nodes tickbox ticked:
4.3: ArchiCAD 20 and older: Export the proxy objects to .3DS format with the default export settings:
File -> Save as... -> .3DS format
4.4: Follow step 1.1 or 1.2 above.
5. Guidelines for AutoCAD Architecture
5.1: Make sure that your proxy objects are Mass Elements, not 3D Solids, and then save the proxy objects to .DWG format.
5.2: Quit Lumion and then install the DWG plug-in for Lumion:
- Knowledge Base: Download Lumion DWG plug-in
5.3: Follow step 1.1 or 1.2 above.
6. Guidelines for Rhino
6.1: Rhino 6: Install the Lumion plug-in for Rhino:
- Knowledge Base: Download Lumion LiveSync for Rhino
Export the proxy objects to .DAE format with the Export nodes tickbox ticked:
6.2: Rhino 5
Assign a block definition to a cube:
Edit -> Blocks -> Create Block Definition
Duplicate the blocks as desired in the Rhino model.
6.3: Follow step 1.1 or 1.2 above.
7. Guidelines for 3ds Max
7.1: Export the proxy objects to .3DS format with the default export settings.
7.2: Follow step 1.1 or 1.2 above.
8. Guidelines for AllPlan
8.1: Export the AllPlan proxy objects to .SKP (SketchUp) format:
- Knowledge Base: Model import guidelines for Allplan
8.2: Then open the .SKP file in SketchUp and follow the instructions in section 3 above.
See also:
Video Tutorial: Build Mode: Objects Context Menu - Node Replacement For Trees