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Model import guidelines for ArchiCAD

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1. Install the Lumion plug-in for ArchiCAD

1.1: Please follow the instructions below to download and install the plug-in for your version of Lumion and ArchiCAD:

Download Link: Download Lumion LiveSync for ArchiCAD

 

2. Method A: LiveSync export

2.1: With Lumion LiveSync for ArchiCAD and Lumion 8.5 and newer, you can immediately set up a live, real-time visualization of your ArchiCAD 21 or 22 model:

If you are using an older version of Lumion, please see Method B below.

 

3. Method B: Lumion .DAE file export

3.1: Export a .DAE file from ArchiCAD as a Lumion Collada file (.DAE) using the Lumion LiveSync for ArchiCAD Export button in the palette:

3.2: Alternatively, use the Export as COLLADA file from the LiveSync menu:

3.3: If you are using an older version of the plug-in for ArchiCAD, please use the following command:

File -> Save as... -> Lumion Collada file (.DAE)

Make sure that you select the correct Lumion Collada file (.DAE) option:

3.4: Import the .DAE file in Lumion 5.7.2 or newer.

 

4. Tips & Troubleshooting

4.1: 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 the so-called Project Origin in ArchiCAD, i.e. 0,0,0.
  • If a model is far away in Lumion, you need to move the model closer to the Project Origin, i.e. 0,0,0 in ArchiCAD, before exporting it to Lumion.
  • There's more information about the Project Origin, the User Origin and the Edit Origin in ArchiCAD on this page:
  • External Webpage: ArchiCAD Help Center: Far From Origin – Troubleshooting Guide

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

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

4.3: What do you do if your Lumion Materials go missing after re-importing a model?

4.4: How do you replace imported objects with Library objects?

 

See also:

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

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