How can we help?

Model import guidelines for Vectorworks

 

1. The best export method for your version of Vectorworks and Lumion

Vectorworks Lumion Export method
Vectorworks 2019 SP3 and newer Lumion 9.3 and newer * Lumion LiveSync for Vectorworks 2019 SP3
Vectorworks 2019 SP2 and older All versions Export a Collada .DAE file. See section 4 below.

* Lumion 8.5 will work, although this functionality is not officially supported or guaranteed.

 

2. Method A: LiveSync export

2.1: With Lumion LiveSync for Vectorworks and Lumion 9.3 and newer, you can immediately set up a live, real-time visualization of your Vectorworks 2019 SP3 model:

If you are using an older version of Vectorworks, please see section 4 below.

 

3. Method B: Lumion .DAE file export

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

3.2: Select the desired export options:

Repair mode:

  • Off: The exporter will not attempt to remove unused double-sided surfaces and reconstruct surfaces with incorrect lighting.
  • On: The exporter will attempt to remove unused double-sided surfaces and reconstruct surfaces with incorrect lighting. The exported .DAE/LiveSync file will be smaller and the imported model will be less complex. However, it will take longer to export the .DAE/LiveSync file.

Optimize geometries:

  • Off: The exported .DAE/LiveSync file will be bigger and the imported model will be more complex.
  • On: The exported .DAE/LiveSync file will be smaller and the imported model will be less complex. However, it will take longer to export the .DAE/LiveSync file.

 

4. Vectorworks 2019 SP2 and older: Export a Collada .DAE file

4.1: Export your Vectorworks model to a Vectorworks Collada (.DAE) file:

File -> Export -> Export COLLADA (3D only)...

4.2: Select these options in the export options window:

4.3: Import the. .DAE file in Lumion.

 

5. Tips & Troubleshooting

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

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

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

5.3: Why do some Lumion material assignments go missing when you start LiveSync or re-import a model?

  • The material names have changed in Vectorworks 2019 SP3, so if you originally imported your model via .DAE format from an older version of Vectorworks, Lumion will be unable to find matching material names when you re-import the model from Vectorworks 2019 SP3.
  • For that reason, we recommend that you finish your existing Lumion projects in Vectorworks 2019 SP2 or older before starting on new projects in Vectorworks 2019 SP3.