2008

NOTE This derivation method is intended for use with AutoCAD 2007 (and
later) format files. Using this method with DWG files created with previous
versions of AutoCAD may result in data loss.
■ Entity, Blocks as Node Hierarchy Every imported object not in a block is
represented as a separate object in the 3ds Max scene, without regard to
layers. The nodes are then placed on scene layers that correspond to the
drawing layers. Each block is imported separately as a hierarchy, with the
block itself as the parent object and its constituent parts as child objects.
The child objects of the block are combined by layer.
One benefit of this option is that you can apply
instanced animation
controllers
on page 3033 to block subcomponents and thus, by transforming
a single member, transform all members at once. For example, in a scene
containing a conference table with six chairs around it, you could move
all of the chairs simultaneously by moving a single chair.
Another advantage is that all geometry is instanced, so edited UVs and
normals and other modifications need be done only once.
Multiple materials per object are supported with this option, if needed. If
the object is an ACIS solid, and has more than one material associated
with it, a multi/sub object material is created containing the materials that
can be edited in the Materials Editor. If the solid has only one material
associated with it, a standard/architectural material is assigned instead. If
the object is a Polymesh, one material per face is supported.
NOTE Multiple material support for ACIS solids applies on the DWG files
imported or file linked from Revit Architecture 2008 or AutoCAD Architecture
(formerly Architectural Desktop or ADT) 2007 and later.
NOTE This derivation method setting might cause unreliable material
propagation when importing drawings containing dynamic blocks. Materials
may propagate to some block instances and not to others.
WARNING This option has the potential to create an enormous number of
objects in your scene.
■ Layer Imported objects are combined in 3ds Max according to their layer.
Objects in each of the associated application's layers are combined into
one object, with the exception of blocks, each of which is represented as
an individual VIZBlock (not a hierarchy). Multiple inserts of the same block
are represented using instances in the scene. Material assignments are lost
but material IDs are preserved.
6988 | Chapter 21 Managing Scenes and Projects