Artlantis : the fastest 3D rendering application (3d rendering software) developed especially for architects and designers, is a leader in radiosity, also known as global illumination.

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How to use Vectorworks and Artlantis

Artlantis is the perfect software for vectorworks 2011 users, allowing them to present their projects with 3D photorealistic renderings. Artlantis enables you to improve and bring realism to your Vectorworks models with 3D objects and textures.Texture your models with high resolution shaders to obtain a very realistic effect, then set your scene with as many light sources as you want.

These two programs will work for you in a complementary way, helping you to complete even the most ambitious projects, and giving your presentations the look you want. Now, let's see in detail what Artlantis brings to your Vectorworks model...

Step 1 : Modeling in VectorWorks

First, start to model your project with VectorWorks. For example, we model an office, we modeled the structure and only a few items, knowing that Artlantis will be used to set the entire scene.

Step 2 : export VectorWorks to Artlantis

With the plug-in export Artlantis we will create an Artlantis file (.atl).We will explore options that will arise before export. Main dialogue: "Artlantis preferences." On the left, you choose how to export the material in order to know how they will be grouped in Artlantis.

Here we choose to group the material using the background color.

In the case of class export, you have to choose either exporting or not exporting unclassed items by using options in the right window.

Second parameter window: "Materials used in this file"

Here we don't have special names for the materials, only the word "color" with a number. We have the opportunity to rename these materials by double-clicking on their names and to change the color if we want to. You will find these names in your materials in Artlantis in the case of the color's export method.

Last step: the "export window." It means that it isn't possible to undo this action because the history is erased before export. Click yes.

Step 3 : set your scene with Artlantis

Open the .atl file created using VectorWorks in Artlantis. Add texture and insert objects into your scene to give it a touch of realism.

Step 4 : update the file in vectorworks

In the event you need to change the model, note that you won't lose Artlantis data. First, make your edits on your model in vectorWorks. Here we change the room by adding a window.

Once the change is made, only the Artlantis file will be updated. The method is strictly the same as for the creation, the only difference lies in the choice of the .atl file creation. In "Artlantis export" choose "update the existing file." Click OK, then select your previously created .atl file.

Step 5 : updated Artlantis file

Then just open the file. Atl is updated in Artlantis. Here you see that we recover all our objects automatically, the window on the right created in VectorWorks appears ; we only have to texture it because it appears with colors determined in VectorWorks. After aadding a glass shader, here is the result.