Firstly, let’s recap what the mainstream cad packages offer to a 3D Visualiser.

If your plans are designed/drafted in Archicad, Revit, Sketchup or 3Ds Max, then there’s a good chance that you will be able to export the files for your 3d studio to use them.  Better still, you can package them often in their native format for the studio to use and modify as they need to for visualisation. Archicad files should be sent in PLA format so all the necessary files are present.  The studio will talk you through what they need. Refer my post on confidentiality here if it is an issue

One of the main drafting packages around is Autocad which is essentially a 2d program which is great for drafting, but unfortunately the 2d files don’t help the 3d process too much. Often they are good to set out the model, but there use ends there. 

A PDF is generally an output file from one of the above packages but doesn’t have much use to the 3der.  I would always still recommend sending these with the cad files so the studio can see the designs in their intended native format.

Ok,, so now we have given you a rundown on the various packages. What can you expect to save by providing the 3d files?

Of course, this varies on the size of the project, the complexity of it, and the main factor is how the draftee has drawn them and how comprehensive it is.  As a general guide, having 3d files saves approx 20% on a small scale project in my studio.  Another benefit is that you will get the project back faster…..