How to import Blender models into EDGE

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Blender can import from and export to many different file formats. For the current list, see the following page:

• http://www.blender3d.org/cms/Import___|Export.5.0.html

For models to be used in EDGE, I highly recommend the AC3D format. The reason is that the AC3D loader for EDGE is currently in use and is somewhat mature. The documentation for the blender AC3D export script can be found here.

1. Model your element using inches as the native unit
2. Export the model using the AC3D exporter (located under File→Export) (See Blender for setting up Import/Export if it isn't there)
3. Copy the resulting ".ac" file into the $USERDATA/models directory
4. Add the model to the scene by adding into an input file, such as user_models.cfg. (See How to Load Models into EDGE)

As long as the AC3D loader plugin is available, the model should load. Keep in mind that it is nearly impossibly to convert any graphics format to another without losing some information.

For help exporting blender models to AC3D, see the following articles:

• http://wiki.flightgear.org/flightgear_wiki/index.php?title=Normals_and_Transparency_Tutorial

• http://wiki.flightgear.org/Normals_and_Transparency_Tutorial

Links:

• AC3D: http://www.ac3d.org/
• Blender: http://www.blender.org

NOTE:

• When exporting models in Blender in AC3D format for EDGE, your model will need to be rotated 90 degrees on the global x axis (r-key, x-key, 90, ENTER) for your model to have the expected xyz coordinate system in EDGE as in Blender. Also, the Blender AC3D exporter assumes that your model's CG is located at the global (0,0,0); therefore, you will need to co-locate your model's CG with the global (0,0,0).

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