Creating VRML Files

VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is a 3D file format that can be imported by various "walkthrough" viewers as well as other rendering packages. An exported VRML file contains the entire 3D model with texture, image, and lighting information that cannot be exported via DWG/DXF. You can post a VRML file to the web or e-mail it to a customer.

Exporting VRML Files

VRML files are created from vector and render views. The entire model is exported, but the starting point for the walkthrough is defined by the camera location at the time of export. VRML files use the same textures that appear in render views.

VRML files match render views more closely than vector views since they use similar display methods including lighting and textures.

When a vector or render view is active, select File> Export> Export VRML . The VRML Export Options dialog opens.

Define the Camera Field of View. Standard most closely corresponds to the default Chief Architect camera view. The other options generate a wider field of view.

Select as many options along the right side as desired.

No Textures Exported keeps associated texture files from being exported with the VRML file. If textures are exported, the texture files must be in the folder with the VRML file.

Walk Through Surfaces allows you to walk through walls and closed doors from room to room, instead of stopping when you reach a wall.

Turn off Ambient Lights turns off the default lights that are used to light a scene.

Turn off Fixture Lights turns off the default lights that are generated for fixtures and used to light a scene.

Night Sky/Ground colors darkens the ground plane and sky to give a night appearance.

Run Default VRML Viewer starts the VRML viewer and opens the new VRML file as soon as it is generated.

Copy Images to Export Directory should be checked if you are saving the VRML to a file on a disk to share with others. This copies texture bitmaps with the VRML file so that they render correctly when exported.

Once the general parameters have been selected click OK. Name the VRML file and save it to the desired VRML folder and click Save.

It is best to keep all VRML files in a folder separate from your normal Chief Architect files, since all textures used in the model also export to the same folder. This could add a significant number of files, creating potential organization problems. A folder named VRML export can be found in the Chief Architect root directory for this purpose.

VRML use of Texture & Image Files

The VRML specification does not support the use of .bmp files. Instead, VRML only supports compressed file formats such as .gif, .png, or .jpg files. These are more compatible, compressed, efficient formats. In order for VRML to render textures correctly, the texture and image files must be in the same directory as the exported .wrl file.

You may add new texture and image files for Chief Architect to use if you use the same file formats as those provided with the program. If you want to use a .bmp file in Chief Architect and still be able to export it with the VRML file, you should also create a .gif file with the same name in the same directory. When you export the VRML file, Chief Architect automatically substitutes the .gif for the .bmp file used in the render view. You should use either the .jpg or .png file format instead of using .bmp and .gif pairs whevenever possible.

For more information about VRML players, visit the Chief Architect Web site at www.chiefarchitect.com.