Guided Import

In Pixyz Studio, the user chooses how a 3D model is imported within the application: using the Raw import mode, or the Guided import mode (see Import mode preference).

Compared to the Raw import mode, the Guided import mode (which used to be the Wizard import in Pixyz Studio previous versions), is a simplified, guided method to import a 3D model in the scene.

What it does

The Guided import mode is an automatic import process, and is essentially the promise of easily getting a perfectly converted 3D model, from any 3D source/format, be it a CAD, polygonal or point cloud model, without needing to heavily retouch the imported model through a complex suite of Data Preparation features, and without needing to preconfigure the software's import options.

When importing a 3D model through the Guided import mode, the user simply defines a few input options, before triggering the import. Then, Pixyz Studio automatically runs a universal Data Preparation scenario, which analyzes the model and processes it to get a perfect 3D model, with 100% quality, ready to be exported, or to be furthermore optimized using Pixyz Studio's optimization features (Decimation, Hidden Removal, Remove Holes…)

Who is it for?

The Guided import mode is intended for novice users, who do not have much knowledge about 3D Data Preparation, and in need of a simple conversion solution.

But it is also convenient for advanced users that want to rely on Pixyz expertise, embedded in the Data Preparation scenario run with the Guided import, or want to leverage the embedded features to gain time and productivity.

Any limitations?

The Guided import scenario is not entirely magical (yet!), so the imported model might still require some fine-tuning afterwards, whether it's mesh face orientation fixing, parts merging, parts renaming, materials assignment, UVs adjustments… pretty much any Data Preparation step required to obtain a 100% quality model, fitting your project's requirements.

Also, the Guided import process might take a bit of time in some cases, as it involves a succession of functions potentially time-consuming with very large models. The important thing being the result!

Comparison with the Raw import

Find below a comparison between the Guided import mode and the Raw import mode, with a simple CAD model example.

Beside the speed of the Guided import compared to the Raw import, this example shows that it can be tricky for novice users to find the good Data Preparation recipe, meaning the correct sequence of features to run in order to obtain a model with the same level of quality:

Guided import	Raw import
2 steps | ~3 seconds process Define import options in the Guided import window: Snap to ground Center to origin Tessellation = Medium quality Other options = default Click the Execute button	+20 steps | ~3 minutes process: Define Import options in the Preferences Import the file in Pixyz Studio with the Raw import Analyze the model: it contains BREP surfaces (open shells) that require to be tessellated Delete unwanted lines (CAD construction lines included in the file) Delete unwanted points (CAD construction points included in the file) Find separated surfaces (open shells) of a same object separated in distinct parts the model: they require being merged and stitched together to obtain nice meshes Merge back together these surfaces Perform a RepairCAD, on all the parts of the scene, to repair and stitch disconnected CAD surfaces Run a tessellation to transform CAD surfaces into meshes Perform a RepairMesh to repair the meshes, including the bad face orientation Apply UVs Find the central pivot point of the model Change the transformation matrix to place the model in the center of scene Find the distance offset required to put the model on the ground Change the transformation matrix to place the model on the ground Other steps (create instances, merge identical materials, delete empty occurrences, create tangents…)

How To

Once the Import mode preference is set as the Guided import, import a 3D model in Pixyz Studio using all the available possibilities:

• By dragging and dropping the file in the interface
• From the Guided import icon in the Main toolbar
• By doing File menu > Guided import
• Using the Python command process.guidedImport()

Once you chose the files to import, a dialog box appears, allowing to set the import options:

For more information about each option available to define the Guided import process, please have a look at the dedicated documentation page.

What about scripting?

Some users might be interested to use the Guided import as the import scenario in the script or plugin they are developing. And it is a good idea!

The Guided import can be called in Python with the following command, where each parameter can be set as needed within a script:

process.guidedImport([], pxz.process.CoordinateSystemOptions(["automaticOrientation",0], ["automaticScale",0], False, False), ["usePreset",2], pxz.process.ImportOptions(False, True, True), False, False, False, False, False, False)

Note

The Import mode preference is meant for an interactive usage of Pixyz Studio, and makes no difference when scripting. Simply use any of the import commands available: io.importScene(), io.importFiles() or process.guidedImport()