Topic: Graphic image onto a wall

[btfalcon71]

Hi all.  I'm using the educational version of 5.3 for a project with our college students.  Could someone advise on how to put a graphic image onto a wall surface?  I was given a logo that the college would like shown on a wall.  I can not figure out how to do it, but thought I read somewhere in here how to do it.  I can not find that topic now though.  Thanks in advance for any help!

[peterm]

Hi btfalcon71

What 3D modelling application is being used for the building or wall?

Generally users will place the image using their 3D modelling application.  For example in Revit as a Decal, and in SketchUp, various ways, including make a surface and apply the texture as a material.  Then import to Lumion.

In Lumion you can add an object that is a Plane and position it just in front of the wall.

The Plane is made in a 3D modelling application, and the image applied as a material there.  Or you can add the texture to an empty plane in Lumion using a Standard Material.  See LUMION 5: Tips & Tricks

[btfalcon71]

Hi Peterm -

I tried using the decal in Revit, which is the simple way to do it.  However, when I did that and added it to a wall, then updated the Revit model file in Lumion, the decal didn't show up at all.  Are you saying I need to make that decal on a panel which is defined as a different material than, say all the regular exterior walls of the model?  I will try that tonight to see if it works.  Please let me know your thoughts.  Again, I really appreciate your help. 

Brian

[peterm]

Hi Brian

Did you add a Decal Type first to Revit, then place/Insert the Decal on the model then export?

The Decal Type will have a name, and Lumion will see that as a different material to import.

[btfalcon71]

Thanks again.  Yes, I added the decal type in Revit, applied to my flat wall surface and then rendered it within Revit to be sure it looked right.  When I save and re-export the .fbx file and reload my model, the decal does not show up in Lumion.  When I look under the materials library, shouldn't the "Imported Material" box be accessible?  I would think if that material (the image from the logo/decal in Revit) successfully transferred into the Lumion model, I'd be able to click the "Imported Material" box and see it in there. 

I tried going under the "Standard" box and trying the "Choose Normal Map", but that distorts the image into a square and tiles it across a panel that I have on the wall (and changes the colors).  Could there be an issue with using a .png file?  Do I need to change the file type to .jpg or .bmp for Lumion to recognize it? 

Thanks again for your help - I know this must be a simple process and there is probably one small step I am missing or not doing correctly. 

[btfalcon71]

Peterm,

I've created a work around for getting this non-square logo to appear in Lumion.  I had to physically model all the different parts of the logo in Revit and extrude them 1/16".  I did each item that needed a unique color as a separate component in Revit.  Very cumbersome, but it's complete. 

I did add another logo that had more square proportions and it worked ok, except that for some reason when I adjust the offsets, and scale, it mirrors the image.  So I had to go back into photoshop and create a mirrored copy.  Is this something that you've heard of form others?  It's very frustrating that something that seems so straightforward has taken me the better part of 12 hours total to do. 

Related to this, I am trying to show the same logo (that I've had trouble with on the wall) as a title that will fade out in the beginning of the video.  Similarly, the logo is getting distorted when I add it as an image file in the effects dialog.  The logo has roughly a 1 unit height to 5 units width ratio.  Is there something special I need to do to this so the proportions don't get messed up?  I saw a different post that mentioned pixelation and image size limitations.  Could that be something I need to modify?  Any help is appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Brian

[peterm]

Hi Brian

I note in your prior post you are exporting to FBX.

Please use our dedicated Revit To Lumion Bridge exporter and it will work simply and easily.  Refer forum Sticky in Import and Export: Revit: How do I export a model? with link to web site with exporter.

[btfalcon71]

THAT DID IT!  I knew it must have been some simple thing.  Thanks so much for your help!

[peterm]

Hi Brian
Great to know it's now working for you. 

Apologies for not asking about using the bridge earlier, and saving you 12 hours of experiment.

[btfalcon71]

I'm just glad it now works!  I'll certainly remember that, after all this time and effort!  I wouldn't have figured that out without your help.  Thanks again.

On a different note; how do folks populate their models with lots of extra modeled content outside of the Lumion program?  Is it possible to import sketch up modeled items?  I do not use sketch up but understand there is a huge materials and object library for it.  The Revit families and materials are somewhat limited.  Will Lumion be adding lots of content in future versions?

[peterm]

They import other model content same as importing the main model.  So for SketchUp it might be from the Trimble Warehouse or other supplier of objects.  For Revit there are extensive libraries of families available from other web sites.

Such imported objects become part of the users own library in the Imported Objects Library (as distinct from the Lumion Objects Library).

New or updated models and materials are added to Lumion based on a range of criteria.  The developers do not comment on what may, or may not be in future versions.  Commercial users can add suggestions to various wishlists in the Wishlist Board (not available for access to educational users). You are welcome however, to make suggestions in topics in General Discussions.

[Parth123]

hello,
i did it I knew it must have been some simple thing.
Thanks so much for your help!
really awesome

[peterm]

You're welcome. 

Good to know you were able to find the resource to help you.