How to convert direct link to datasmith?

Development Pipeline & Plugins
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1

I'm currently working on a project that involves digging up an old Twinmotion 2020 file that used direct link with Sketchup 2019. I have long since upgraded to Twinmotion 2021 and Sketchup 2021 with data smith.

Is there any way to convert the old directlink to datasmith so I can keep the connection between sketchup and twinmotion? I tried importing a datasmith link between the existing twinmotion file and the sketchup file but it just reimported the sketchup file as a new object (the old sketchup geometry stayed in an "addon" group).

My biggest concern is maintaining the existing materials in the twinmotion file, I didn't see a pop up option to "use existing material" when importing the sketchup file and it would require a significant amount of time and work to redo all of the materials on the newly imported geometry.

Thanks

2

Hello ,

Thank you for posting in the community your question regarding converting from the legacy plugin to the Datasmith Exporter plugin. There will be some re-work associated with the transition and below are the 2 options you have.

Option 1:

  • Open your existing Twinmotion scene and save all the materials that were adjusted or applied in Twinmotion to your user library.
  • Then open a new Twinmotion file and merge the content from the old file.
  • Delete the elements that were brought in with the old plugin and import and rotate the remaining elements 90 degrees.
  • Import the new content with the Direct-Link or udatasmith.
  • Apply the textures to the necessary materials that reverted back.
  • Recreate your media images.

Option 2:

  • Create a backup of your original Twinmotion file.
  • Open your existing Twinmotion scene and save all the materials that were adjusted or applied in Twinmotion to your user library.
  • Then open your original Sketchup file and open a 3D view and hide everything - Then Sync with the legacy plugin so that the Twinmotion file becomes empty except for the newly placed assets.
  • Import the new content with the Direct-Link or udatasmith and rotate it 90 degrees.
  • Apply the textures to the necessary materials that reverted back.

Maybe if you don't have too much to edit/update you could try to keep using the legacy plugin to finish this project with Skjetchup 2021?

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any follow-up questions.

Kind regards,

Vincent B.