#3D Studio DXF color info
6 messages in this thread
InterChange has been shipping for the Amiga since 1987, and we're about to
release the Windows version.
Code 62 in a DXF file is the "pen number". It doesn't necessarily correspond
to a particular RGB value. That was my point in the last message. As I said,
different versions of AutoCAD have made different correspondences between pen
numbers and English colors – much less actual RGB values, unless you want to
count how they might've been represented on a PC's screen.
Pen numbers huh? Isn't it funny how people use different words for the same
thing. We never thought of them as pen numbers other than when configuring
plotters. Color index numbers are what I've always known them as, indexes into
the color lookup table. The dxf docs also call them color I believe.
Anyway, I am not really interested in getting RGB values myself, just color
index numbers. A best fit to the lookup table for the material's diffuse color
would be great.Thats probably what we will do.
As for AutoCAD changing their color assignments, as far back as I remember, it
has been dependent on the display driver and how it is configured. For example
if AutoCAD runs on the vanilla IBM VGA diplay mode that it ships with, the user
can go into Config and adjust his RGB values on his 16 colors (I think) on that
particular display driver. Most display drivers come with a default color
lookup table and then the user can alter it to suit his needs if he wants to.
So I guess it could certainly appear to have changed between versions. They
probably have altered default LUTs on different display drivers over the years
as well…..
I'm not aware of a way for a DXF file to include the color lookup table. All
you get in DXF is the pen number. Picking a LUT at that point is a matter of
imagination.
Thanks for the insight..
I am still interested in learning more about your new Windows product… Or the
Amiga product, though I am complete Amiga ignorant. At least it might help to
know what is available and how it may help get models into a usable format.
Where do I go?
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and I'll send you literature describing Syndesis' products.
Thanks for the 'lifetime' subscription…It's nice to know somethings last
forever…
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