Issue Description
In some workflows, particularly when transitioning between software, it’s essential to export a 3D rendered view that uses color masking. This helps in precisely identifying surfaces that need editing in other software (eg. Photoshop). Is there a way to export a color-masked render in Archicad?
Solution
Exporting a color-masked render is not a basic Archicad setting however, there’s a simple workaround to do this by modifying the surface settings.
Identifying all the surfaces.
Before proceeding with Color Masking, we first need to identify all the surfaces needed. To do this:
- Open the 3D View. Start by navigating to the 3D view of the project where the surfaces needing masking are visible.
- Access the Surface Painter Palette. The Surface Painter palette can be opened by going to Window > Palette > Surface Painter. This tool enables surface property modifications within the 3D view.
- Identify the Surface to Edit. The Pick Parameters tool can be used to select the surface of the structure to be color-masked. Once selected, the surface will be highlighted in the Surface Painter window.
Once you have identified all the surfaces present, let us proceed with color masking. There are two ways to achieve a Color Masked render in Archicad - through Graphic Overrides and by adjusting surface colors itself. Follow these steps:
Option 1 - Graphic Override. For quicker and more convenient approach, this would be the solution. But take note of the limitation that Graphic Override is element based therefore the criteria set in graphic override rules are made to the entire element and not to the building material. Meaning libraries such as doors and windows or other objects that are not Overriden in the Model panel of the object settings are not affected with the override. To do this:
- Create new Graphic Override Combination. Create a specific Graphic Override that can be used for this specific view only.
- Set up a Graphic Override specific to this view by creating a new group for Color Mask Overrides.
- Create individual rules for each material present in the render. For example, include each surface material in the criteria, and in the Override Style, change the surface color to a bright, noticeable hue to distinguish it clearly.
- Continue this process for each surface requiring masking until all necessary areas are overridden.
Option 2 - Surface Color Adjustment. If you need to override everything including doors and windows and other objects, modifying the actual surface would be the solution. To do this:
- Modify the Surface Settings.
- Double-click the selected surface to open its Surface settings.
- In the Surfaces window, change the Engine settings to “Basic Engine.”
- Under the Exposure to Light section, adjust the Surface Color to a bright, noticeable color. This will help other software detect the surface using tools like Magic Wand.
- Apply Unique Colors to Other Surfaces. Repeat the process of surface identification and color modification for all surfaces in the structure. Ensure each adjacent surface has a distinctly different color to prevent confusion in the final render.
- Preview the Surface Color Differences. To verify the changes, go to View > 3D View Options and select Vectorial.
Finalizing the Color-Masked Render
- Go to Document > Creative Imaging > PhotoRendering Settings.
- In the PhotoRendering Settings window, set the Engine to “Basic Renderer.”
- Ensure the Textures option is unchecked to focus solely on the solid colors during rendering.
- Render the Color-Masked View. Once the settings are configured, proceed with the rendering process. The result will be a simplified color-masked version of the project, ideal for surface identification and further editing in other software environments.
By following these steps, a color-masked 3D render can be efficiently created, helping with the surface identification needed for editing in other software environments.