!! newbie alert !!
Hello, i’ve been reading a lot of tutorials lately about modeling from blueprints - and they all say “make bitmaps, use planes, bla bla”
But, we start with AutoCAD plans, and some people say “Link to the CAD plans...” (The plans are always 2D).

Which is quicker/easier?
I tried making one set of plans into a 3D model in AutoCAD and then importing - but my columns(cylinders) turned into (square) beams amongst other problems.

Does anyone do this on a regular basis? Whats your favorite way?
It seems a bit odd that CAD to 3DS is not easy as its all AutoDesk software.
Maybe i am missing something obvious, like a “3D My Plans” button somewhere :P

Thanks for any replies
(please excuse my english)

What file type are you exporting the AutoCAD model as?

Edit: Personally I would do all my modeling within 3ds Max because I find it easier. Especially if you have the blueprints already. As you said, put the blueprints on a plane and model from that reference.

But if you are really new and need to get this project done fast, maybe modeling in AutoCAD first and then exporting would be better if you are more accustomed to AutoCAD modeling.

Windows XP 64-bit
Dual Intel Xeon X5482 3.20GHz
32GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700
Dual 20” Dell LCD monitors.
3ds Max 2009 64-bit
Adobe Creative Suite 2

Maybe i am missing something obvious, like a “3D My Plans” button somewhere

If only it was that simple.
Bitmap planes Vs CAD import.
Bitmap planes are for stuff that’s already a bitmap like photos or scanned pictures. If you have it in a vector format, why not use it for reference, it’s to scale and resolution isn’t a problem, it will also be visible in wireframe views. You may have to re-orientate and place different elevations, but you would have to do the same with image planes and then deal with the scale.
The drawback of a 2D CAD import is when curves are broken into loads of short lines on a complex drawing, it can get slow.

The common consent seems to be that you should model in whatever program you are most comfortable with.  I learned Max, and have a general knowledge of CAD, so I do all my modeling in Max using imported linework.  I always freeze off layers I don’t currently need, and only bring in the areas that I am currently working with.  And it is almost necessary to delete the linework when you are finished with it.  As Samab said, a lot of linework can make things slow.  If it’s something I feel I may need to come back to, I’ll do a Save Selected with the plan or elevation and save it out to it’s own Max file.  That way I can merge or xref it in later.

But there are many others out there that started with Autocad, and are more efficient doing their modeling there.  The big issue I think you’re encountering is the settings used when imported the DWG file.  Since I have little experience with importing 3D CAD, I can’t help much.  But do some searching on the AREA.  I know it’s been covered before.  And maybe someone with more experience can help you with your settings.

Good luck.

3DS Max Design 2011 64-bit - Advantage Pack
Dell Precision T5500, Dual Six Core Xeon X5650 @ 2.67GHz, nVidia Quadro 5000, 24 GB RAM, Win 7 Enterprise 64-bit
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Thanks everyone for your replies. Unfortunately i still cant find the answers i am looking for (yes, i’ve searched far and wide). It seems to me that Autodesk could learn alot alot about application integration from the likes of Adobe (moving files in and out of Photoshop, Flash, Illustration, Dreamweaver, etc). Its fairly easy, and well documented, how to use all their software to get to your goals.

Come on autodesk. i am willing to buy lots of software and go on endless courses - only if i get what i need…

If i have to make bitmaps of cad plans, and use these as traceplans in the 3D app - then i might as well get some cheaper/easier/better integrated/faster software.

So please anyone,
How to get 2D cad plans(blueprints) into a 3D model in 3DS - qickly, easily, and without bitmaps ??

Thanks

So please anyone,
How to get 2D cad plans(blueprints) into a 3D model in 3DS - qickly, easily, and without bitmaps ??

Import the DWG into Max.  Linking would mainly be for 3D CAD files, not 2D.  Either use the existing linework and extrude it, or use it as a plan to trace new lines.  Keep in mind that CAD linework will need some cleaning up if you just want to add an extrude modifier.  This isn’t a CAD issue, it’s a drafting issue.  I sometimes use the CAD command “overkill” which cleans up a lot of drafting garbage (multiple lines overlapping, etc).

Some people prefer to build off elevations then change the depth of the objects to match the plans.  Other people start with the plan and align objects to the elevations.  It’s all a matter of what you are most comfortable with.

3DS Max Design 2011 64-bit - Advantage Pack
Dell Precision T5500, Dual Six Core Xeon X5650 @ 2.67GHz, nVidia Quadro 5000, 24 GB RAM, Win 7 Enterprise 64-bit
Minneapolis, MN, USA

You don’t have to use bitmaps and planes, that’s what we are saying, import DWG, DXF whatever, it’s not a problem, but don’t expect it to magicaly turn a 2D drawing into a 3D model. That’s asking a bit much, at some point someone is going to have to do some modelling.
Your options are, do the modelling in ACAD and import the 3D mesh, or import the 2D mesh into Max and use it as reference to do the modelling there.