CAD tip # 6630:

There are some workarounds for adding entourage objects to your 3D scenes for rendering:

• Use full 3D models of entourage objects - see e.g. the Block library
• Add the entourage pictures only as 2D images to the rendered picture (postprocessing in Photoshop)
• Use an alternative rendering tool - e.g. 3ds Max, Piranesi...
• Use the simplified, render-ready RPC objects from ArchVision - see their offering to AutoCAD users.
• Make simplified (planar, crossed) models with materials using texture maps and opacity maps (orient them to your camera) - see below

How to add opacity-based planar models to your scene for rendering:

• Run the MATERIALS editor.
• In the Materials tool palette, click "Create new material" and name it.
• In the Template drop-down list, select Advanced.
• Select the Diffuse Map check box.
• Select Texture Map from the drop-down list.
• Click the "Select Image" button and select the image you want to use for your entourage object (tree, people...).
• In the "Material Scaling" section, set the "Scale units" to "Fit to Gizmo" and set U and V tile to 1.00 (in version 2007: Adjust Bitmap > Bitmap Scale > Fit to object).
• In the Opacity section, click "Select Image", and then browse to a opacity image file (black will not show, white will show the diffuse map image).
• In the "Material Scaling" section, set the "Scale units" to "Fit to Gizmo" and set U and V tile to 1.00 (in version 2007: Adjust Bitmap > Bitmap Scale > Fit to object).
• And finally - create a 3D face in your DWG scene and apply the new material to it. Now you can render the drawing.