Home > Supported File Formats > DWG to Softimage|XSI

How to convert DWG (AutoCAD, DXF) to Softimage|XSI (.xsi)?

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

DWG

DXF and DWG are the native file formats of the Autodesk AutoCAD product since 1982. DWG is the binary file variation to the ASCII DXF file format. These files can be viewed by many programs including Autodesk's free DWG TrueView application. It is a closed file format but has been documented by the Open Design Alliance.

At Okino we consider DXF/DWG to be one of the worst 3D file formats when translating 3D model data between applications (depending on its contents). There is very little understanding about this in the 3D graphics world. As outlined in our "CAD Data Sourcing Suggestons and Rules" page you should ideally use the DWF-3D file format when sourcing from either AutoCAD, Navisworks, Revit and optionally Autodesk Inventor.

Due to deep history, Autodesk software can embed ACIS SAT "BREP solids" data in some of its DXF/DWG files. This is the ideal case as the "BREP solids" geometry definitions lead to cleaner and higher fidelity MCAD file conversions. But even so, it would generally be a safer bet to use a STEP AP214 or "IGES BREP solids" file in such cases.

Softimage|XSI

Softimage|3D and Softimage|XSI were two well known 3D animation systems written by Softimage Inc. of Montreal Canada. Autodesk eventually came to buy the company in 2008 and then kill off the software in 2014.

Okino had a very long standing relationship with Softimage and its software, having written the main import/export converters for both Softimage|3D and Softimage|XSI in the 1990s.

Conversion to/from Softimage|3D was done with the .hrc and .dsc file formats which are now considered obsolete. In simple terms, you would need to get a running version of Softimage|XSI v7.x on your Windows machine in order to read in older .hrc and .dsc files.

Conversion to/from Softimage|XSI was done with the .xsi v3 and v5 file formats which are still supported in Okino software.

DWG import converter's overview

Softimage|XSI export converter's overview