Insert multiple files as linked active blocks placed on separate layers

Rhino Rhino for Windows
1

How to insert 100 files as linked active blocks placed on separate layers (each block is inserted to its own layer). The best would be when layer would be named from file name but it is not a must.

Should I prepare a script or macro or maybe something like this is already done because it should be a rather popular request.

Cheers!!!

2

Here’s a quick Grasshopper way using the Elefront plugin.

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3

Thanks. Will it handle 6GB *.ply files with point cloud (every file is up to 200MB)?

4

its looking for Rhino Block files (.3dm)

Personally i would reduce my point clouds in CloudCompare to a low res, then using high res versions only when needed, unless you really need 6 gb of point clouds.

Inserting a .ply into separate Rhino files from a folder is your first scripting hurtle.

2 Likes
5

Thanks for trying to help me. I would like to have inserted them as blocks with low count point cloud and high count point cloud and to show low or high when necessary. But I don’t want to have it imported to increase 3dm file size. I would like to have them native as linked ply files. I`ve already done it but it took about an hour to insert every ply file separately. It is not allowed to insert multiple linked files. I would like to do it as one go. To put all ply files from folder to rhino blocks and keep them on separate layers (one folder with low count and the second folder with high count). Imported blocks are hard to manage and I would like to have them separately on separate layers. To hide and show only demanded ones.

Maybe blocks are not necessary but I can`t find any other way to not increase 3dm file size.

6

Ok. I see now that If I inserted point cloud PLY as an external file (block) in Rhino I can`t select single points for use f.e. _PlaneThroughPt
So I think I understand why you have suggested importing low point count into the Rhino and do not use that point cloud as an external (linked) file. Is there any way to have point cloud not loaded into file and have the opportunity to select points for using some commands (like _PlaneThroughPt)?

7

Attach via Worksession (windows only) type worksession in the command line or right click in the layer dialog. Using clipping planes will reduce graphics loads as well.

1 Like
8

Thank you very much for that little hidden gem. I haven`t known that Worksession command.