How Do I Use ReCap in AutoCAD?

by

Are you looking to enhance your AutoCAD skills and explore new ways to streamline your workflow? Look no further than ReCap, a powerful tool that integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD.

In this tutorial, we will delve into the ins and outs of using ReCap to its fullest potential. Let’s get started!

What is ReCap?

ReCap, short for Reality Capture, is a software developed by Autodesk that allows you to capture and integrate reality data directly into your AutoCAD projects. With ReCap, you can easily convert laser scans or photographs into 3D models or point clouds, making it a valuable tool for architects, engineers, surveyors, and more.

Installing ReCap

To begin using ReCap in AutoCAD, you first need to ensure that it is installed on your computer. Follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Launch the Autodesk Desktop App.
  2. Step 2: Navigate to the “Updates & Add-ons” section.
  3. Step 3: Look for ReCap in the available list of applications and click on “Install”.
  4. Step 4: Once the installation is complete, launch AutoCAD.

Using ReCap in AutoCAD

Tip: Before starting with ReCap in AutoCAD, make sure you have a compatible point cloud file or images ready for import.

Importing Point Clouds

To import a point cloud file into your AutoCAD project using ReCap:

  1. Step 1: Open AutoCAD and navigate to the “Insert” tab.
  2. Step 2: Click on “Point Cloud” in the “Linking & Extraction” panel.
  3. Step 3: Browse for your point cloud file and click on “Open”.
  4. Step 4: Adjust the insertion point, scale, and rotation as needed.
  5. Step 5: Click on “OK” to import the point cloud into your AutoCAD drawing.

Create a Point Cloud from Photos

If you have a series of photographs instead of a point cloud file, you can use ReCap Photo to convert them into a point cloud. Here’s how:

  1. Step 1: Launch ReCap Photo from the Start menu or Autodesk Desktop App.
  2. Step 2: Click on the “+” icon to add your photos to ReCap Photo.
  3. Step 3: Select the desired images and click on “Create Point Cloud”.
  4. Note: This process may take some time depending on the number and size of your photos.

Analyzing and Modifying Point Clouds

Tip: To improve performance when working with large point clouds, use ReCap’s indexing feature. This will create an index file that accelerates navigation within your project.

To analyze and modify your imported point clouds in AutoCAD using ReCap, follow these steps:

Perspective View

  1. Step 1: Select the point cloud in your drawing.
  2. Step 2: Right-click and choose “ReCap” from the context menu.
  3. Step 3: Select “Open ReCap” to launch the ReCap interface.
  4. Step 4: In ReCap, choose the “Perspective View” option to analyze your point cloud from different angles.

Cropping Point Clouds

  1. Step 1: Select the desired point cloud.
  2. Step 2: In ReCap, click on the “Crop” button.
  3. Step 3: Adjust the crop region to focus on specific areas of interest.

Colorizing Point Clouds

  1. Step 1: Select the point cloud you want to colorize.
  2. Note: This feature is only available if your point cloud contains color information.
  3. Step 2: In ReCap, go to the “Colorize” tab and enable the “Colorize by Elevation” option for a visual representation based on height differences.

Note: Remember to save your changes in ReCap before exiting, as they will be reflected in your AutoCAD project.

In Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use ReCap in AutoCAD.

Whether you need to work with point clouds or convert photographs into accurate 3D models, ReCap provides you with the necessary tools to make your projects come to life. Take advantage of this powerful software and unleash your creativity!

Remember to keep exploring and experimenting with ReCap to discover even more amazing features it offers. Happy designing!