I have database/excel datasource and want to creat a graphicap renderen image form it in Carrara to have a nice image, but how could I create programatically something that converts a series of numbers into a carrara model. The file format seems binary, is there some oter file format in let's say XML that I can generate to be used in carrara as model? 

Thanks

There is no direct import method that I'm aware of. However, if you are planning on animating the components, you could easily key frame the Delta in the Excel chart to either the Spline or Vertex components.

if it's a graph of some x-y function in cartesian co-ordinates, then one could go thru the tedious process of exporting an excel graph (if it does graphs), importing said image into photoshop, exporting that as an AI file, then using the AI file in the spline modeller.

Wel the intention is to create the 3D model programatically using a 3rd part program,and then create the file that can be used in Carrara. So the question is what file format (if possible text only) could be used so that I can load that model into carrara to be used. 

Maybe the SDK and then, create some plugin when I can find time? 

The idea behind is, that I somhow want to create company results into some spectacular visual way and it would be nice if I can half automati it in some way. Maybe too far fetached ;-)

Miss Nancys idea of an AI file brought into the Carrara Spline modeller sounds a great idea to me.

I have the impression that I do not understand Nancy completely. 
Photoshop is something flat to me, 2D, and if I understand correctly then the excel graph is exported as a 2D image??? And somehow saved as AI??? 

I know something about file formats, but I am missing some important thought here I guess. 

I have been looking in then formula section if Carrara and I failed to find a import function to read from file. Then I have been thinking, maybe I create some formula generator to be imported with copy and paste in Carrara but I am afraid that the script engine is not that powerfull to process a few hundreds of datapoint.   

It is not urgent, I was just wondering how to create visually stunning 3D graphs instead of the excel 3D graphs.  I was thinking about creating a movie of how the sales have morphed or something similar like a blokbuster movie ;-)  Ok creating the graphs by hand is also a way of doing it, but it would be nice if it could somehow be semi-automated. 

Thanks for the feedback

Are you saying your excel graph is not in a 2d format? If it is in a 3d format it has to be converted into a3d file type acceptable for Carrara to import.

If it is in a 2d format, the only way I think you can bring any of the file information into Carrara for producing 3d from that file is in the AI format into the Spline Room. The other way is to have an object, say made in the Vertex Room, onto which you paste the 2d image in the Shader room. And play with it from there.

You can make "movie" files doing the visual things you describe, in 2d, just within any Photoshop version--at least Photoshop 7 and upwards 

Hope that all he;ps

as a PS. You can take your graph image into the Vertex Room and use it to build a model from. You will find the principles described in the Help manual for the Vertex Room.

One learns something new everyday.
I have Excel on my computer but have NEVER even opened.
As far as I can see, you can not save anything from Excel in a normal 2d image format! (Certainly not 3d)

So, for a start, you have to take your Excel chart into one of your other programmes which can save the file into, at least, jpg, png ,tif or psp file types. (I can see a bit of work is involved in taking those files into Photoshop and converting them to acceptable 2D imagery.)

Really, if you can get those files into an acceptable 2D format, personally, I would go down the Photoshop "movie" path. I just can not see a reasonable work flow from those Excel type charts that would justify trying to go down a true 3D approach--UNLESS you were a 3D real expert. 

Hey! I just noted that DirectX *.x files are supported, and it seems that it can also be text files! :-) Maybe this is the way to do it! :-)

I agree - the corporate suits will be more impressed with a movie than with a single carrara render IMVHO. a pie chart or bar graph is still gonna put 'em to sleep, whether it's done in PSP, carrara, maya or whatever.