> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gasflow-mpi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gasflow-mpi.com/4.-pre-and-post-processing-tools/4.3.-create3d.md).

# 4.3. Create3D

A Portable Tool for creating files for 3D Visualization (r314)

Creating files from **GASFLOW-MPI** dump files (e.g. gfd00001.nc) for 3D visualizations using either *Xdmf* files for programs like **ParaView** or **VisIt** or .plt files for **Tecplot**.

For *Xdmf* output two files will be created, one *XML* file (.xmf) and one *HDF5/netCDF4* (.nc) file. Both files are required for **ParaView** or **VisIt**.

For **Tecplot** one .plt file will be created.

GASFLOW-MPI has the option to produce files containing only the data required for visualization. These files are significantly smaller than the full dump files used for calculation restart.

## Usage

create3D \[-h] \[--output OUTPUT] \[--xdmf3] \[--compression {0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9}] \[--spatial] \[--turbulence] \[--time-format TIME\_FORMAT] \[--tecplot] \[--buffer-size BUFFER\_SIZE] \[--particles {none,plain,density}] \[--splitnumbers] \[--startnumber STARTNUMBER] \[--grid GRID GRID GRID] \[--hex-mesh] \[--gui] \[--debug] \[--version] \[file \[file ...]]

## Examples

#### Open create3D with GUI

```bash
$ create3D --gui
```

#### Converting one dump file, gfd00035.nc, to *Xdmf* files

```markdown
$ create3D gfd00035.nc
```

#### Converting one dump file, gfd00035.nc, to .plt files with turbulence

```
$ create3D --tecplot --turbulence gfd00035.nc
```

#### Converting all the dump files in one folder to *Xdmf* files

```
$ create3D gfd*.nc
```

#### Converting one dump file, gfd00001.nc, to *Xdmf* files with particle 'cloud' and 'density' array

{% hint style="warning" %}
\--spatial must be included when particle data needs to be converted
{% endhint %}

```
$ create3D --spatial --particles 'density' gfd00001.nc
```

#### Converting all the dump files, gfd\*.nc, to *Xdmf* files with particle 'cloud' and 'density' array using the user-defined grid

{% hint style="warning" %}
\--spatial must be included when particle data needs to be converted

\--grid x\_\_num y\_\_num z\_num user-defined grid to plot the particle density
{% endhint %}

```
$ create3D --spatial --particles 'density' --grid 200 200 200 gfd*.nc
```

## Positional arguments

**file**

GASFLOW-MPI dump files (gfd\*.nc). This is a required parameter unless the GUI is used. (default: None)

## Optional arguments

**-h, --help**

show this help message and exit

**--output** OUTPUT

Name of the output files excluding the extension. If more than one input file is given, the output file names are generated by adding a 5 digit numbering starting at 1 to this name. If 3 input files are given, the default output names will be visout00001, visout00002, visout00003. (default: visout)

**--xdmf3**

Produce Xdmf version 3 compatible format. Warning: This most likely only works with the "Xdmf3ReaderT" of ParaView. It will currently not work with VisIt. VisIt only support Xdmf version 2. (default: False)

**--compression {0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9}**

zlib compression level for Xdmf output, 0 disables compression. Ignored for Tecplot. (default: 4)

**--spatial**

Add a spatial collection around the various meshes. Needed for ParaView and Ensight. Ignored for Tecplot. (default: False)

**--turbulence**

Write turbulence parameters if available. (default: False)

**--time-format TIME\_FORMAT**

Format for the time in the Xdmf file. There is no need to change this unless there are problems. Ignored for Tecplot. (default: 14.4f)

**--tecplot**

Produce output in Tecplot binary format (.plt). (default: False)

**--buffer-size BUFFER\_SIZE**

The size of the buffer for some output when manipulating Tecplot files. Ignored for Xdmf output. (default: 1048576)

**--particles {none, plain, density}**

If the argument value is 'plain' create a Polyvertex mesh for the particles. If 'density' is given, try to calculate a particle density. Only for XDMF output. (default: none)

'none': No particle output (the default).

'plain': Just the particle cloud.

'density': Output particle cloud and density array.

**--splitnumbers**

Take the same trailing digits as the input file name(s) and add these to the output file name(s). (default: False)

**--startnumber STARTNUMBER**

Use this number as the initial number for the generation of the output file names. Will be ignored, if the --splitnumbers option is used. (default: 1)

**--grid GRID GRID GRID**

Dimensions of the new grid generated for the particle density. Use this option to generate an independent (and finer) mesh for the particles instead of using the original mesh for the fluid. (default: \[30, 30, 10])

**--hex-mesh**

Use an unstructured hexahedral mesh for the fluid cells, thereby avoiding problems with data in obstacle cells. (default: False)

**--gui**

Start the GUI. (default: False)

![GUI for Create3D](https://4265438985-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdhqtzdFGgZTppLdxTCcJ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-def65bb1f0486df40d2b40b2d0d8240d6fdd0b7a%2Fimage.png?alt=media)

**--debug**

Enable debug output to the log file. (default: False)

**--version**

Show the some version numbers and exit. (default: False)