ETABS v9 models may be exported to PERFORM-3D through the process which follows:
- Run analysis within ETABS.
- Select File > Export > Perform 3D Text File. This operation creates a text file which will then enable interoperability between the platforms.
Within PERFORM-3D, define groups for the various element types to be imported from the text file, as shown in Figure 1:
Figure 1 - Group definition within PERFORM-3D
Open the model within PERFORM-3D by selecting Task > Import/export structure data, as shown in Figure 2: 
Figure 2 - Open the model within PERFORM-3D
Why are the menu commands grayed-out?
Answer: The element model is exported from ETABS to PERFORM-3D. When the element model is unavailable, menu commands are grayed-out. Menu commands may be activated by either running analysis, which creates the element model, or by selecting this option under View > Set Display Options.
