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  1. #1
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    Importing objects from 3D Studio Max

    Hello All
    I have been using Chief since version X2 and now I have decided to make some of my own objects. I am very experienced with 3d Studio Max and much prefer to use it over Sketchup. The problem is I cannot get an object from Max into Chief correctly. I tried exporting from Max in DXF and 3DS but when the item is imported into Chief they end up without any textures and 1mm cubed in size. Obviously I must have a setting wrong somewhere but I don't know what. I also tried importing some Sketchup models and while the textures showed up the model was tiny. Chief is set up for Metric measurement as is Max.
    Max version is 2011 and I am using the X5 Beta in both 32bit and 64bit.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Regards

    Phil

  2. #2
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    Export Max's 3ds models together with the textures in one folder. it will retain the texture.

    Also the unit setup must be same in Max and in Chief.
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    Jintu E.P. Montego
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
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    you know its funny that you should mention problems with studio max. i was trying to export and import objects between chief and blender and am having issues as well. I dont remember having a scaling problem, it was only the textures.

    I would love to use chief to generate buildings for flight simulator but it's early days yet for me in that area. i reckon if i can get the export file into flight sim i will save hours of work trying to model buildings using studio max or blender and to add to that, chief does such a fantastic job at creating them...its just the export side of things that is a problem.

    In life there are at least 3 absolutes...rain, taxes, and free advice from "self acclaimed experts"!:Sly:

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chiefer View Post
    Export Max's 3ds models together with the textures in one folder. it will retain the texture.
    Tried that and still no textures on the object. I can apply the texture in Chief but it has lost its mapping. So not only is the texture not importing with the model but the mapping is being lost as well. Does the mapping in Max have to be applied a certain way? I use "Unwrap UVW" for mapping the textures.

    Also the unit setup must be same in Max and in Chief.
    Thanks. I had the "System units" in Max set to Metres and was importing into Chief as mm. Setting them both to meters worked fine.

    Regards

    Phil

  5. #5
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    Always use UVW Map modifier and assign shorter names for your textures.

    See attached samples.
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    Jintu E.P. Montego
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  6. #6
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    By the way, always adjust texture coordinates in the UVW Mapping parameters not in the Material Editor.
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    Jintu E.P. Montego
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  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    47
    I am not experienced with 3D Studio Max, however, this sounds like the issue stated on this thread about both Blender and 3D Studio might be tied to the same issue.

    In Blender, if you do not assign a material layer to your model, then a texture, you will not get a 3D model on export that has any surface data. This may be what's happening in both instances mentioned.

    Double check that your model has these two elements before the export to Chief.

    If you are still having trouble feel free to upload your models here so that we can take a look.
    Kirk Clemons
    Technical Support Analyst | Chief Architect® Technical Support Department

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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by kirk.clemons View Post
    I am not experienced with 3D Studio Max, however, this sounds like the issue stated on this thread about both Blender and 3D Studio might be tied to the same issue.

    In Blender, if you do not assign a material layer to your model, then a texture, you will not get a 3D model on export that has any surface data. This may be what's happening in both instances mentioned.

    Double check that your model has these two elements before the export to Chief.

    If you are still having trouble feel free to upload your models here so that we can take a look.
    I am not sure how to apply a texture to a layer in Max. I have uploaded the Max file and texture. Using "UVW Map" instead of "Unwrap UVW" had no effect what so ever.

    Regards

    Phil
    Attached Files Attached Files

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phil_C View Post
    Hello All
    I am very experienced with 3d Studio Max

    Regards

    Phil
    Can you attach the 3ds?
    Jintu E.P. Montego
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    jintu@cadexpress.biz

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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chiefer View Post
    Can you attach the 3ds?
    I have attached the 3ds file
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  11. #11
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    Here you go.
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    Jintu E.P. Montego
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  12. #12
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    Thanks but what did you do to make it work correctly? I have dozens of models I want to create for Chief so I really need to learn how to do this myself.

    Thanks again for you help.

    Regards

    Phil

  13. #13
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    Convert objects to editable poly or editable mesh
    Jintu E.P. Montego
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    jintu@cadexpress.biz

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  14. #14
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    Already tried that and no effect. I think it is something you have done with the textures in the material editor. Which version of Max are you using by the way? I imported your 3ds file back into Max and there are some differences with the textures. I will see if I can duplicate what you have done tomorrow.

    Regards

    Phil

  15. #15
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    max 2009, doesn't really matter which version when it comes to editable polys, they are the same. I did nothing in the material editor.
    Jintu E.P. Montego
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    jintu@cadexpress.biz

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