Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

ActionArt · Post by **ActionArt** » 04 Jan 2012, 17:21

I have a Max scene that I need to import into SI. I really only need the geometry, surfacing and animation are not required.

Is there any good, free/cheap way to do this. I don't have Max, obviously.

Suggestions?

Maximus · Post by **Maximus** » 04 Jan 2012, 18:47

I dont have any suggestion if not download max trial and export it as fbx or obj

Dont think there is any other software that reads .max files

bottleofram · Post by **bottleofram** » 04 Jan 2012, 19:20

EDIT: skip, not true

File>Import>Import FBX>change filetype to .max

Yeah, I was surprised too when Stephen Blair pointed it out...

Hirazi Blue · Post by **Hirazi Blue** » 04 Jan 2012, 19:49

I can't test this right now, but are you sure about the "max" file format?
The only recent post I can recall was on the xsibase, where Luc-Eric Rousseau (not Stephen Blair) mentioned the "FBX route", in this thread and there he spoke of importing 3ds files into Softimage...
But I may just have missed a similar post by Stephen Blair...
(I actually hope I have, hidden features are always nice to have)
;)

ActionArt · Post by **ActionArt** » 04 Jan 2012, 20:28

I guess the trial version might be the way to go. Didn't really want to install that behemoth but might not have a choice.

I tried the FBX route but there isn't a .max file option and when I just type in the name it won't read it. Unless I'm missing something this doesn't work. Stephen must have been referring to .3ds files.

This is something SI really desperately needs in my opinion. The "send to" functions are nice and all but only if you have Max.

Rork · Post by **Rork** » 05 Jan 2012, 08:43

Hi all,

I've seen this confusion about 3DSMAX fileformats popping up recently on several forums, started by someone who apparently doesn't read properly...

Again.... .3ds is -NOT- the native fileformat for 3DSMAX scenes. It is an archaic fileformat over 20 years old, coming from the granddaddy of 3D, 3DStudio DOS. Yes... DOS......http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS

Yes... 3DSMAX can open .3ds files, but with the 8 bit file format, resulting in limited shader and texture functionality you should look elsewhere for conversions.

Also, the 3DSMAX .max format is, like the SI .scn format, a 'container' format that can only be read by the application itself.
It basically contains a list of code, that will reassemble the scene when opening the file.

So, to answer the question, for .max files you need a copy of 3DSMAX installed.
For exporting, or using the Send To... option.
Even converter tools like Polytrans need a copy of 3DSMAX installed, or they cannot read and convert it.

And the named thread about importing via FBX was about the .3ds fileformat.
When SI moved over to 64 bit, the default import option for .3ds files was removed from the File menu.
A unsupported way is to do this via the import>FBX option.

Hope this helps,

rob

bottleofram · Post by **bottleofram** » 05 Jan 2012, 16:53

Rork wrote:Hi all,

I've seen this confusion about 3DSMAX fileformats popping up recently on several forums, started by someone who apparently doesn't read properly...

I raise my hand in apology; completely responsible for the confusion. Although, only in this thread - haven't done it elsewhere, honest.

Obviously should have checked before giving out total misinformation...

ActionArt · Post by **ActionArt** » 05 Jan 2012, 17:20

No problem, I wish it were true! There is so much content available only in .max format it's frustrating. I wish someone would come up with a solution but would likely be a massive undertaking and a pain to keep it up to date. Even if it could just extract the geometry and maybe UV's it would be nice.

Anyway, this situation has been solved by the provider converting to .obj for me.

Thanks!

edschiffer · Post by **edschiffer** » 09 Jan 2012, 12:37

maybe there could be a web service for converting CG files... much like http://www.filespazz.com/ converts Corel .cdr files back to .ai for free.

Rork · Post by **Rork** » 09 Jan 2012, 12:56

Unless it's really geared towards one 3d app, eg. rigging, specific renderer/shaders etc, it's a bit odd sites do not deliver in several formats.
Fortunately most 3D library sites do deliver in multiple formats nowadays.

Be aware though that certain modeling 'tricks' by 3d apps will not work/allowed in others. For instance the one polygon trick from Lightwave will not work in Softimage.
And .max models will have a 'double edge' issue sometimes.
So, most models need some cleanup most of the time to be workable within the 3d app of choice.

If you want to move stuff over, I think .fbx is the most 'solid' one. At least you can export/import the model, UV's, textures, animation, camera's etc. all in one go.

But a converter website sounds like a good idea. And with Autodesk owning the 3 'major' ones, this would be a great way to move models inbetween apps with their own .fbx format.
Never going to happen, but we can dream.....

rob

Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?

Re: Max to SI (with no Max) - any good free way to do this?