Plugin

[snevets]

Does anyone know of a plugin which import into 3ds max a file gmax can export? Later versions don't work with quake files, which is the most common method.

[snevets]

There must be one...

[Ciaran]

Quake files? As far as I know gmax 1.2 can either save a gmax scene or export to p3s (or something like that), but I would have thought 3dsMax can read a gmax scene, or import from one. We do have some people who made some models with gmax and then had them converted, after all.

[Bwian]

The problem with G-Max is that it ONLY exports through licensed plugins. Out of the box, it only saves in it's native format. Which nothing else opens. this is deliberate ... and th ekey to making money from G-Max.

Certain big game companies have licensed plugins for G-Max that allow models to be built and exported. Combat Flight Sim 3 and Quake spring to mind. these plugins allow export of the model in their own uniqie game-specific formats.

Now...in the case of Quake, the model format CAN be read by some other utilities or converted. These allows G-Max users to get their work OUT of G-Max.

Now...the problem for Snevets it that it appears that the latest versions of Max do not have a plugin for Quake models....this means you need to either wait until someone actually makes one....

Or...find a way to convert Quake files to something MAx will read in...like, say, 3DS. Something like ..

3D Exploration

This reads in Quake 1,2 AND 3 files, and exports just about any format you care to name. I use it a lot for file conversion, and have even upgraded to Deep Exploration ( their follow on product ) which is even better. 3D Exploration os a tool no modder should be without!

EDIT: PM me if you are having trouble finding it ....I can mail you a copy

[snevets]

Hmm, I can't find a site which will let me download it, though i have looked at hemisphere's website.

[Ciaran]

So, in short, making/modifying models in G-max and then getting the 3ds trial won´t be of any use, because 3ds can´t read or import from g-max scenes, did I get that right?

[Bwian]

Snevets....that's why I suggested you might want to PM me with an address I could mail you a copy too. I have the 3dExplorer setup exe on my HD. It got hard to find when they switched their focus to Deep Exploration.

Ciaran...yes you CAN do it, but it requires a few extra steps. Gmax was designed to be difficult to import/export, but since some plugins are available, you can use those provided you can convert what comes out into something Max will read.

Conversions are messy. Sometimes you get issues with UV mapping etc. but there ARE tools out there to do it.