HELP Please MAX to SketchUp
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First, I know nothing about Max. The guys that built the PC for me back in 2012-11 knew I'd be using it for 3D. When they delivered it... it was inside, Max 2011. However, I have been terrified of it and it still scares me... avoided using it as much as possible for absolute terror of how to even begin.
I have opened it enough to export models successfully into SU. But, not one with textures.
I have also downloaded free models when they were available and so, not knowing that it would be a problem, I took several hours going through every single model map and texture file, copying and duplicating all textures and maps into a single global folder. This was intended to use for the custom paths so that upon opening a model, it would search directly into this Custom Max textures folder.
Today though.... everything is still black. when I export a model, it too is black upon entering SketchUp.
My friend just confirmed that the models and textures were configured for Vray. I don't have Vray.
But, I do have lots of models and all their textures.I've been asking friends and some are saying:
... bit of a pickle without Vray! I'd install the 30 day trial of vray and then do a scene conversion using Vray material to Standard material 1 ScriptSpot.
(I do not want to download Vray)... someone who really know Max would be able to tell me how to set up these paths so that the Max model will reconnect to the textures folder--- ask help.
... The UVW mapping will still be there. To add a texture path go to customize, configure user paths, external files. To run the script, go to maxscript, run script
Does this make sense so far?
Look, I don't even know how to turn on a light in Max.... I really don't. And the only reason I'm attacking this is because I ignorantly thought it would work, not prepared for these Vray dependancies.... I offered my customer choices of models from within the collection... and now finding out how darn stuck I am.
Can someone help me?
I spent hours yesterday putting textures into one 5Go file folder... I have a model, I open it, it is black. I export to 3ds, or obj and it imports black in SU.
I'm just too ignorant of this (and under such a deadline to sacrifice a learning curve (I have no intentions of using Max but for bringing models into SU) and really need someone to babysit me through getting one modle working so I can use that method for others.
Anyone?
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That is curious because there a Tig Import OBJ + Material plugin who works fine!
Does the OBJ export from 3DSMAx a little glitched ?
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There's a thread on this here...
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15%26amp;t=60610
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I appreciate the contribution, surely. But, Pilou, I'm sure the object export is fine. But, Max is not reading the textures as they are setup for Vray. If I can get them in the model... it may very well export with textures.
Kristoff, thank you. However, if you read the threads on the links you give... many questions similar to mine are asked but none have a response that explains anything... leaving me and others in the same quandary.
It even has responses of those who have used the script without success, yet no written reply addresses it.
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Just saw the last post on that thread had TWO links... the latter having perhaps the info I'm looking for. http://blog.turbosquid.com/2013/08/29/converting-max-vray-materials-to-standard-materials/
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For EVERY MODEL?! This is getting discouraging... (though it does look as if there might be a solution)
http://blog.turbosquid.com/2013/08/29/converting-max-vray-materials-to-standard-materials/ -
http://www.motivacg.com/en/material-converter/
This plugin will transform the Vray material textures to Max textures?! Then, if the answer is yes... I should be able to export from Max a .3ds, .obj or .dae with texture coordinates... correct?
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I know this will convert models between max and sketchup well.
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Duane, got a sample model to send me? I have a few tricks that may work.
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Another option you have is to get the Thea for 3dsMax plugin - also by Motiva CGArt & Technology...
I'm aware that you already have the Thea Render as well as the Thea4SU license, hence I believe you only need the Thea for 3dsMax plugin and not the bundle (Thea Render studio + plugin), but you need to ask about this at the Thea Render Forum...With the Thea for 3dsMax plugin, you can export a model to Thea Render and in Thea Render Studio, you can save this as .mod.thea files, which you can easily insert in SU as proxies...
This might in fact help you in two ways...
1.) You can all of a sudden utilize some great model libraries, which normally only works with 3dsMax...
2.) Great models - as the 3dsMax models usually are - comes with a second "price tag"...
High poly count... Which SketchUp will struggle handling...
By inserting the render ready models as proxies in SU using the Thea4SU plugin, you avoid such pains...Hope this can help you further...?!
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Kim Frederik,
That's a worthy comment to read and something to think about. Perhaps, if I can obtain a Thea for Max version, I will do exactly that for the future. I'm not in the position to invest more... but, that sounds great. Thank you.
I know there is still a solution for this somehow... but, this sounds like a great band-aide.Peter, thanks for the intervention. Much appreciated.
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