A .msh exporter for 3ds Max BETA Release - see below \/ \/ \/
I went to start work on DMI again, but I had since updated my 3ds Max license, so XSI Crosswalk no longer worked. This meant I couldn't get models in XSI to export them with MshEx. Solution: rewrite a msh exporter from scratch compatible with 3ds Max
How it works:
1) Run a MaxScript in 3ds Max (pops out a text file)
2) Run MshEx4Max.exe (takes text file turns it into .msh)
How to Use:
1) Set up scene in 3ds Max*
2) Run MaxGrab.ms (Maxscript menu > Run Script)
3) Save file in same directory as MshEx4Max.exe, name it something like MyMesh.txt
4) Run MshEx4Max.exe, enter the following command: ex MyMesh.txt
5) Wait until it says "DONE!" Your msh appears as "MyMesh.msh" in same folder
* some stipulations are listed here:
-If you want to export more than one object in a scene, I reccomend at this point just merging them all into one object. Otherwise, use the select-and-link tool to link all the other objects to one object.
-Make sure everything has textures and uv coords.
-Only tested with editable poly objects
-Material IDS: if you go into editable poly > material IDS, make sure that the material ids of every face actually reference the submaterial in the multimaterial. For example, if your mulit-material has 5 submaterials, don't have a material id of 12. Max somehow undestands to roll around, but for my lazy sake I made it so 5 = 5, and anything above 5 would not work in this case. Beware of this, sometimes max likes to by default assign these wrong material ideas to things such as spheres. I will address this issue later but at the moment it is not.
-MaxGrab.ms was only tested with 3ds Max 2010
Notes for Rev2
-Fixed MaxGrab.ms to export normals correctly
Notes for Rev3
-Fixed MaxGrab.ms to export normals correctly
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2010 8:51 pm
by Null_1138
This is awesome Rep! If this works, I'll finally have a viable way to turn some of my models (the more modest ones) to msh. Great work!
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:19 am
by DarthD.U.C.K.
repsharpshooter does it again
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:32 am
by Darth_Spiderpig
RepSharpshooter wrote:
Because the MaxScript grabs stuff right out of 3ds Max, this would perhaps make it easier to pull stuff out like vertex lighting, bones, envelopes, anims, etc. But my time is limited so I may not get to this unfortunately.
Ouch that would be a great feature too.
But omg, then I finally can export my models alone
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 9:42 am
by RepSharpshooter
I guess the question is, how many people use 3ds Max anyways? Or how many COULD use it?
Seeing as Autodesk bought XSI, I'm thinking a Max exporter will be a stable tool for years to come.
As of now there's an issue with the program:
Hidden/Spoiler:
It's all blocky like that because I thought I could save time by splitting the model all apart into separate triangles. Turns out it looses its smoothness in the process.
So it may take me like a week to rewrite the algorithms that do this.
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 10:46 am
by Null_1138
RepSharpshooter wrote:I guess the question is, how many people use 3ds Max anyways? Or how many COULD use it?
I'm using it for my robotics team. I'll take some tutorials over the summer to get proficient at it. And if I do, I will definitely use this tool.
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:20 pm
by RED51
Will this work with Gmax?
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:10 am
by RogueKnight
RED51 wrote:Will this work with Gmax?
This program is only for 3DS Max.
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 9:33 am
by RepSharpshooter
RED51 wrote:Will this work with Gmax?
Because both gmax and 3ds Max use MAXScript, there is a chance that I may be able to make a gmax-compatible script as well.
Problem is that gmax is 10 years old, and they've added more commands to maxscript since then, and I may have used some. I have a feeling though that I may be able to get most of the important info out of it, but my first priority now is to fix the blockyness issue.
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 2:22 pm
by MsHwIz
Any chance you will be releasing the source so someone can possibly port it to a free modeling program such as blender?
Re: MshEx4Max (WIP)
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 4:56 pm
by RED51
You don't have to do it right now, since I have no use for it for the time being. I never knew Gmax was 10 years old...
Re: MshEx4Max - BETA Release
Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 1:07 pm
by RepSharpshooter
MsHwIz wrote:Any chance you will be releasing the source so someone can possibly port it to a free modeling program such as blender?
Well the file format in between max and mshex is a slightly modified .obj format. I just added more information to it. So if you can find a .obj export script that you can modify to add this info in, then it will work with mshex.
EDIT: Good news, I fixed the blockyness issue, now it works as well as the old mshex! I'll release a beta shortly.
EDIT2: Fixed a small bug in MaxGrab.ms, make sure you download the Rev 2 version!
EDIT3: Already working on rev3 '-_- the normals were more messed up than I had thought.
Very nice. I might give it a go to compare it to the Pandemic XSI exporter.
On a side note. If you have a valid Student e-mail that qualifies. Try registering here -> http://students.autodesk.com/
Its free student licenses for all Autodesk professional products (Softimage, Mudbox, Maya, 3DSMax). 6-13 months depending on version you use. You do have to be a current student with valid email, so don't try and cheat the system.
Re: MshEx4Max - BETA Release REV3
Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 8:40 pm
by MsHwIz
I have been working on an exporter for blender. The script exports the same file(hopefully) as the maxscript one.
Here is the download link. CLICKY
repsharpshooter does it again
