Question about Studio Max 5.0

[kenmac]

Does Studio Max 5.0 let you save objects as .lwo or .obj ????
Thanks,
KenMac

[3danim8d]

KenMac,

By default no and no.

You can however find some free plugins to let you save in OBJ format (R4 plugin but still works in 5).

You can save as .3DS and import that into LightWave

You can get the free FBX plugins for Max R5 and LightWave and move your files with that.


I'm sorry I don't have better news for you.


Jeff

[kenmac]

Thanks 3danim8d,
Here is my frustration.
Often I get clients who use Max and AutoCad and need to give me files.
So I thought I’d get Studio Max 5.0….Open the files and then just save them out as .lwo or .obj
What are FBX Plugins? Would they do what I am looking for?
Thanks for your help.
Ken

[3danim8d]

KenMac,

Have you tried saving out the Max and DWG files in the .3DS format and importing those into LightWave, you'll probably have to play with the scale and default rotations of the objects though.

FBX is the Kaydara FilmBox format ( www.kaydara.com ) and they are stiving to make it THE file translation format by providing the plugins for Max, Lightwave, Maya and XSI for free. Then of couse they may be trying to develop a bunch of FBX addicted CGers and then they'll start charging for the plugins.

The first hit is always free...

[discode]

You could also just ask that your clients export their files to .dxf. Both Max and Autocad should export these files with no additional plugins. Lightwave can import these files with no additional plugins as well. I have to use max at school and I have had good success with this method.

[Lamont]

Another thing if you are using DXF:

Careful how the object is UV mapped, it could come in wrong. I try to keep it one UV map per mesh, if not that, I break the mesh into elements and take those individual parts and export.

If not, you will have a huge mess.

[kenmac]

You know I have come to love .obj but hate .dxf
.dfx always is such a mess. Thank you for all your help.
KenMac

[discode]

Lamont:

Thanks for that interesting tid bit about .dxf and UV maps coming out of lightwave. I had been bringing in files that did not have any UV's and then creating the UV's in max. You learn something new everyday

[Lamont]

Same hold true for 3DS format as well. ^_^!