importing models

[big DAN]

hi guys

i have a collection of 3d models off of magazine cover discs but they are all *.d3d.

does anyone know how to import them into lightwave as the epsf impoter does not recognize the file type

any help greatly appreciated

DAN

[adrian]

Dan,

I use Deep Exploration which converts seemingly every 3d format under the sun to a .lwo.

You can download a free working demo at www.righthemisphere.com

Hope this helps,

Adrian.

[big DAN]

Cheers Adrian

Just realised I got the demo of DE on recent coverdisk

Have checked it out but it doesn't recognize the files either!!

I can't even remember which disc the d3d files came from...

Cheers

DAN

[stib]

the epsf importer isn't for importing 3D geometry, so it's no wonder it didn't work. It's only for importing 2D EPS and Illustrator files and turning them into 3D models.

To import an object modelled in another application just load it in modeler.

Don't know if d3d models will load or not tho.

[mdoyle]

Wot format is d3d? I am not really aware which package it is used in. Maybe if you could let us no we might be able to help you out. Modeller won't import d3d,

Mark

[starbase1]

Adrian, how do you find "Deep Exploration" for importing?

The main reason I ask is that I often find that when I import models that supposedly ARE supported by LW, what I get is a mess, that is very difficult to clean up.

Both in terms of geometry with missfacing or downright wierd polygons mixed in, and UV maps somehow looking very rough.

Nick

[mdoyle]

Most of the time when I have used deep exploration (although I actually just have the older one 3d exploration) The models can still be a mess. The problem that i find when importing straight into lightwave or exporting from exploration to lightwave is that the poly's are always tripled. The advantage of using exploration is that it does normally flip all the poly's the right way so they are not misfacing. Depending on the UV and such like I have had problems converting things like 3ds models to lightwave and open them in 7 and it just crashes( I don't know if that is because I have the older version which is setup for 6.5)

Sometimes I find it better to just import them directly if you can,

Overall you still need to clean it up. If isn't the case in the newer versions of exploration then can someone let me know and I will upgrade,

Cheers

Mark

[big DAN]

Mark,

I really have no idea what program they came from.

As far as i remember they were on a cover disc (a long time ago) with a collection of cheap & cheerful 3d programs.

The models are are simple objects but if i can use them it will save me having to model them myself or browsing around to find some freebies.

If anyone wants one of the files to see what they can do please let me know your e-mail & I will try to send you a copy.

DAN

[stib]

sure it's not p3d (pixels 3d)? I used that app a bit before they got me lightwave. It's all nurbs based and the modeling is kinda weird, but it's got a fantastic surface editing setup.

hey big Dan, you do know that succeed has two c's in it, don't you..

[big DAN]

stib,

i never was any good at school...especially english (sob, sob)



anyway, files are definately *.d3d and have spent ages looking on the net for any clue about them but to no avail.

cheers for the input

DAN

[adrian]

Nick,

I know exactly what you mean when you say "messed" up objects - I imported a fairly complex model with a fair bit of detail which was a right pain in the neck to re-texture.

Unless I used "Load model into layer" it would spread out over all 99 layers - and then some would be missing.

So I loaded it into one layer and re-textured from scratch.

I only came across this program a few days ago as I wanted to convert some old trueSpace objects I made into Lightwave ones - so as far as I know this is the only option I've got.

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with the fact that the textures don't seem to be imported very well.... not sure if I'll go ahead and buy it.

Adrian.

[starbase1]

The thing that really gets me is that LW does not seem to import something consistent.

Half the time, I get a load of one and two pint polys, but more appear after I kill them??!!

And aligning just keps changing things too.

Nick

[wavk]

3 possibilities:

- CorelDream 3D File ( most likely)
- Direct 3d file, but mostly called *.x
- Ulead Cool3d
- Dave's 3d file format (no kidding!)

Hm, that were 4 of them:)

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Have fun,

Wybren