From Gmax to VXL

Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

As the title says, does anyone know if there is anyway I can convert Gmax models to vxls. I'm very interesting in voxelling and I know that good voxels can be made from 3d model. I simply can't afford 3ds max. So the 3ds max converter doesnt help here.

Does anyone know if there is any way I can convert 3d models from gmax or any other free modelling program (such as blender which ive heard of) to a vxl?

thanks.

Ickus · General **Joined**: 25 Nov 2002 **Location**: @__@

simply covert/export the model into .3ds. I strongly doubt you'll get anywhere with gmax.

Blender can be intimidating at first but probably your best shot.

Other share/freeware programs I am aware that might have .3ds import/export abilities.

You'll have to see for yourself what it can do and how to use it.

3d Explorer
Milkshape.

...google. etc #Tongue

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Arikado · Jumpjet Infantry **Joined**: 17 Dec 2005

Export the model to 3ds and use ViPr's handy dandy 3ds2vxl

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Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

hey thanks guys, the problem is that gmax can't export to 3ds. And i'm aware of the 3ds2vxl converter you mentioned but its not usefull as I can't export to .3ds. Im sure its a very good program though.

Tell me do all of the professional voxel creators use 3ds max?

Ickus · General **Joined**: 25 Nov 2002 **Location**: @__@

No, alternatively. some simply use the voxel editor.

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Arikado · Jumpjet Infantry **Joined**: 17 Dec 2005

I had no idea Gmax was that useless.
After some Googling, I got this. Essentially you need to export to md3 and convert it again to 3ds.

Dunno if this really an ideal solution though. Neutral

Quote:

Tell me do all of the professional voxel creators use 3ds max?

Nope. Some will argue handmade ones look better.

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daTS · Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:01 am Post subject:

Depends on the shape, size, and detail level. Sometimes 3d is better, other times not.

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Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

So you guys are trying to tell me that the guy who made this incredible piece of outstandingness did not use a 3d program, completely handmade?

http://www.ppmsite.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14616

I heard that some professional voxelers make the base model and texture in a 3d program (im assuming 3ds max) then they export it.

Also thank you for the link but the program which he used for converting to .3ds is called 3d explorer which I googled and it turns out it inst free. But thanks for taking your time to help me.

Can any of you tell whether the voxels in Return of the Dawn where handmade or not? Is it possible to mimic their quality using only the voxel section editor and no 3d programs?

thanks

Blade · Cyborg Commando **Joined**: 23 Dec 2003

Its possible, but more work IMO. Depends on what workflow you feel works best for you. You should also consider that skill in a 3D program is transferable to other games and indeed other areas of creativity entirely.

Ickus · General **Joined**: 25 Nov 2002 **Location**: @__@

yes, it is definitely not impossible, I believe RLY_BiG_Tank uses SketchUp. IRCC.

As Blade pointed its just how capable you are with the program. I mean you can have access to top-notch software but knowing how use them and translating your creative idea with the program, that is a different matter. Wink

I personally use 3ds Max for modeling, but I am also very familiar with Maya.

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Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

Sketchup is it free? I googled it and it says its free. Is this true? does it export to .3ds?

Machine · Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject:

Sketchup is free, but the professional version isn't; can't remember if the normal version is able to export into 3ds #Tongue

.

Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

Ok I checked and it doesn't export to .3ds, only the pro edition does.

But flyby's voxelizer does work from Gmax and I saved the tutorial on my hard drive. So I think this solves the problem for now.

thanks for everything guys.

DaFool · Defense Minister **Joined**: 07 Nov 2006

Anim8or does Wink

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Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

Well I googled it and i got this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anim8or

Apparently its free and it can export 3ds.

Thank you!

Somebody seriously needs to sticky this information it could increase productivity so much.

Blade · Cyborg Commando **Joined**: 23 Dec 2003

I Personally think Blender is the superior program if you are looking for free though its 3DS export isn't fantasic. It has a much better rendering engine and more powerful modelling tools than Anim8tor and its also free software rather than just costing nothing.

gufu · Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject:

Jagdsherman wrote:

Well I googled it and i got this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anim8or

Apparently its free and it can export 3ds.

Thank you!

Somebody seriously needs to sticky this information it could increase productivity so much.

Anim8or can export 3ds? Awesome!

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Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

Blade wrote:

I Personally think Blender is the superior program if you are looking for free though its 3DS export isn't fantasic. It has a much better rendering engine and more powerful modelling tools than Anim8tor and its also free software rather than just costing nothing.

So Blender also has .3ds export, wow I didn't know that. seriously the mods/admins need to create a sticky with link to all of the free modeling tools.

ViPr · Gauss Rifle Trooper **Joined**: 30 Dec 2004

btw, last time i checked, anim8or doesn't support smoothing groups so your normals might look all warpy. that's why i put an option to disable smoothing in 3ds2vxl. it's not an ideal solution but it's an better than warpy normals.

blender, i think doesn't support 3ds animation data.

Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

<delete> double post

Jagdsherman · Disk Thrower **Joined**: 20 Apr 2008

[quote="Jagdsherman"]

ViPr wrote:

btw, last time i checked, anim8or doesn't support smoothing groups so your normals might look all warpy. that's why i put an option to disable smoothing in 3ds2vxl. it's not an ideal solution but it's an better than warpy normals.

blender, i think doesn't support 3ds animation data.

Hmm. I see,

about the animation, it doesn't matter when it comes to voxels right?

ViPr · Gauss Rifle Trooper **Joined**: 30 Dec 2004

no i don't think it matters if the vxl is not meant to have animation.