Converting files from Max to Maya and vice versa help needed.

[dannyngan]

Kaydara's Filmbox plugin is probably the best free method of moving files between 3D programs. You can download it from their website:

http://www.kaydara.com

[ceql]

I haven't tried the solution mentioned above, there's another easy and cheap (free - hooray!) way to do just geometry using free plugins ;)

Importing / Exporting thru .OBJ's:

get the MAX OBJ importer and exporter from HABWARE. It's for MAX 4 but, it works for MAX5.
http://www.habware.at/duck4.htm

From memory, the Habware one is actually BETTER at geometry than Polytrans (PolyTrans is a commercial importer/exporter for 3d models) imho, cuz it seemes to preserve quads, and other non-triangular faces better, as MAX4 seems to love working in Triangles (I think MAX5 is alot more flexible with quads, etc tho.)

So, simply use that, and Maya's Obj plugin to transfer models between the programs...

Importing / Exporting with .3DS:

Get the Maya 3ds Importer from Alias Wavefront... you'll still need to use OBJ's if u want to export out of Maya though. Importing from .3ds defeinetely seems to give more accurate uvw's. Also, I think MAX5 doesn't triangulate the models like MAX4's 3ds exporter does.

The Problem with .3ds files is that each individual model can't have more than 64K faces, and the maya 3ds importer can't import .3ds with faces even less than that sometimes... So you might have to split the model up into little segments.... (save ur scene before attempting to import If Maya suddenly closes upon import, or you import something but it comes out all distorted, try exporting from MAX in smaller pieces .

uhh, actually, try dannyngan's solution, it sounds better ;)

[dannyngan]

The nice thing about the Filmbox format is that it preserves scene hierarchies, object names, material properties (including paths to source images), UV's, unit scale, triangles and quads, and transform animation. Incredibly handy in a multi-package, multi-platform pipeline. I have yet to run into any problems with the format (as long as I stay within the limits of the plugin, which actually aren't that bad).

[StateTheObvious]

Why don't you do a search before borrowing people's time with an already answered question. I am new here and that is what I would have done.

[Vladvrz]

Thanks for the tips dannyngan, and ceql.:beer:

How much is the Kaydara's Filmbox plugin? I asked through E-mail but it's the Holidays,it may be a while before I get an answer.
Thanks again for your valuable help. :beer:

[dannyngan]

The FBX plugin is free. Just go here:

http://www.kaydara.com/support/download/index.php

[Vladvrz]

dannyngan: Thanks very much. You are my own personal "SANTA".;)
Now I am in the best of all Worlds,Maya unlimited and Max 5 to work with hand in hand.:applause:
Thanks again for all your valuable time and efforts.Much appreaciated.:beer: :thumbsup:

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.