What is the best format to share 3D models between diferent max versions?

#1

I am stil using max 9 as it seems to be the most suitable version for me, but i want to share models with people using diferent versions of max. I have used 3ds format, but seems it sometimes just fu+cks up names of meshes and textures and posibly other stuff. So what is a beter format for my purpose.

#2

you use 9 , so what you are worry about ? 99% people higher than you

#3

I am not worry, just asking about the best format to exchange models between diferent max versions…

#4

What they meant was that newer Max versions can open files from older Max versions most of the time.
Going back would be more tricky. Not sure when the ability to save up to three versions back was introduced, but theoretically you can save a file three versions back, then open them up in that version, save three versions back again etc. (if you want to keep your modifiers - would have to be simple modifiers that existed back then in their current form of course). So if you can go back to Max 9 that way, that would be a (very cumbersome) solution.
If you don’t need modifiers, fbx might be a good option, but that depends on which version of fbx was available for Max 9 and they would have to choose that fbx version when saving, so you’ll have to do a bit of digging and testing.
Another, simpler solution would be obj.

#5

The obj format is defenetly not a solution, it´s even worth then 3ds. I need to save geometry informations like positions, normals, texCords and vertexColors, but also materials, so obj defenetly can´t feat…

#6

as @AEI mentioned you are best just saving the file as native 3dsmax file. Anyone else who opens this can read your data just fine as they will be on a newer version (99% of the time).

If they need to send the file back to you then FBX will be the best option - however materials will not be accurate.

#7

OK thanks, but what you mean by materials will not be accurate?

#8

FBX is limited to using standard shaders - so not Vray/Corona etc.

#9

The games, the models are for are more then 10 years old, some even more then 15 so only standard material is used.

#10

ok then that settles it, max native format is best. Now copy your files onto them floppy disks and share away.:floppy_disk::floppy_disk::floppy_disk:

#11

Woah, don’t get ahead of yourself! The best medium for distribution has yet to be determined.

#12

stuff you, i’m hoarding floppies by the truckloads, better than Kim Jong Un Bonds.:kimono:
:floppy_disk::floppy_disk::floppy_disk::articulated_lorry::articulated_lorry::articulated_lorry:

#13

Having old version of max doesn´t mean having old PC, max 9 runs perfectly on win7 profesional.

#14

I would say, “way to prove Vusta wrong by mentioning an old operating system” and that you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free here if you have a valid Win7 licence, but I can’t verify compatibility with Max 9. Probably less hassle to just buy another PC as your main desktop.

#15

well my PC case comes from a heritage listed design…say…the 40’s ?

http://www.vusta.com.au/hobo.htm

still extremely functional.

#16

Rather risky. The screw-holes in motherboards are dual-purpose. They fix the motherboard to something rigid and secure, but also act as grounding-points/points of reference. There is a reason the stand-offs in PC-cases are metal. It also seems rather susceptible to all sorts of RF interference too.