Import Solids into 3DS Max
Solids, whilst they can be used on their own to create decent structures, are also very useful to be used as placeholders, and then exported to 3DS Max. Using this placeholder you can then create an accurately scaled model easier.
If you want to know how to use the solid tool consider looking at these tutorials:
Okay, so first we start with this very basic solid shape.
As you can see it’s just five rectangular prisms arranged weirdly, but that doesn’t matter.
With this shape (or shapes) selected go to File > Export Selected Geometry to .OBJ to start the exportation process!
Name your file something meaningful if you can, but for now I’ll just call it someSolid.obj, and then click Save.
The model is now exported, pretty simple wasn’t it?! Time to import the OBJ file into 3DS Max.
Load up 3DS Max, and go to File > Import…
Select the .OBJ you just made and press Open. If you’re wondering where to find your level files, go to Program Files\Electronic Arts\Crysis\Game\Levels - or something similar to that.
The OBJ Importer should now launch. You shouldn’t need to concern yourself with any of the settings except uncheck Rotate Model, as you don’t want your model changing its position!
And there you have it, a perfectly good model imported straight into 3DS Max!
Now you can use the powerful tools of 3DS Max to modify the solid, improve it, whilst keeping it’s size/scale and then import it back into Sandbox 2!
How can I import it back into sandbox2?
[…] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptSolids, whilst they can be used on their own to create decent structures, are also very useful to be used as placeholders, and then exported to 3DS Max. Using this placeholder you can then create an accurately scaled model easier. … […]
Any chance this could be used with maya? i don’t have 3ds, and i have no intention to learn it.
Donna
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read.