Using 3DS Max 20xx

[Xi.Cynx]

So I have been watching this extremely looong tutorial from Lynda.com. 3DS Max 2011 Essential Training, cause I want to get into modeling stuff for TF2. But one thing it hasn't covered yet and I am quite curious about it how to export/import a model into 3DS Max. I'm sure I could google it but I know there are a few people around here that could easily explain it for me and any other future modelers that stumble along this exact same question. =) A nice 1), 2), 3) list like process would be nice but if that's not your style I'll work with what ya type out. Thanks in advance! This stuff is fun!

[Rexy]

1.) For exporting you will need Wunderboy's .smd export plugins for 3ds Max. www.wunderboy.org

2.) You posted this in the wrong place. Someone move this to the Mapping and Tutorials section.

[zpqrei]

Moved.

[Xi.Cynx]

and what about for importing? Like, if I want to view a current tf2 model in the program?
Ohh and one more thing not to be a hassle, but how would you go about texturing a model in 3ds Max?
Youme what are you using to do all of your modeling?

Also I posted it in that thread cause this technically isn't mapping related or a tutorial and it dealt with modeling and I searched for something a long these lines and found a post where Boojum said that there wasn't a particular thread for modeling questions so that one has kind of became it. Ohh well though, no biggy, just stating why I posted it in there.

[eyefork]

[For 3DS Max]

You'd have to extract the .mdl files (and reference files) of the model from the .gcf using GCFScape.



Next thing, open up the .mdl file you extracted in a text editor. On the first line you'll see IDST followed by a fifth character. Change the fifth character to a comma, then save.



Now open up MDLDecompiler (this needs to be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\username\sourcesdk\bin\ep1\b in to work properly). Select the I/O directories, uncheck all boxes, then decompile. These are the files it dumps:



The main model is the non-lod reference at the top. So we'll use this 3DS Max .smd importer.



'Nother thing. Valve has the .smd files for character models available so you don't have to go through this awesomeness if you're trying to make a hat or weapon or whatever. They're here (in the sub-directories): C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\username\sourcesdk_content\t f\modelsrc\player

[Xi.Cynx]

Thanks! K, now let's see if I can get something done!

Hmm... Well I got everything going good except the mdlcompiler-thingy. This is an error I get when I select the location and click Extract.

Edited the .mdl file as shown:




This is the location of the program:


And when I tried unchecking that Use steam paths box I got the following:

[Trotim]

Have you unchecked "Use Steam File Access"

[Xi.Cynx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by †Blade†

And when I tried unchecking that Use steam paths box I got the following:

That is what I had meant I had unchecked. Lol.
And I got it to work with w_weapons, just not v_weapons. So I guess I just won't be able to check out any of those.. :/


I lied, I didn't really get it to work, all it did was dump the qc file but none of the .smd files. Weird.

[eyefork]

Don't use wordpad. Use notepad. v_weapons work fine too

[YM]

I use xvi32 its free and awesome.

Dunno who this Youme chap is though.