I purchase a lot of models that are native to 3DS Max (typically Vray or Corona). What is the best way to export those models into SU while maintaining the materials and textures? If there is some “known limitation” what might that be?
I can get the geometry no problem via FBX/OBJ native export out of 3DS and sometimes a texture if I use SimLab’s exporter. But generally I’m having a REALLY hard time getting models from 3DS to SU without spending hours trying to remap everything.
Export as OBJ/FBX and if there are large files, for import in Sketchup use one of the extensions: Universal Importer, Transmutr or Skimp. You should have no problems with the materials.
When I export from 3DS to create a FBX I never get the materials with it. What setting am I missing?
Did you test with one of the extensions and the imported FBX file had no material in SketchUp?
Just so we’re saying the same thing, I should probably clarify that I can’t get any of the textures to export. The materials don’t come across anyway because most stuff built in 3DS seems to be in proprietary Vray/Corona materials.
Here’s what the source files look like in 3DS Max. Note I circled some of the textures that showed up perfectly.
Now here’s what the same file looks like as an FBX in Transmutr. Notice how none of the textures are mapped. I have to manually go and try to figure out which .JPG/.PNG files are intended for which parts of the model, and then sometimes try to figure out what scale/size they were.
If in 3ds Max you create a cube and apply a material to it (simple, with a texture in diffuse slot), and then export it as FBX (or OBJ), and then import it into SketchUp, do you have the same problems with the material?
Hi, I have the same problem. Did you ever find a solution?
The SimLab plugin for 3DS is your best bet. There’s also a material converter script available for 3DS that was somewhat helpful. From what I found, there was no simple 1:1 conversion because 3DS is just way more detailed in how it manages materials than SU is.
I know this post is old, but maybe this solution will be useful to someone in the future. In 3ds max, just use the Vray Vrscene exporter converter and upload it via Vray vrscene to sketchup. Vray must have a similar version of the engine in 3ds max and Sketchup so that the geometry and materials can be transferred without any problems. You can check it using the trial period to see if it works for you
I just spent a whole day to find an option, and only this worked for me:
Install a “D5 Lifesync for 3Ds Max”. It can export directly to SKP.
Layers and groups, any hierarchy is lost but instances stay instanced and I generated over a 1 GB file with success so it works even with big projects.
I use corona so many Corona specific things didn’t work, like decals or chaos scatter, but proxy are ok if they are in full mesh mode. But if we talk about pure 3Ds Max models .. No issues. Geometry and texturing is perfect.
3 routes: Vray proxy in full mesh mode , free awesome copy-paste plugins from d95 or simlab’s one (need to convert to standard mat). D5 - interesting idea
Ye I saw the d95 option, but I tested D5 first because it required installing the add-on only on one end. I was looking for a solution for somebody who has 3Ds Max and no sKetchup. But will remember about d95. Who knows how long D5 livesync will stay free or will have the skp export build in.
vray proxy is very nice - all textures are in order, vertices welded, etc. BTW D95 has free Acad bridge - super useful.
You mean “Vray Proxy” is a name for some kind of extension? I thought You meant that proxies have to be in full mesh mode. .. Cos Corona proxies have to if You want them to export correctly.
in max, convert a given model to vrayproxy, then in SU simply insert this vrayproxy in full mesh display mode.
I understand now. So it is like a copy-paste workflow, for somebody working on both programs.. D5 manages quite well exporting quite big scenes to skp.. It made me once a 1,3 GB file and I didn’t notice any issues. Except maybe standard, that only diffuse texture comes, no layers, or grouping is transferred—instances though work.
Is d95 only for 3Ds Max <> sKetchup or they have other workflows too.. blender <> 3Ds perhaps?
And I don’t have Vray.. only expired trial of it.
Why to mess with SU and d5 if you have straight vantage option? Or, vray+vantage is crazy good. It comes as one bundle
I tried d5’s max-skp exporter now - extremely well made, thanks for the tip
