".max" format conversion?

**lancer525** · #1 11-01-2010, 05:22 AM

I have this free 3d model in ".max" format, (which I've never heard of before yesterday) and I would appreciate hearing from the 3d-ers out there if there is a way to convert it to 3ds, stl, or obj format.

Ideally, :D, it would be great if someone already has the right software to do it, because I don't have a lot of space left on this ancient desktop of mine...

**Ron Caudillo** · #2 11-02-2010, 07:23 AM

I have a conversion program. What output do you prefer (in order)?

PM me for my e-mail address.

**tedparkes** · #3 11-02-2010, 08:27 AM

.max is the save file format of Autodesk 3ds max.

**lancer525** · #4 11-02-2010, 10:25 AM

Ted:

That explains it! I don't have that software, and don't have the coin to afford it!

Ron: That's a very gracious offer. The order in which I prefer output files would be as follows:

1) OBJ
2) STL
3)3DS

I'll shoot you an email this evening, as I have to get back up to the office.

Thank you!!

**ThunderChild** · #5 11-02-2010, 12:15 PM

If you're looking into importing it into pepakura I'd recommend 3DS as they are both native to 3dsmax. I've had some screwy conversions to OBJ from them in the past...

**lancer525** · #6 11-02-2010, 02:23 PM

Actually, I wasn't looking at importing it into Pepakura. That program has got to be the most useless thing (besides teats on a stallion) that I have ever seen. Others may have had great successes with it, but I haven't.

I have a program called "Lamina" that is a surface unfolder, and it's great...

**ThunderChild** · #7 11-02-2010, 11:16 PM

Thanks, sounds interesting, I'll definitely look into it. alternatives is always good! :D

**ciefish** · #8 11-28-2010, 03:31 AM

Hi all... Hope it's not to late to comment on this thread. I've been doing a lot of 3d modeling with the hopes on designing, then converting a 3d model to papercraft as a goal. I'd also like to use only open source software to complete the goal. Three comments if I may...
1.) I've been using Meshlab to convert/view free 3d models. Google "download meshlab", I think it's on sourceforge.net.
2.) I'm careful with converting 3dsMax files. One format is proprietary (I think it's the *.max format) and by my understanding is like a scene file for 3ds max and it's also difficult to convert. The *.3ds format is easier to convert.
3.) Just because you've converted be aware of scaling issues too. I've seen 3ds -> obj show up really huge and poser files convert really small for some reason.

I really like Blender for 3d modeling. The new 2.5x interface is really nice. Blender comes with an un-folder (IMHO a bit undeveloped) as a built in plugin. I export from blender to Inkscape to make tabs. Blenders also open source and FREE! I hope this helps someone ;o). Nice to hear of Lamina I'll check it out...

/cie

**lancer525** · #9 11-28-2010, 10:35 AM

Cie:

Man, I downloaded Blender with great anticipation! I was so stoked looking forward to trying out a new program. And then...

When I finally got it downloaded and running, I couldn't make it do a thing. Can't even draw a straight line in it. I spent the better part of three hours trying to rotate the object in it, and couldn't do it. I never even figured out how to change the view from side to front! I have no idea how people use that program. It's got one of the least intuitive interfaces I have ever seen. Props to you if you can work it, but it was wasted bytes on my computer, and is long gone...

**goodduck** · #10 11-28-2010, 12:23 PM

Did you tried the Help menu or look up Blender in Youtube. Maybe somebody have step by step there.