3Dstudio max... what's that, a curse word?

[cneofotistos]

I know this is probably the last place I should seek assistance, however I know how much 3DS forums *don't* care about such questions, while most people here are accomplished 3D artists, not to mention *helpful*

ok, the problem is;

I'm modelling a biped figure in zbrush, and have it all painted. I export each limb (hands, body, head...) to .obj, and then import in Poser4. Everything works fine. Textures in place and all.

I then export into .3ds format from poser.
3Dstudio reads the file without a glitch, and I assign each limb its own material, using the exported textures from Zbrush (they were created when I exported into an .obj)

The problem is, when I use 3DS to export the
finished figure (all body parts positioned where they should be, and made into a single mesh object) into .obj, I lose my textures, because they don't export correctly or at all.

All these wouldn't have happened if the multimarker tool in Zbrush allowed me to make a polymesh object out of the various body parts, however, it apparently has a max polygon count limit, so it doesnt allow me.

godsdammit.

I know this is a damn complex problem.
I'll be indebted to anyone who can give me any hints...

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> a baffled artist is no surprise <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Kathy]

The problem is, when I use 3DS to export the
finished figure (all body parts positioned where they should be, and made into a single mesh object) into .obj, I lose my textures, because they don't export correctly or at all.

There in lies the problem.

I quit exporting into obj.

I think Glen (Southern) would have a thought or two on this matter. He's done alot on the export/import between apps.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. I give in and give up too easy with these types of hassles. ;)

[filament9]

Myself, I haven't had the problem. I've exported out of poser on several occasions, with textures intact. However the main difference is I've used the poser textures.
(I know that's no help :( right at this moment...) Somewhere around here - meaning this lil room I'm in, is a disk with a file format conversion prog. I will look for it and hopefull can find it. I'd be happy to zip it up and send it to you.
The reason being, is I find it best to export files into 3ds, in that progs' native format. It seems to simplify problems. As well, the created texture is exported seperately.
I know there is a better way of doing things than this (and this being a lengthy and really unhelpful reply :D - but hey, it's early in the day.)
Anyway, I'll have a look and try to locate the conversion app for you.
Hang in there.

[cneofotistos]

thanx kathy; I've found that picking at a problem is the only way I can find how things work. it works for me. :)

filament; it sounds like you are right about my only hope :)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> a thinking artist is no surprise <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

my renderosity gallery (http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist=cneofotistos&Form.sess_id=6763233&Form.sess_key=1001616958)

[Stonecutter]

I don't know if my contribution will be useful, but here goes...I try not to use texture export. I prefer to model a figure or part, and since I'm a painter, I paint the figure/part in edit mode. I then go to 'TOOL-&gt;MODIFIERS-&gt;TEXTURE. In there is a button called COL-&gt;TEX...If I select it, I get the option of exporting the imbedded texture with my model. Then when I load it back in, I can add more painting, including adding materials.
Probably I'm off base here, but I think with practise, anything I can do in other software, there will be a way to do it entirely in ZBrush. I have removed Poser, 3D Studio, and yes, even Maya Complete from my drives. They were slowing down my progress by splitting my attention and approach to the potential of ZBrush.
Hope I haven't offended any users of other software, that wasn't my intention. It's just that I notice a lot of great work here that doesn't require other software. As a point of interest, I'm working on a 3D way of producing lens flares, and as soon as I perfect it, I'll share the technique.

[ZTY58D]

have you tried flipping the textures? .obj always flips the UVs of the texture. By now i am sure you are already aware that .obj files have a seperate file for their texture. You can do all the flipping with the texture pallette.

[ZTY58D]

stonecutter, i wouldnt be so hasty in dropping the other software. zbrush still has weaknesses...it does not have a boolean modeler and you cannot select polygons individually nor can you delete them. still cannot insert points or be able to extrude polys. zbrush doesnt have atmospheric lighting or radiosity. and a simple thing like creating a light bulb that emits true light...is that possible in zbrush? i would love to see these additions in later versions of zbrush...but until then...

[Stonecutter]

I see your point , Mason, but before there were computers, there were artists, and before there were acrylics, there was Titian, who ground flowers, mixed them with oil and made great paintings. I've used computer graphics software since 1973, and the art is more important to me than polygons, booleans, or any of that other stuff. My right brain appreciates ZBrush for what it is, warts and all, and the freedom it gives me to use my right brain is more important than the shortcomings...the art in the caves at Lascaux were done with earth, mixed with fat. Experience will give me all the workarounds I need... :) :tu: