Import from 3DS Max

This integration allows you to seamlessly bring your existing 3ds Max assets into Glossi's real-time studio without losing the high-quality material definitions and visual fidelity of your asset

Glossi features a specialized 3ds Max import capability that preserves your V-Ray materials and settings while converting them for real-time visualization.

This workflow is particularly valuable for brands and studios with extensive 3ds Max asset libraries, as it maintains the look and feel of your meticulously crafted materials while optimizing them for real-time performance.

Our progress converts complex offline-render materials into PBR materials for use in real-time rendering. It is designed to work with many material setups, and includes smart handling of non-PBR behavior, however the best conversion results will occur when materials are created within PBR standards. The closer the input materials match these standards, the better your results will be.

Preparing Your 3DS Max Files:

Before uploading your 3ds Max files to Glossi, ensure your models are properly prepared:

  1. Organize Scene Files:

    1. Keep your scene clean and well-organized, focusing only on the objects you want to import

  2. Material Assignments:

    1. Verify all objects have the correct materials assigned, following the providied material guidelines

  3. Origin Placement:

    1. Position your model at or near the world origin (0,0,0) for proper placement in Glossi

  4. Scale Appropriately:

    1. Ensure your model uses real-world scale for accurate visualization

  5. Prepare Variants Separately:

    1. For each variant (open/closed/propped states), prepare individual files


Import Process

Importing 3ds Max files into Glossi involves packaging your files and uploading them through our specialized import system:

  1. Create a ZIP Package:

    • Include your .Max scene file

    • Add all associated textures and assets referenced by the scene

    • Ensure the ZIP contains all necessary dependencies for the scene

  2. Upload Through Standard Interface:

    • Navigate to the Models section in your Glossi workspace

    • Select "Upload" and choose your ZIP file

    • Select "3ds Max" as the file type when prompted

  3. Processing:

    • Confirm the upload when prompted

    • The system will begin processing your file, extracting geometry and converting materials

    • This process is more resource-intensive than standard file formats and will take longer

  4. Completion:

    • Once processed, your model will appear in your model library

    • The system preserves material assignments and converts V-Ray materials to real-time equivalents

    • You can now use the model in any Glossi project


Material Guidelines

For optimal results when importing V-Ray materials from 3ds Max, follow these technical guidelines:

Supported Material Features

  • Standard V-Ray materials with diffuse, reflection, and glossiness properties

  • V-Ray bitmap textures for color, reflection, and glossiness maps

  • Basic V-Ray procedural textures (will be converted to bitmap equivalents)

Material Limitations

  • Avoid Falloff Nodes: These often don't translate correctly to real-time materials

  • Use V-Ray Displacement Mod Node: Instead of standard 3ds Max displacement, which isn't supported

  • Avoid Geometry-Dependent Nodes: Such as V-RayCurvature, V-RayDirt, or VertexColor

  • Maintain Consistent Tiling Values: Ensure tiling values are consistent across all inputs in a material

  • Limit Complex Material Networks: Extremely complex multi-layered materials may lose some details in conversion

For comprehensive material guidelines, refer to the official RapidPipeline 3ds Max Material Guidelines.

Processing Expectations: When importing 3ds Max files, be aware of these processing considerations:

  • File Size Limit: 1GB maximum ZIP file size

  • Processing Time:

    • Files under 100MB typically process in 5-10 minutes

    • Files between 100MB-1GB may take up to 1 hour

    • 3ds Max files specifically can take up to 2 hours to process due to the complex material conversion

  • Large Files: For files larger than 1GB, contact your Glossi representative for assistance

Best Practices

To ensure the smoothest possible import experience:

  • Test with Sample Files: Start with smaller, simpler files to understand the conversion process

  • Verify Material Compatibility: Check materials against the guidelines before packaging

  • Organize by Variants: Create separate files for each model variant (open/closed states, material variations)

  • Monitor Processing: Larger files take longer to process; plan accordingly

  • Review After Import: After importing, check materials and geometry to ensure proper conversion

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to leverage your existing 3ds Max assets in Glossi's real-time environment while maintaining the high visual quality you've established in your V-Ray renderings.


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