Tips For Exporting A .3ds File From Max To Be Opened In Maya

[tjcoolid]

I've downloaded 3DS files from Turbo Squid and have had success opening them in Maya. Sometimes there may be minor issues with textures, but as best I can remember, 3DS files have been a totally worthwhile option even though I'm using Maya.

I have a friend who is using Max who did some modeling for me. I told him I would be able to open a 3DS file just fine, but the file he sent me is totally blown apart. Objects are not the right scale, they're rotated, and nearly everything is totally out of relationship with the other objects in the scene. There are a few pieces that seem to have maintained their proper relationship to one another, but he and I can't figure out what is different about those particular objects.

Anyone have any wisdom to share about what needs to be done in Max to create a 3DS export that will open in Maya looking the way it should? I'm all ears.

Thanks.

[mike_w]

One way is to import the .3ds object into Ultimate Unwrap 3D (it costs $50 and works great). Then export it as a "save as" .obj file from there into Maya. I'm not sure how animation bones will transfer. Also in Maya you might have to re- attach the texture file.