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Exporter/Converter for Max 2013/2014/2015 - Merry Christmas!
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nerseus 18+ Age Verified

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PostPosted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 7:53 am    Post subject: Exporter/Converter for Max 2013/2014/2015 - Merry Christmas! Reply with quote

Current versions of Max (2013, 2014, 2015) can now have limited export capability. I've written a conversion utility that will take a general Cal3D exported file and fix it to work with IMVU. I've used the WorldVIZ exporters but if anyone knows of another please let me know and I can (probably) add support.

Short version of instructions:
Download and install the WorldViz 3ds Max exporter. Exporting files as you normally would (XSF, XMF, XAF files). Run the IMVUCal3DUtilities and drag/drop files to convert.

Click here to download IMVUCal3DUtilities.zip


This is definitely an experimental tool and I'm looking for feedback and product enhancements. If you are already a meshing developer this tool should be fairly easy to use. If you are brand new to meshing for imvu you should be prepared for some frustrations as you will face the usual obstacles of setting up a scene just to be exported, then export, and now also have to convert those files before using them in imvu. But if the alternative is not having any way to export at all AND if meshing is that important to you then I'm sure you'll find a way.

What works/doesn't work:
* Handles XSF, XAF, XMF, and possibly XRF (XRF is untested)
* Gives warning if attempting to convert CSF, CAF, CMF, or CRF
* Can convert multiple files at once
* Handles complex skeleton files
* Handles multiple sub-meshes in XMF
* Handles mesh skeletal animations as well as avatar skeletal animations
* Does NOT export XPF files (morph animations)
* Does NOT export Vertex Lighting

What I have is JUST a converter. You still need a licensed version of Max and the WorldVIZ exporter (a separate product that include 3ds Max plugins that happen to be generic Cal3D file formats). You must download and install the correct WorldVIZ plugin in order to successfully export files from 3ds Max. Once successfully exported you can run those exported files through this conversion app to make them work with IMVU.

Full Instructions for install
1. Install Max 2013/2014/2015
2. Install WorldVIZ Cal3D exporters for Max (see below)
3. Download and unzip IMVUCal3DUtilities (see below)
4. Place the exe found in the zip anywhere that is easy to locate with windows explorer
5. After exporting files (XSF, XAF, XMF) from Max using the WorldViz exporter, drag/drop files onto IMVUCal3DConverter2.EXE
6. In the same folder as original exported files you will find converted files ("_Converted" is added to the filename)

For example, if you drag "BigHouse.xsf" onto IMVUCal3DUtilities.EXE you will have file "BigHouse_Converted.xsf". You may also launch the utilities UI and then drag/drop your exported files on the Conversion tab to have them converted.

Click here for full thread on using the new IMVUCal3DUtilities

Click here to go to the WorldVIZ plugin download page

On the WorldVIZ link, look for either:
* 32-bit Cal3D exporter for 3ds Max:
* OR 64-bit Cal3D exporter for 3ds Max

===============================

-Dan / ner

Update 1 on 2015/03/23:
Updated to IMVUCal3DConverter2.exe. Much improved speed on XMF files. The old version was just horrible. ALSO the zip now includes Program.cs (full source for program).

Update 2 on 2015/04/16:
Updated to IMVUCal3DConverter3.exe. When converting an XMF mesh you will now be prompted to flip the UV coordinates. Assuming you are using one of the new WorldViz exporters you will likely need to answer Yes. This should resolve the issue that cropped up in early 2015 of UV maps getting flipped.

Update 3 on 2015/04/28:
Removed IMVUCal3DConverter, all version. Replaced with new IMVUCal3DUtilities - same drag/drop functionality but now includes UI to visually see which files will be converted. Utilities also contain other tools for other file formats. Click here for full thread on using the new IMVUCal3DUtilities


Last edited by nerseus 18+ Age Verified on Wed May 06, 2015 10:08 am; edited 8 times in total
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Dayhawk_67432509_retired_ 18+ Age Verified

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PostPosted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 10:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Impressive job with that. I myself have been using Max 2014 64 bit, and then using the "Converter" to let me convert it to a older max file and then open it into 2011 32 bit, and export it there with Cal3D Exporters. Thanks again Nerseus going to give this a go.
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 11:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Weee now that's what I call a Christmas gift for the meshers * goes fangirl*
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 10:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

best gift i got
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Nax 18+ Age Verified

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PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 5:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Awesome! I'm saving this ~
Thanks Nerseus!
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, ill try it. I hope you didn't include a virus Wink
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 12:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My Hero!
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

haha woot you did it after all x
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I LOVE YOU!!!
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you!
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nerseus 18+ Age Verified

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 8:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

it was pointed out to me recently that you can also use newer version 3ds max and, using the Save As menu, save in an older version - such as 2011. if you have a subscription then you can use the newest version of Max, save in 2011 format, then open in 2011 which has full exporter support.

-ner
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 11:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

nerseus wrote:
it was pointed out to me recently that you can also use newer version 3ds max and, using the Save As menu, save in an older version - such as 2011. if you have a subscription then you can use the newest version of Max, save in 2011 format, then open in 2011 which has full exporter support.

-ner


This but remember you can't go the other way. So if someone makes a mesh in a new version and you open it in an older version to make changes and then send them back, it won't open properly or at all in the newer version.
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ner you have helped us meshers so much with your generous tutorials and converters. IMVU really ought to do something to honor your contributions. Seriously.. how unselfish of you. I hardly ever post because I want what I say to be important and worth the effort. I see IMVU honoring people who have not been anything as important as you. Come on IMVU get a move on. Something should be done to honor you. Perhaps you did not do it to be honored but that does not mean that we should not stop and thank goodness for you. I thank you and anyone reading this take out a ticket and ask IMVU to show some extra appreciation to Nerseus(Dan)
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 3:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This converter works great and such but i have the problem that when i want to save my file, my computer saves it as an .CAF instead of an .XAF file.. don't really seem to find a way to change this..
tips anyone? :l
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nerseus 18+ Age Verified

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 9:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

@GothicWitchWitch:
When you type in the filename make sure you type in the extension as well. For example don't just type in "hat" but type in "hat.xmf"

-ner
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