converting from Max to another format.

[cylon_trooper]

Is there a freebie modeling program and does it also support converting from 3d max to its own format? If so where can I get it?

[rjandron]

Nope.

You need someone with 3ds Max to be able to export a MAX file as a .3ds or .DXF file--but even then the conversion is problematic. Expect to spend a lot of time cleaning up the mesh.

Alias's FBX (http://www.alias.com/eng/products-services/fbx/index.shtml) format (a free download) does allow the export from MAX into Kaydara/Alias's "Filmbox" format, but again, you need MAX to start and the conversion--especially if the MAX model is loaded with too many objects and details--can be quite the resource hog.

I don't know much about Polytrans (http://www.okino.com/default.htm) , but it is supposed to be able to convert MAX to other models--but requires MAX to work.

As you can tell, Discreet (http://www.discreet.com/) , the makers of MAX, have made the exportability from their format very difficult.

As far as free or low-cost modelling programs, the best advice that I can give you is to see if you can fit under a student pricing option from one of the mainstream programs. Newtek (http://www.newtek.com) has one for Lightwave, and I believe that Discreet has one for MAX. Alias has the Maya Personal Learning Edition (http://www.alias.com/eng/products-services/maya/maya_ple/index.shtml) , which is available as a free download--but produces watermarked renders and has a fairly steep learning curve. Softimage (http://www.softimage.com) may have one--I couldn't spot it on their website. Electric Image (http://www.electricimage.com) has a 30-day trial, but they got rid of their modeller and chose to go with Silo--they also worked with DVGarage to produce the 3D Toolkit (http://www.padd.com/market/product/product.php?prod=3dtk) ($99).

3DSMAX also released GMAX (http://www4.discreet.com/gmax/) , a free modeller--but this seems to be very limited in its render and output formats. It's really designed more for working with different game packs.

There are a few others out there I may have missed--Cinema 4D, Truspace, FormZ, Modo, and more--so there is no lack of choice in CGI Tools.

If you're serious about pursuing CGI as a hobby, I would recommend investing in the full version of a 3D program like MAX or Lightwave. My personal preference is Lightwave, but your's may be different.

Hope this helps.

[rjandron]

"Just lost my..." WHAT???

By the Lords of Kobol, that's embarassing.

[Darrell Lawrence]

3D Explorer will take some Max models and convert them.

[gmd3d]

there is a free to use Truespace3.1 or 3.2 availble FREE. I STARTED with this
program before getting TS5 and it a good program even better because it free. cant read MAX through :(

you have also to register to use it .. hope this helps
http://forms.caligari.com/forms/ts3all_free.html