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Creating 3D+ RPCs from SketchUp Warehouse Models via Baked Textures Maps in Autodesk 3ds Max
ArchVision Dashboard makes it easy to create 2D RPC objects in just the click of a button, but how can 3D+ RPC objects be created? Historically it was not possible. Now thanks ArchVision’s Development team this can be done. The following document will guide you through the process of taking a SketchUp Model (.skp) file and converting it into a useful 3ds Max (.obj) file and then using creator.archvision.com to generate a 3D+ RPC.
Part 1: Export a SketchUp model into .obj
SketchUp’s simplicity has allowed users to generate tons of useful content. Here is an example of a great couch I found on 3D Warehouse. It was created by user called cealpup.
To export, simply click on File–>Export–>3D Model. Be sure to save in .obj format.
This will create a folder containing the .obj file, a material file (.mtl) and a folder containing the textures used in the model.
Part 2: Use 3ds Max to Import the .obj and Create Files Necessary for 3D+ RPC Creator
Step 1:
Open 3ds Max and then click on the 
–>Import and import the .obj exported from SketchUp in Part 1.
Make sure that the Import Settings mirror those shown in the image to the right.
Most important settings include:
All materials should be shown once successfully imported.
Step 2:
Select a representative view of the object and choose Rendering–>Render Setup.
Set the output resolution to Width: 124 and Height: 98
Under Render Output choose a location to save the file and save it as a .bmp.
Then click on Render.
Image Preview Sample
Step 3:
Select the object and click on Rendering–>Render to Texture…
Make sure that the Render to Texture settings mirror those shown on the right.
Most important configurations are:
(Note: More details in an object require larger map sizes.)
Click on Render. (Note: The process of rendering to texture will take a while. Please be patient)
The output file should look something like this:
Step 4:
In the Modifier List right click on Automatic Flatten UVs and select Collapse to.
Step 5:
In Utlitlies click on More–>Channel Info then click on the Channel Info button to access the Channel Info dialog.
3 Channels will be shown.
Right click on 3:map and copy it. Then right click on 1:map and paste 3:map onto it. Right click on 2:map and select Clear and 3:map and select Clear
The resuts should reveal only 1:map as shown to the right.
3:Map has been copied over 1:map and 2:map and 3:map have been cleared. Now, only 1:map is shown.
Step 6:
Select the object and click on Modify. Then Right click and at the top of the modifier stack click on Collapse All.
After doing so only Editable Poly should appear under the Modifer List.
Step 7:
Select the object again and click on –>Export–>Export Selected
Settings used for exporting are shown to the right.
Part 3: Creating the 3D+ RPC
At this point in the process the 3 files required for creating an RPC should be generated. These include:
Step 1:
Go to creator.archvision.com and login.
Step 2:
Provide the following info needed to create the RPC:
Step 3:
Upload each of the files needed to create the RPC. Click submit after attaching each requested file. The upload progress is shown in the Internet browser as the file uploads. Choose the .obj file to load into Add Mesh. Selecting Y to Z will change the orientation of the coordinates of the .obj. Use Mesh for RPC icon will automatically generate an RPC icon. Alternatively a different .obj file can be used for the mesh. Use the .jpg baked in 3ds Max for the Add Texture. Use the 124 x 98px .bmp file for Add Preview.
When the uploads complete, click on Create RPC to generate the RPC.
Click on Download to download the completed RPC.
Congratulations on Creating a 3D+ RPC!
Need help creating a 3D+ RPC? Please visit support.archvision.com.
