Using 3ds Max to Prep Data for 3D+ RPC Creation
The following document will guide you through the process of generating the files necessary to create a 3D+ RPC via creator.archvision.com. This tutorial shows the process of taking a SketchUp model into 3ds Max and then exporting the necessary model (.obj), baked texture (.jpg) file and preview image (.bmp) needed by RPC Creator. This method can be applied for any textured model that you can import into 3ds Max.
Part 1: Importing the object into 3ds Max
For this tutorial the original file was a .SKP file obtained from SketchUp Warehouse.
To open it simply click on 
select Open and then locate the .skp file.
Note: Only .max files are shown by default so select All Types to reveal the .skp file.
Part 2: Render a 124 x 98px .bmp to use as the RPC’s preview file.
Go into the render dialog and set the resolution to 124 x 98 and save to .bmp. Select Windows and 24-bit for the bitmap options. Try to generate a view that shows the image in it’s entirety. Save this image for later when we use the RPC Creation tool.
Part 3: Attach All Parts
Select the object and click go to the Modify panel. Under modify select Attach List.
Use shift and left mouse click to select all groups and then select attach.
Leave the attach options set to Match Material IDs to Material and click on Ok.
Part 4: Create the Texture
Select the object and click on Rendering–>Render to Texture…
Make sure that the Render to Texture settings mirror those shown on the right. These settings can also be imported using this file:
Load these settings by clicking on Load Preset in the Object and Ouput Settings in the Render to Texture dialog and browsing for the .rtf settings file.
Most important configurations are:
(Note: More details in an object require larger map sizes.)
Click on Render and wait for the process to complete.
The output file should look something like this:
Expert Tip: When working with materials like vray light or other non vraymat it is not possible to select diffuse map as a target map. It will work though. Simply click accept and the process will finish successfully.
Expert Tip: Avoid using Turbo Smooth as it will create complex polygons, increase attach times, increase flattening times and often result in RPC render errors.
Expert Tip: Group scene lighting and camera components separate from model. Click here for details.
*Shortcut Option: Use a script tool and skip to Part 7
Content creation expert, Tony Lopez, has created a script that automates the following steps (5 & 6) so that you don’t have to do these. To learn about using this tool click here. Alternatively to perform the steps manually continue to part 5.
Part:5: Orient the Object
This step is important because it determines how the RPC object will be oriented when placed.
The center of the base of the object should be at 0.0.0 for the object and it should be facing north.
In 3ds Max the Z-Value is the height of the object.
Part 6: Collapse Modifiers, Assign Channels and Export
Step 1:
In the Modifier List right click on Automatic Flatten UVs and select Collapse to.
Step 2:
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 3:
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.
Part 7: Export the .ojb
Select the object again and click on –>Export–>Export Selected
Save the file as an .obj.
Be sure and set Faces: to Triangles instead of the default Quads value.
Also, be sure that Flip YZ-axis (Poser-like) is turned off or the RPC will not be oriented correctly.
The necessary files are all created.
At this point the following files should exist necessary for 3D+ RPC Creation:
Click here to learn how to convert these files into an RPC
