Exporting 3DS

[cain]

I downloaded a max file for a car the other day complete with materials already applied and when I try to export it as 3ds it doesn't seem to keep the materials when I import it into another file it all shows up grey.

 

I have been selecting the model and exporting the selected materials as a 3ds file.

 

Any thoughts on what I could be doing wrong?

 

Thanks

[AubreyM]

When you import and it shows up grey are you sure that it is just not a case of the show map in viewport hasn't been enabled?

In the imported file open the material editor and pick the material from the car using the eye dropper and have a look. Maybe just the paths to the textures is messed up.

[cain]

I'm not sure I follow. When I import the 3ds file I was hoping that the materials that I applied to the car from the original file would be attached to the car when I import it as a 3ds file? For instance, I apply a car paint material to the model in the max file, export it as 3ds then import the 3ds into another max file and voila the paint material is automatically attached. I'm not sure if I am making any sense here I just thought this could be done.

[AubreyM]

What I am saying is that the materials might be there in the imported max file but it is coming out grey because "show map in viewport" isn't enabled. If you follow my instructions above you will be able to look at the multi sub object material and see what the problem is.

[cain]

But shouldn't it render out the material I assigned to it?

[AubreyM]

Yes it should. If it's not rendering then there is another problem me thinks.

[cain]

That's what I thought.