system units and display units in 3DS Max

[adamdabrowski1]

Hey,

 

I've been told by a few people that when using 3DS Max my system units and display units must always be the same. However in the model created in 3DS Max I have my system units set to inches and display units set to mm.

 

We are required to use mm as a university standard and I want to know if both units need to be the same or if my setup is ok.

 

If it isn't ok what are the problems I may face? Any issues when it comes time to render?

 

Thanks in advance

[Umesh Raut]

As long as you stick to one unit set all the time, there shouldn't be any problem. Its mainly when you transfer models/files between computers or programs using different units that they start confusing the rendering engines for lighting (especially), and related things like AO, etc. (sometimes textures too). Like its common for CAD drafters to use mm's and because Max always thinks inches, its the key data as above 'lost in translation' or more apt, distorted.

[marius e]

Set your system to Meters and your display to mm or cm..

[salvador]

I stick to cm for both all the time. However AFAIK, you can set display units differently as this is just the way you want Max to show you the measurements.

[Scott Schroeder]

System units are what counts. Display units are just that, for display only.

[Tommy L]

I all depends what size scene you are working with. But the 'keep your system unit consistent' is good advice, especially if you tend to pull assets between files, like furniture from one scene to another. If you never deal with outside people files (like freelancers or client models) then you can keep your work consistent pretty easy. Just pick a unit and never change it. Inches is a good default (Ive heard that the 3d math in max is based on Inches). Display is up to you, depends what you're most comfortable with but it will not affect your scene scale. You can change it on the fly with no impact.