3D Max 2016 to SketchUP Pro 2016

[Larissa Holderness]

Background:

Architect needed me to model a few existing buildings in Max 2016 (no materials) that would be later imported into SketchUP Pro 2016. I know, I know ... why!? Don't know. I just do as I am told.

 

Problems:

I did as I was asked, however... the models from Max won't import into SketchUP without one of the following happening:

a. "Import Failed" in SKP (Collada format)

b. Mesh has missing pieces (3DS format) or it explodes on import (like a little bomb went off)

c. Mesh comes in triangulated (3DS format - ONE mesh in Max). I have also cut up the mesh to save out as separate pieces to import which then I have to snap together.

 

The model is not that heavy (by 3D Max standards). But, SKP just can't seem to figure the dang thing out. And neither can I.

 

Solution:

Does anyone have one? I have attached screenshots to maybe help....

 

[Francisco Penaloza]

Yea, max does not play friendly with sketchup.

Collada never worked for me.

The only way I can get things out is using 3Ds in small chunks or DWG.

Triangulation will occur any ways, but you can delete them inside sketchup if you like.

[Larissa Holderness]

Thanks Francisco.

I will try DWG and see how it goes. As for the triangulation, a coworker imported from Max into SketchUP without the triangles using hte 3DS format. Perhaps there is a setting in SketchUP?? I don't know enough about it.

[numerobis]

Not sure what happened to your files. Never tried the 2016 versions, maybe there is a problem with the export of max or import of SU.

 

You could try OBJ format. There is an OBJ importer included in Quad Face Tools (free) that imports quads http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/quadface-tools

(This plugin needs TT_Lib to work http://extensions.sketchup.com/content/tt_lib%C2%B2 )

 

Or maybe you need to reset X-form to avoid the displacement.

 

There are also some trial versions of exporters or importers you could try:

http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-plugins/SketchUp-from-3DS-main.aspx

http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-plugins/FBX_Importer_For_Sketchup-main.aspx

http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-plugins/OBJ_Importer_For_Sketchup-main.aspx

http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/fluidimporter-lite-0

 

Importing and Exporting 3DS Files: https://help.sketchup.com/de/article/3000169-0

 

To remove triangulation you can enable "merge coplanar faces" in the import dialog or clean up the imported geometry using CleanUp Tools:

http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=tt_cleanup (also needs the TT_lib)

Edited October 25, 2016 by numerobis

[Sketchrender]

In max , I find converting it to editable mesh works best.

No pretty, but it all comes in.

 

phil

[Matt McDonald]

My best max to sketchup workflow (which I found here) is to instance the entire model in Max, export both to DWG format. Open the DWG in ACAD and delete the clone model. Hit "save". Import into Sketchup. Everything will come in as nice, neat components.

[SkylineArch]

To "hide" the triangulation, you can triple click the model in SketchUp so everything is selected, right-click > Soften/Smooth Edges, and use smooth coplaner and adjust the degrees. Although it's probably better to delete the unwanted edges, depending on the model's use in SketchUp.

 

Or try Matt's workflow above, which I will try next time I need to take a model from Max to SU. Thanks Matt!

[Francisco Penaloza]

Even tho Mark has way more experience with Skethcup than me, for sure. I just click in the 3ds importer of Sketchup, merge coplanar and that take care of those triangulation.

Matt workflow sounds pretty interesting too I'll take a look too

[SkylineArch]

Even tho Mark has way more experience with Skethcup than me, for sure. I just click in the 3ds importer of Sketchup, merge coplanar and that take care of those triangulation.

 

Sounds like you have more experience in Max to SketchUp than me. I've never had to go that direction with a model other than bringing topo from Max to SketchUp. So, Thanks for the tip!