[ANSWERED] Not able to see a 3DS model in Isadora

Gaspar

Hi there,
I'm quite new when it comes to 3D Player etc in ISADORA, but followed the 3rd GURU session with the world spinning. That's pretty much what I know about using 3DS objects in Isadora.

So I've purchased a 3D model at CGTrader and converted it into 3DS using an online free converter. I can open the 3DS model in some free online 3DS viewers and even apply the several textures.
However I'm unable to view the model in ISADORA, although I get no error or warning either.

I have been successful with a different model which was directly available in 3ds. But those are not easy to find.

Is there anything I can do to get it to work? I gues I might need to somehow link the textures to the 3ds model? Any free software to do that. Blender maybe?
Any help is appreciated

bonemap

@gaspar

Hi,

Often, when I use the 3D actors in Isadora, the model asset is not initially visible. This is usually because the model is not in the field of view of the 'viewport'. I always place a '3D Stage Orientation' actor into the scene and set the 'z translate' parameter to a negative number. This will work to get the asset into view of what is essentially a 'viewport of a virtual camera'. Make sure the XYZ translate and rotation parameters of the 3D Player are all set to 0 first.

Another trick to see if there is an issue with the texture is to set the 3D Player 'draw mode' parameter to wireframe or points. At least then, if there is an issue with how a texture is rendered, you can ensure your mesh model is viable.

Modifying a 3D model to conform to the 3DS specification of less than 65000 vertices is common. If your original model has over 65000 vertices, it will not display in Isadora. You can change the model to conform to this specification using 3D software like Blender and a modifier called 'decemation'. Blender does a great job of reducing vertices through decimation but no longer supports 3DS export. The 3ds file format is an older legacy 3d model format - but the 3ds format is the only option in Isadora - may the gods shine on this and update Isadora's legacy 3D modules ASAP.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Russell

Gaspar

@bonemap Thank you,

I've tried your suggestions, but none helped. The model (prior to 3ds conversion) had: Polygons 13600 / Vertices 14000 so I guess that should not be the problem.
I would upload the model, but since it is not a free model (inexpensive though), I guess it won't be legal to do so.

I'll see if I can convert it somehow else and report back.

bonemap

@gaspar

If you like - send me the model by DM, and I can have a look for you.

Best Wishes

Russell

Gaspar

@bonemap

thanks for the offer... it is 4AM... but I'm happy.
The trick was done by loading the model (collada DAE) into Blender, assign the textures to the model and export it as 3DS.
(The plugin is still there and can be activated, even though there is a warning).

After that ISADORA recognised the textures and applied them properly so I could see the model.
As noted in previous posts in this forum I had to rename several of the texture files so the names were short enough not to cause any problems.