3D Studio Max

Export 184 Plug-in.

• M3G imposes the following restrictions when assigning textures to a model:
  1. The dimensions must be powers of two (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128...).
     
     
  2. Texture dimensions are limited to a 256x256 maximum.
     Note: Use small textures if possible to reduce the m3g file size.
     Use paletized images (256 colours).
     
     
  The texture tool lets you quickly change all the textures in your JSR-184 scene to meet these standards.
  
  
• The M3G exporter tool has some limitations:
  • Integer precision: This limits the accuracy of small meshes of only a few units in size. For best results, use relatively large meshes. Scaled objects also might exhibit precision problems.
    
    
  • Linear interpolation: Smoothly curved paths defined by only a few keys are not supported.
    
    
  • No support for shadows.
    
    
• Do not use procedural textures or materials.
  
  
• Add a background to the scene. To avoid the white background, try setting the ambient environment in the scene, or alternatively some surface or a skybox as background.
  
  
• Add a camera into the scene.
  
  
• Add a light source into the scene.
  
  
• When creating the model make sure the vertex coordinates are in the range [-100, 100] and NOT [-1,1].
  
  
• It is better to export simple scenes or single models.
  
  
• Do not compress the m3g file.
  
  
• Always retain the unit scale of 3Dsmax as generic units.
  The scale of the models will be the same as one 3Dsmax unit.
  
  

• Export 184 Reference manual
• Export 184 Facts Sheet
• Digital Element Forum - Export 184 pro
• Hybrid Graphics Forum - M3G

1. Start 3D Studio Max and load the 3dsmax model. For example teapot1.max.
   This model will be exported to an m3g file.
   
   
2. To export the 3dsmax model, choose menu: File > Export.
   
   
3. Locate a directory where you want to store the m3g file.
   Enter a filename, for example: teapot1
   Choose save as type: JSR-184 (*.M3G)
   Press Save button.
   
   The JSR-184 exporter dialog is shown, displaying the scene hierarchy.
   Here below an example:
   
   
   
   By default, all of the elements in your scene are also listed for export in the JSR-184 scene. If you wish to export a particular object in your scene, use File > Export Selected, or delete the objects you do not wish to export by clicking it. If an object is a descendant within an hierarchy, it will be exported with its hierarchy. The same applies for objects in a group.
   
   
4. In the JSR 184 scene window, select an [Active Camera].
   In this example only 2 cameras are added to the scene of which Camera01 is selected.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Change the Export Settings in the tool.
   
   

   Export Setting	Description	Value
   Authoring Message	This message is required by the JSR-184 file format standard and is usually reserved for entering copyright notice information. This message is stored in the header portion of the M3G file.	For eample: Mobilefish.com
   Project Root	The Project Root sets the location of the root of the project. If you do not enter a path in this field, all external references within the M3G file are loaded from the same location as the current file. If you have entered a string, such as https://www.mobilefish.com.com/download/ 3dsmax/teapot then external references are loaded from locations named like https://www.mobilefish.com.com/download/ 3dsmax/teapot/mobilefish_m3g.png	-
   Show Hidden Objects	Shows all the hidden objects in the 3ds max scene hierarchy.	enable
   Compress M3G File	Compresses all the data in the exported M3G file.	disable
   Auto Assign User IDs	Automatically assigns unique User ID values to all exported objects.	enable

   
   
6. Click Export button.
   
   
7. After export two files are created (no messages are displayed during export), for example:
   • teapot1.m3g
   • teapot1.html (build log)
   
   The log file (teapot1.html) is saved in the same directory as the M3G file. The log file contains an entry for all the objects exported to the M3G file format.
   
   
   • Layer
     Indicates the layer value.
     
     
   • Object Name
     Contains the name of the corresponding 3ds max object.
     
     
   • Object Type
     Indicates the type of saved object.
     
     
   • User ID
     Displays the User ID for the object.
     
     
   • Object Size
     Shows the object size (in kilobytes) for the object.
     
     
   • Comments
     Displays additional information such as errors and warnings.
     
     
8. Preview the exported JSR-184 scene in the standalone M3G Player.
   You can find the player in Start > Programs > discreet > 3ds max 7 > JSR-184 Player.