Unreal3DExport - 3ds Max vertex animation exporter

[Switch`]

Name: Unreal3DExport
Version: Beta 0

Description:
This 3ds Max plugin lets you export Unreal Engine vertex animations. There are
already many utilities that let you do that but their workflow is unacceptable
or they are unreliable.

This plugin simplifies the exporting procedure:

• Menu File->Export to export all meshes and all animations.
• Menu File->Export Selected to export selected meshes and their animations.
• Mesh is rotated automatically so it faces the same direction as in Max.
• Mesh doesn't have to fit inside a 256x256x256 box anymore.
• Built-in mesh optimization, removes ugly vertex snapping from animations.
• You can use the Note Track to store information about animation sequences
  and notifications inside the max file. On export this information will be
  added to automatically generated import script.

Compatibility:

• Tested on 3ds Max 8 SP3, Windows XP SP2, UT2004 v3369
• Requires 3DXI library v2.2+

Credits:
Copyright (C) 2007 Roman Switch` Dzieciol
msn: r.dzieciol@hotmail.com
homepage: http://wiki.beyondunreal.com/wiki/Switch

Special thanks to andrei313 - http://www.andrei313.com

Download:

• http://savefile.com/files/525160

[yassine]

cool
je vais tester

[SuperApe]

Extremely cool, Switch.
If you're not already planning to work on a Maya version, maybe you could tell me a bit about the vertex mesh format. The workflow is just as bad (or worse) on that end.

[Switch`]

It's partially documented here: http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/BinaryF...fications.html

There are two big quirks:
- uv map apparently can't be pixel perfect with 256x256 texture, 1 .3d uv unit ends up being 1+1/255 pixels. A 255x255 one could be pixel perfect in theory.
- vertex position is packed into 32 bits, which may result in ugly "snapping" effect in animations. Vertices outside supported space will be clipped/corrupted. Mesh that uses only a small part of the allowed space will most likely have snapping issues.

I'm not familiar with Maya C++ SDK but if it's good enough the plugin could be ported to it in couple days.

[SuperApe]

Ouch. Those are big quirks. Thanks for the link.