Thread: Trouble with models from Sketchup

I dont know if this will help , but i`ll try anyways.

I`m using zmodeller for my 3D modelling, and when i export as 3DS, it shortens the name of the texture, but cant find it when its a 3DS and imported in a BTB Xpack.

The only way i found around this is to have short file name, about 6 characters, i`m not sure but i think the max might be 8. Thats the only fix i`ve found :)

Not sure if its the same problem for you, but worth a look. Also, because i use Zmodeller, my textuers are bmp.

hm... good idea, I will try this method, that I see that some my texture long as 8-9 characters...

When i use sketch up and i have done to make my track. I do the following procedure. (just off the top of my head so if i have typed any errors i am sorry)

1. create textures in Photoshop. Ensure Textures are to the power of 2, and export both as a jpeg and .dds
2. open sketch up and build your model, ensure that when you build your model that the faces are not blue in colour, they need to be white or grey. If this happens right click the face and select the option to 'reverse faces'
3. add textures to model by going to FILE > IMPORT then choose your jpg file (ensure option is selected for import as texture), then place texture on face required.
4. repeat step three for new textures. DO NOT USE GOOGLE's default textures.
5. Once completed your 3D model in sketch up export to 3ds.
6. Before the xpack can take your model, you need to convert the jpg files to .dds, to do this i used 3DSIMED, Import the model then press E. this shows the materials used in your model, you will have to click on each material, then choose edit and choose the corresponding .dds file. Ok that and then repeat for each and every material. Then export again as .3ds model.(uncheck the box for 8:3 texture names)
7. Open xpacker and ensure that all your .dds files and .3ds file are in the same folder. import model and use in game!

cheers:

P.S

Also a great tip for anyone that wants to use sketch up:

firstly download and install version 6 (free version - without the .3ds exporter)
then download version 7 and ask try the pro version (8 hours free with .3ds exporter).

build all of your models in version 6 and then save them as sketchup files. Open them in version 7 export them as .3ds. then close version 7 straight away, otherwise you will cut into your 8 free hours.

I have built 30-odd buildings and have only used about 40 minutes of my evaluation version 7.

You will need to be disciplined not to use version 7 for anything that you can do in version 6.

hi, dosgraphix has right, but let me say something:

jpeg format can be used if you dont need, bump and specular files,

Some Sketch´s textures can be used, as you know power of 2, but it s better to import known textures, even photos.

Great tip, 6 and 7 version , i used it,

cheers

DLLs to allow Export and Import of Google SketchUp .SKP files into 3dsimed can be found here

http://www.sim-garage.co.uk/support.htm

thanks woodn, just patched up to 2.5 today :)

Thanks for all :D
Now I revers in my Sketchup model blue faces and result is good !!!

A workaround to "export to 3ds" using the free version of Sketchup:

If you are looking for a free alternative you can export the file out as a COLLADA file by saving the file as a kmz file then renaming the extension as a zip file. Open the zip file up it should have the collada file with textures. Get the 3d program blender (free) and open the collada file through blender and then export the file to whatever is available (obj/3ds file) - this process is a pain but its free.:)

Cheers,
Dac.