Matrix Games Forums

I see the export function in the file menu - it's greyed. I'd like to use unwrap3d to texture my model (can't get the hang of Magic's method, I'm bad enough at painting as it is, UV mapping helps me). I saw an earlier post where Milo exported to some other format. If I do a save as... and put in the .obj extension it saves a materials file (.mtl) but nothing else. Does this work? Or should I REALLY abandon my current work and start over in Milkshape.

Thanks,

piperone

I just tried this right now, and it seems to work for me. Perhaps you could post the .mag file to this message board and I could try to export it? Maybe that will show what is going wrong.

By the way, the Import and Export functions are a little different from what you probably expect. They are mainly intended to import and export surfaces, not change formats on entire models. For example, say you are building a keen model of the Starship Enterprise NCC-1701. You think to yourself, hey those engine nacelles are exactly the same on other ships from that era. So you select one of the nacelles and make a surface out of it (Modify | Surface... | Create | (give it a name) | OK). Then, with the surface still selected, you go to the File | Export... function to save just that part of the model as a separate file in MAG or OBJ format. Then when you go to create your cool destroyer, you can simply File | Import the nacelle right into a new surface.

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Milo,

Got it - and that works nicely for me since I've grouped all my parts already. I notice that the export function will work with only one named group (hence if I wanted to unwrap the body and left/right engines together, I should create another group). I'm "assuming" (without instructions) then that when I select, say, the body and then export... I chose All Files from the drop down, and then type in my part name, such as body.obj?

That's what I've done. The .obj I've created results in no surfaces during import to Magic, Milkshape and Unwrap3D. Obviously that is not the correct procedure. It is not clear to me what the correct procedure is. Any help appreciated. Thanks!

piperone

The procedure sounds right. How big is the .obj file thus produced? Can you send me the .mag file so I can see this in action?

Finally found a valid email on the starshatter forums. Sent it to milo@starshatter.com

Thanks,

piperone

Just checking to see if the email I sent reached you and if you have any insight about why I cannot import into MS or Unwrap3D. Thanks,

piperone

Yes. Although it seems my reply email did not reach you. I'll try a PM.

Milo,

Thanks, I think my ISP was having server problems last night. Got the text and the new Magic. I'll look at the proc you sent and make a decision. I left off quite a few pieces on the last model that are small and are problems for me painting. I might try Magic texturing again - Milkshape just has too many polys. Thanks again fgr the quick turnaround, excellent support.

piperone