Convert Sketchup to Gmax

[thepokemaniac 18]

Hey, I was wondering recently if it was possible to convert a sketchup model to a gmax model for BAT. I found some tutorials online, but they are a bit complex. Is there a simpler way to do it?

Thanks

Adam

[gio10469 24]

if you have Sketchup Pro you can export your model as a .3ds file and load it in gmax...hope this helps

[Sgt Pepper 864]

All you have to do is open your sketchup model in Sketchup Pro(I would use the free trial, but use your limited time wisely!!!), click, file, export, 3d model, then you should see a window open up that lets you select where you want to export the model with its textures. I would make a new folder with the model title and export it there. But in the window, there should be something at the bottom with an arrow that lets you select what file type the model will be exported in. Make sure it is something like 3ds. file in that box.

Is there a tutorial on this in that Omnibus thing?

Hope I have helped you!

-Sgt. Pepper

[deatHoFKingBlack 1]

can google sketchup use for SC4BAT instead gmax?

[Xyloxadoria 1,098]

Originally posted by: deatHoFKingBlack

can google sketchup use for SC4BAT instead gmax?quote>

No. Gmax and 3ds max are the only programs that will work.

[madhatter106 3,912]

I still can't fathom the desire to fit this square peg into the round hole. If you 're going to take the time to learn a program to make models for SC4, why bother with Sketchup when gmax does the trick? Personally, I've never been that much impressed with a Sketchup model being converted into a BAT and put into game anyways...

[benvoliothefirst 36]

What you're asking is why someone who can learn to use a complicated, steep learning curve 3D design program would bother to use a simple, intuitively designed one. The answer to that question is "someone who doesn't have the time or desire to learn gmax." I can build three buildings in Sketchup in the same time it takes me to do one in gmax, and I've used both. But if I take a break from gmax for a while it takes me some time to get back into it. I'd rather use that time modeling rather than reacquainting myself with what seems to me to be an unnecessarily complicated user interface.

[SimFox 803]

^^

the problem is that Sketc Up, at least the way it is commonly used is a "fake" 3 d program. I mean it relies on outlines to show shape rather then true volumes and their understanding.

What it implies is that as such Sketch Up could be great tool for some type of projects/presentations, but it is also a bit obstructive to learning 3d, as it sort of forces you into 2D way of thinking...

[Sgt Pepper 864]

Well from my experience with it, I haven't thought of a "2D way of thinking" when I first used it for fun or when I used it in place of gmax when the BAT first came out. I don't see how Sketchup models are bad when they are modeled out in detail. Is there any one here that actually uses Sketchup? It does not seem no one knows that much about it if they just assume the models are just bad because it is not Gmax or MAX made....

[SimFox 803]

^^

you should read more carefully: I've explain what is the problem with Sketch Up, particularly with the way people not to experienced with 3d are using it...

[nathanthemayor 1,263]

Well, there is a tutorial on utube on how to do it:

Here

[Sgt Pepper 864]

Simfox I read that carefully. I do not see a problem with sketchup at all and I am experienced with 3d. There is no problem with people using it.

[zmurrell 1]

i agree with sgt pepper i have used sketch up for years with no problems and its easy to use too

 

[Sgt Pepper 864]

And, my old(and just about every single other model I have made) NYBT BATs (One Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, 130 Liberty Street, Downtown Club, ect.) were all made in sketchup and I made them thinking 3d not 2d. My models I have made from sketchup compared to a few that I have actually made in Gmax, have come out the same way and are fine either way. It's a good program for beginners. And I prefer it mostly since it has a drawing feel to it and I love to draw pictures.

And to be honest, I have not been that much impressed with any 3ds.max models. They are wonderful, yes, but...something about the way most of the models look too different in the game(especially at night, mainly because of max's lighting rig or what ever). I've prefered mostly Gmax models and sketchup made models, but I still like max models. I'm not saying they look bad, I'm saying they look like they would go better into a newer game of SimCity, or be graphics of a more newer SimCity so to speak. And just because a BAT has reflections, nor true night, doesn't make it great.

[Cyclone1001 10]

Originally posted by: madhatter106

I still can't fathom the desire to fit this square peg into the round hole. If you 're going to take the time to learn a program to make models for SC4, why bother with Sketchup when gmax does the trick? Personally, I've never been that much impressed with a Sketchup model being converted into a BAT and put into game anyways...quote>

Simple, The 3d warehouse that Sketchup has. Just download, convert, and POOF! You have whatever you want in the game!

[SimHoTToDDy 2,939]

Hate to brake it to you, but 3d warehouse models are absolute garbage in SC4. They are low poly and use low res textures, more often then not they are just boxes. So no, that isn't a good reason. Plus you still have to run it though gmax. Even 3dsmax users need gmax to create the SC4 model files.

Sketchup is capable of very nice models, however they are dependent on gmax or max to finish them (ie. textures and export), so the point is, why bother if simple using gmax is more efficient.

[SimFox 803]

Oh same old reason - do nothing and get a lot of result... Free Cheese....

[tkuelker 2]

Sketchup is great. It's simple to use and if you re-texture it in GMAX it looks just like any other model. Sketchup is the best, there's no problem with it at all.

[Sgt Pepper 864]

Well there is no problem with using Sketchup(I used to use it and most of my early NYBT models were made in sketchup), however, taking the google earth textured boxes doesn't really make it great(one of the main reasons why some people don't like it). However, I find now Gmax works better for me, especially with scale, and that I could make things easier and faster(though I still don't know how to make most extremely detailed things in Gmax).