What do most people in the industry use for loading files? I would assume something that can be exported from 3DS max correct? I''d like to know where I can find some good information on file loaders for the 3DS Max file format. I''ve heard ASE isn''t that good and not to use it but even information on that would be helpful. I spent the morning looking for that site that lists ALL file formats and how to read and use them and wondered if anyone knew the address? All I need is a good format that I''ll be able to get all the needed info out (I need textures and such to be easily used). I''ll probably end up reading the files and then exporting it to my own personal format with all the unneeded data stripped away anyways. Thank, Tom

Take a look at lib3ds - a 3ds file loader that is x-platform and opensource

lib3ds.sourceforge.net

The website with all the file formats (well a lot of them) you''re refering to is probably wotsit (http://www.wotsit.org)

You should be able to understand the format of ASE files just by looking at them. There''s also an explanation of them at Nates site. Look for a link to it from nehe''s site.

I have a tutorial I found at nate''s website (http://nate.scuzzy.net/programming.html) that imports ASE files just great. (I think the only thing bad about ASE is that they''re relatively larger files for models). This tutorial uses glut. This one works and seems easier to learn.

I also have a tutorial from NeHe''s website (http://nehe.gamedev.net/tutorials/lesson32.asp) that imports milkshape3d files. This tutorial is based off NeHe''s 1st tutorial which does not use glut and is much more cumbersome. It works, but it''s a lot to learn at once.

GL!
-Steve