I am only familiar with microsofts X File format for loading in 3D models. What other types are out there and what is the most common and/or best types? Also, where can I find some .x file models. Is there any publically available archive of some? I am specifically looking for models of Star Wars or Star Trek ships, or even Babylon 5 ships would cool. Possibility Edited by - Possibility on March 15, 2001 9:25:37 PM

Most commonly available? 3DS. Most supported by rendering/animation packages? Either DXF or OBJ; probably DXF. DXF has the disadvantage of not including any texturing information. Where can you find .X files? Not many places. HOWEVER, there is a utility that will convert 3DS files, which are very common, to .X files, available somewhere on Microsoft''s disorganized site. I''ve lost the link; perhaps someone else has it. Try searching these and other forums, as well as using Altavista, etc. I''m sure you''ll find it.

Correct me if I''m wrong, but isn''t the .3ds to .x converter included with DX SDK? Called 3ds2x or some other un-imaginative name...

(o= erydo =o)

Thats right a convert 3ds -> x is availble in the sdk...

I am not sure if it preseves texture coordinates or not tho... but you might as well write your own loaders... that way you have full control ( Altho this take some time.)

-=spacemadness

It keeps texture coordinates if you want it to.

Ben
http://therabbithole.redback.inficad.com

Yah, its called conv3ds.exe, I found a bunch of .3ds files and then used that to convert them. It works ok.

So, what is the best format to use. Is it better to use .x files or have an importer that reads in .3ds or a different type? Can the .3ds files contain animations like .x files do? I like the skinnedmesh demo on the DX8 SDK, it has nice animations.

Possibility

Yes, 3ds files do include animation info (key frames). Ultimately the best file format will depend on what you want to do with it. If you will only be using DX, then using X files will be easier (due to the built in importer), but if you plan to support other APIs (esp. OGL) you might be better to stick with using 3ds from the point of view that I''ve never seen a library or code to import an x file in an API independent way, where as examples of importing code for .3ds files are 10 a penny (nearly) on the internet.

Just my tu''pence worth, feel free to flame if I''m wrong!

NickB