The MAX file format isn't public, so you have to read them in another way.
There are different ways to do that.
The first possibility is to use the ASCII exporter (.ASE) in 3DSMAX. This is just a textfile with also the vertex data included.
Another way is to export to 3DS files, and read the 3DS file. The 3DS format is public available.
However the best way to do it is to code your own exporter plugin. I have coded 6 of these plugins already, and it's pretty easy if you always work with classes etc.
Building your own exporter plugin has some advantages:
- You can export WHAT you want
- You can export it HOW you want it (own fileformat)
- You can export more things then the ASE or 3DS format. For example if you want to read softskinning information from character studio, you need to code your own plugin.
Hope this info helped you a bit.
- John vd Burg
Programmer of Oxygen3D http://www.mysticgd.com/oxygen3d.htm