United3dArtists Archive

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 14 Feb 2010, 01:22

I want to convert some TS 7.6 model side (.cob) objects to several other formats like collada, obj, and others. I want this so I can sell models on Turbosquid, etc., in the most popular or most widely usable formats to maximize the number of potential buyers.

What is a good converter program or pipeline between programs to do this? Ultimate unwrap (I think) was mentioned in other threads. I'd like to hear about free or super cheap solutions here.

The resulting files must be very compatible with the major 3D programs.
Where possible The files must preserve the UV mapping.
Where possible the files must preserve the mesh with no involuntary triangulation or other modifications.
Where possible preserving groups would be good.

I already experimented with export from TS to obj with LUUV and import into Blender 2.49. The model was ok I think. I have 2 hours experience with Blender so I don't know how to use it much. I'll wait for 2.5/2.6 to learn blender. I'm just trying 2.49 as a file converter.

Advice about this pipeline?
A .cob importer for Blender is around somewhere. Does it work well?
Does the current Blender 2.5 beta import and export well?

Math Path · Post by **Math Path** » 14 Feb 2010, 10:06

Hi Finis,

As I was testing Blender Alpha 2.5 there was not very much for exporting files from it
But maybe it's useful to test the latest WIP builds which can be found here:
http://www.graphicall.org/builds/
This makes 2.5 now much more useful for testing. One of my friends got at least static meshes in FBX - format with no problem. But please note: The build from graphicall.org are wip builds an lots of them are far from stable.
I personally decided to wait patiently for at least beta edition, which should be available in the middle of the year.

HTH

Tiles · Post by **Tiles** » 14 Feb 2010, 10:39

OBJ doesn`t make trouble at 2.49 afaik. Never had one at least. In 2.5, even the newest builds, the OBJ still imports without texture. Same for Collada. Imports with texture in 2.49, but without in 2.5. Haven`t tested if Collada animation arrives correct though. Did just a quick test ...

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 14 Feb 2010, 17:50

Thanks Tiles and Math Path.

I turned on the bridge and was able to export this lamp in collada format from workspace. Then I imported it into Blender 2.49 as collada vs 1.4.

The mesh and groups seemed intact and unaltered. The textures did not come through except that some items had the correct color. Without textures I am not sure if the UV mapping is correct.

Collada is a popular format for 3D programs right? Do all of the major 3D programs import it? I'm thinking that I can just sell the collada format models on Turbosquid and cover most of the market.

Are TS 7.6 workspace collada files good? Do they import well into other applications?

Any more advice on 3D file format conversion? Anyone know which formats sell best or are most used?

(Although legally those of you who got the lamp when it was free can do what you want with it I ask that you do not distribute the model to others, post it for download or sale, etc. In other words, use and enjoy the gift but please respect that now I'm trying to make a little money from it.)

Math Path · Post by **Math Path** » 14 Feb 2010, 18:31

Collada is a popular format for 3D programs right? Do all of the major 3D programs import it?

You will find the information about products that provide COLLADA plug-ins or that import or export COLLADA here: (please note this list is not complete)
https://collada.org/mediawiki/index.php ... _directory
To be honest, I don't use Collada very much. However DX Studio game engine (where I came from) supports the COLLADA-dae fiormat, I achieve the best results here with X-format. Although X and 3DS are rather historical formats IMO.
As far as I know, the file format, which has the best future chances would be FBX.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc ... eID=123112
Free Autodesk FBX converter (also provided on the site above) makes already COLLADA, 3DS, OBJ exchangeable.

PS. I use for the most conversions Ultimate Unwrap 3D.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 14 Feb 2010, 20:36

Well, although I'm really poor right now I'm going to get Ultimate Unwrap 3D. It seems the best way to convert to a lot of formats and a good UV tool.

So any advice about file conversion with Ultimate Unwrap? It imports TS .cob files just fine right? Any of the major formats that it does not convert or export well? Tricks? Things to know?

Math Path · Post by **Math Path** » 14 Feb 2010, 22:20

The main issue, you can encounter while using UU3D is the different handedness of this soft compared to tS. It uses left hand coordinate system with Y Up. But there is always option to swap model/scene if you using COB or COLLADA. Some formats allows you to do it already at import, another can be swapped in the editor. Since I'm not using the Model Side very extensive, I've not so much experience with COB, but with x and Collada it works really tidy.

And you are right about the quality of the UV editor. I used to to texture all my models with it.

RAYMAN · Post by **RAYMAN** » 15 Feb 2010, 21:47

Not sure what you want the converter for because luuv exports obj pretty well.
same as collada exporter from workspace side...
I wouldnt spend money at all.....
I would download Vue 8 inf PLE its FREE and you can test your models you can even convert with the free version.....

another beauty of that program....
It also converts and imports cobs
Peter

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 15 Feb 2010, 22:31

RAYMAN wrote:Not sure what you want the converter for ... I would download Vue 8 inf PLE its FREE and you can test your models you can even convert ... It also converts and imports cobs

I want to convert files/models for the reasons noted earlier in the thread. Thanks for the info. about Vew 8 inf PLE. I'll try that before buying anything since it does three good things: test models, convert models, and lets me learn about Vue.

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Best method: Convert TS objects to other formats?

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