3DSMax 01

1 min, 00 sec

Getting Set Up

Links to Relevant Resources

NOTE - Axiom (the 3D engine that Imaginality uses) is based on Ogre 1.0. Therefore any 1.0x releases of tools should work fine.
While we have had some success with later tools, we have not completely tested them, so it is not reccommended that you try them unless you are willing to spend time experimenting.

Therefore we reccommend the following versions of the tools:
OgreCommandLineTools-1.0.6.zip
Ogre3DSExporter-1.0.3.zip

These latest versions of the tools may not be reliable, so do not use unless you are willing to experiment.
OgreCommandLineTools_v1.2.3.msi is in the Ogre -- Downloads -- Tools Repository
Ogre 3DS Exporter-1.2.2.zip is in the Ogre -- Downloads -- Tools Repository

Other Links

Overview of the  Ogre 3DS Exporter. From the Ogre Wiki - a rough page to outline the how-to and technical limitations on the 3DStudio Max exporter for Ogre.

A Video on rigging skinning and exporting from 3dsMax. A great 2 hour video tutorial for bittorrent download. Covers exporting a biped animated character from 3dsMax and  using it in Ogre plus various other issues (top link is dead, scroll down).

A shorter  flash video tutorial for 3D Studio Max beginners on how to use the 3D Studio  Mesh Exporter effectively.
The tutorial shows the following: Fixing unit setup modeling optimizing mesh map the object using UVW unwrap make material(s) add plugin/ogre-buttons to the toolbar exporting material and mesh converting XML to .mesh using the meshviewer and editing the material
The tutorial doesn't include how to make and export animation (yet)...
Bear in mind that the  exporter has changed a lot since the time it was written. However, the advice given (about modeling, mapping) will still be valid.
This resource was found  on this forum.

Other 3D Studio Max Exporters. In addittion to the exporter used in the tutorial,  there are others. This is a list of all Exporters for 3D Studio Max.

3DSMax 02

0 min, 58 sec

Getting Set Up - Adding an export button to Max

3DSMax 03

3 min, 00 sec

Creating a model in Max and exporting it as a mesh

Links to Tutorial Resources
Template-3DSMax5-WithPaddle(135x90mm).max
Teapot(3DSMax5).max
teapot.mesh
teapot.material

3DSMax 04

2 min, 18 sec

Importing content into the ModulePacker and making a Module

Links to Tutorial Resources
TemplateScript-01a-Simplest.cs

Links to Relevant Resources
OgreMeshSamples.zip, including: Dragon, Ship, Ninja, Robot, Ogre Head.

3DSMax 05

1 min, 20 sec

The .cs script template explained in more detail

3DSMax 06

3 min, 35 sec

The ModulePacker explained in more detail

3DSMax 07

6 min, 39 sec

More things you can do with scripting (scale, rotate, translate, selectable)

Links to Tutorial Resources
TemplateScript-01b-AFewExtras.cs

3DSMax 08

1 min, 39 sec

Texturing an object in Max, exporting it and loading it into the ModulePacker

Links to Tutorial Resources
RustedMetal.jpg
TeapotTextured(3DSMax5).max
teapot.material

3DSMax 09

1 min, 25 sec

Editing a material manually

Links to Relevant Resources

An excellent list of Ogre Material Examples on the Ogre Wiki.

OgreMeshSamples.zip
including: Dragon, Ship, Ninja (many animations), Robot (with animations), Ogre Head (with environmental mapping), WavyWaterKnot^? (animated, blended texture).

3DSMax 10

2 min, 52 sec

TroubleShooting exporting of meshes from Max (pivot, Reset XForm, Collapse)

3DSMax 11

4 min, 06 sec

Creating a bone animation in Max, exporting it as a skeleton, importing it into  the ModulePacker and scripting the animation to play

Links to Tutorial Resources
TeapotAnimated(3DSMax5).max
teapot.mesh
teapot.skeleton

3DSMax 12

5 min, 23 sec

Scripting basic interaction between two paddles

Links to Tutorial Resources
TemplateScript-01c-Interaction.cs