3DS max Convert GMF back to a MAX or a Max file

[daleksec7]

Hello

Im not sure if this is where this question goes into this part of the forum but if so I have a question

Is there a way to convert the GMF files back to a compatible 3ds max file?

[Wolfsbane]

It MIGHT be possible, but very difficult. My best guess is PyRA2, but I couldn't get it to work.

Also, off topic, but I think a PyRA2 beginner's guide would be nice.

[Gazea2]

The work for PyRA2 was from one guy called Martijn Pieters, and not many of us have really used it enough to be able to write a tutorial I don't think, although there is one on GTM for the bot files.

PyRA2 might help you, but I've never really used it personally:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/pyra2/

edit: wow I can't do hyperlinks this early in the morning

[Serge]

It should be quite easy to do. 3dsmax has some sort of ASCII file format (forgot the name, don't have 'Max on hand) that look eerily similar to ASCII GMF. You can try some simple copy-pasting of meshes.

Otherwise, just write some Python to parse GMF (or use PyRA2) and export to your favourite file format. Start with the meshes and & transfor matrices, then do textures, materials & Tverts, then you can try importing some of the meta-objects (points, constraint, simulation parameters) into a representation viable for your 3d program of choice.