# Model Preparation in 3DS Max

## Importing & the 3Ds Max User Interface

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_trmwnvPBY>" %}

#### **Notes**

1. Change Units to the metric system using **millimetres**.
   1. `Select Customise > Units Setup > System Unit Setup`. **Make sure that 1 unit equals 1 millimetre**.
2. The viewport can be **maximised** and **minimised** `Alt + W`
3. Navigation;
   1. Holding `Alt` with the `[middle mouse button]` to **orbit** around the scene.
   2. `Scrolling` the `[middle mouse button]` will **zoom** the view in and out.
   3. `Holding` the `[middle mouse button]` will **pan** the view.

## UVW Mapping

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ONRwdg53Pg>" %}

#### **Notes**

1. Remember to **use layers,** they are your friend.
2. `Ctrl + [click]` to select multiple objects.
3. **Box mapping** will work in most circumstances, use 'real world' settings when possible
   1. (1M x 1M x 1M or 1000mm x 1000mm x 1000mm)

## Lightmap Unwrapping

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8yYgJDH6qw>" %}

#### **Notes**

1. You can apply a single modifier to a ground of objects.
2. Get familiar with the `UV Editor` **UI**, to produce great textures you need to be familiar with it.
3. Set **UVW Unwrapping channel** to `2`.
4. Change **padding** from `0.02` to `0.1`.

## Exporting

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZ11hRfCJw>" %}

#### **Notes**

1. **Exporting** as an Autodesk `.FBX`
2. **Use the following settings** when exporting an `FBX`;
   1. Make sure in Geometry that `TurboSmooth` is **unticked**
   2. In Animation makes sure that `animation` is **unticked**
   3. Make sure `cameras and lighting` is **unticked**
   4. In Units, **deselect** `automatic` and **set scene units converted** to `Centimeters`. This because **1 unit in Unreal Engine equals 1 Centimetre**. This will ensure that our model come in at the right scale.
   5. In `FBX` File format we are going to set the Type to `ASCII` and the Version to `2011`.


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