3DS format, general

Tool(s): Export to VRML, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, U3D

The 3DS format is a widespread data format for exchanging image files.

It allows you to transfer views to 3D Studio MAX as well as many other rendering applications.

The 3D model, the colors and the transparency of objects as well as the camera path and spotlights are transferred using this format.

Currently, 3D lines, textures and parallel types of light (for example, sunlight) cannot be transferred.

When imported into 3D MAX (Release 1), the current color is used for the wireframe model - this color can be a fixed color set in the color menu or it is assigned randomly.

The components of an Allplan movie model are transferred to 3DS format as follows:

• The lights are combined in a hierarchical tree.
• The objects are structured hierarchically. As 3DS format object names may not exceed 10 characters, the ”real" object names cannot be used:
  • Top level in hierarchy: File name
  • Drawing file below: File 1234
  • Walls, 3D elements, rooms etc. appear as mx-zzzz (m stands for smart symbol, x for the type number and zzzz for a unique name (hexadecimal)).
  • 3D objects appear as x-zzzz (x stands for the color number and zzzz for a unique name (hexadecimal); each color number has its own internal counter).
  • Lights appear as light x.
  • Surfaces appear as material x.
  • Cameras appear as camera x.
• If the file name exceeds 10 characters, it is shortened as follows:
  • File name: Filena...
• The actual names are used for cameras, surfaces and lights. If the name exceeds 10 or 16 characters, it is shortened as follows:
  • Camera: camera - 7 characters + ...
  • Surface: material - 12 characters + index + ...
  • Light: light - 7 characters + ...

Note: 3D Studio MAX Version 2.5 and later also supports VRML.