1. Method A: .FBX format
1.1: Select the models you want to export to Lumion and click on:
File -> Export -> Export Selected...
1.2: Select the .FBX file format followed by the Autodesk Media & Entertainment preset:
2. Method B: .MAX format
2.1: Alternatively, import the .MAX file in Lumion provided that you have installed 3ds Max on your computer.
Lumion will then open 3ds Max in the background and export the model to a temporary .FBX file during the import process.
3. Tips & Troubleshooting
3.1: Why can't you see the model after importing and placing it in your Scene?
- The Insertion Point for the Imported Model in Lumion corresponds to 0,0,0 in 3ds Max.
- If a model is far away from the Insertion Point in Lumion, you need to move the model closer to 0,0,0 in 3ds Max, before exporting it to Lumion.
3.2: Why can't you assign a Lumion material to individual surfaces?
- Lumion will always combine surfaces that use the same material in 3ds Max. If you want to assign a Lumion material to a specific surface, you must assign a unique material to that surface in 3ds Max before importing the model.
3.3: Why are the textures missing when you import your model?
- If you are using any other materials than the Standard material (eg, V-Ray, Physical, Arch & Design, MentalRay, Raytrace materials etc), the models will be untextured in Lumion. Please make sure that you convert all materials in the scene to Standard materials in 3ds Max. V-Ray and MentalRay materials can be converted with this MaxScript.
3.4: Why are some parts of your model flipped or invisible?
- This is usually because the model has been mirrored. Please apply a Reset Xform modifier via the Utilities tab. Then right-click on the model, select Object Properties and turn Backface Cull on to see which surfaces you need to flip manually.
3.5: Which Map Channels can Lumion import from 3ds Max?
- Lumion can import diffuse textures that have been assigned to the Diffuse Color Map Channel. Any other Map Channel textures will not be included (for example Specular, Opacity, Bump etc). Use one of the following texture file types for the diffuse textures: .JPG, .TGA, .BMP, .TIF, .PNG or .DDS.
- You can also include a Transparency mask in the so-called Alpha Channel of the texture if required (use a 32-bit .TGA or .PNG texture). There is more information in this article:
- Knowledge Base: How do you make some parts of a material transparent?
3.6: How do you import animated models from 3ds Max?
- Knowledge Base: How do you import animated objects in Lumion?
3.7: How do you replace imported objects with Library objects?