LightWave to DAZ -- Export OBJ… > > >LightWave to DAZ -- Export OBJ…

LightWave to DAZ -- Export OBJ and Import to DAZ Issues

Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
edited December 1969 in Technical Help (nuts n bolts)

Hey, everyone --

First off, let me offer myself up as a cautionary tale. I actually solved the problem I'm facing now back in March of 2012. I even wrote up the step-by-step instructions on how to export LightWave .lwo files to .OBJs, and then import them into DAZ with their UV maps intack. Heck, I even have a partially-finished model that I'm looking to share that has an exported UV. Unfortunately, those steps were all on the old forum, and not the new one, and I didn't save a local copy.

Bad Avindair. No biscuit.

So, I'm back to square one.

Here is what I'm trying to do: I am creating some props for my 3D comic and also for a free "give-away" to DAZ users. I've included some shots of the pieces I've already knocked together, and an quick example of one possible arrangement. The modeling, UV mapping, and surfacing aren't a problem. The whole thing, unfortunately, falls down on import into DAZ.

Okay, here is what I'm doing:

1. Export model (which has UV maps and associated image files located in the object location) to an OBJ.
2. Import the OBJ into DAZ Studio.
3. Model loads fine, but no UV maps are found.

I've tried this both as one massive OBJ file, and as individual pieces. I never, ever get the UV maps to come across.

At t his point I'm at a loss. The UV maps are there, but DAZ will not read them.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Avindair

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image0000_001_09-24-08.jpg
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Comments

  • JimmyC_2009JimmyC_2009 Posts: 8,891
    edited December 1969

    The UV Map info is contained in the OBJ format. If the textures are not loading, try putting the OBJ into the same folder as the textures, DS may not be able to see them? You can look at the UV Map inside DS by selecting UV View from the Camera drop down, and select a surface in the Surfaces tab, that will tell you if the UV Map is in the OBJ or not.

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    JimmyC_2009 said:
    The UV Map info is contained in the OBJ format. If the textures are not loading, try putting the OBJ into the same folder as the textures, DS may not be able to see them? You can look at the UV Map inside DS by selecting UV View from the Camera drop down, and select a surface in the Surfaces tab, that will tell you if the UV Map is in the OBJ or not.

    Thanks for the suggestion. Now I have a new issue: When I select a surface on the imported OBJ and scroll down to the "UV Set" drop-down, there is nothing to select. Yet if I select the "UV" view, I see the UV for the WashBasin.

    Allow me to be the first to say "HUH?!"

    So...the UV is there, but not selectable. What the heck?

    Again, any help would be appreciated.

  • JimmyC_2009JimmyC_2009 Posts: 8,891
    edited December 1969

    There is a drop down menu in the surfaces tab at the right hand side, looks like lines with a triangle, and you can use the option to 'Load UV Set' in there. I know that there was a problem in one of the earlier versions, but I hope it is working now.

    Let me know how you get on :)

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    JimmyC_2009 said:
    There is a drop down menu in the surfaces tab at the right hand side, looks like lines with a triangle, and you can use the option to 'Load UV Set' in there. I know that there was a problem in one of the earlier versions, but I hope it is working now.

    Thanks for the heads-up on that feature! As it was, I took a chance and just started applying surface information from the image files. Sure enough, it worked with the UV maps that, apparently, were already there. Not named, but there.

    Weird.

    So, surfaced up a couple of pieces, and shot some test renders. Now if I can only remember how to save these objects as DAZ files I think I'll be golden.

    (Aside: Yes, there is UV stretching on the basin. It was a quick UV to test this problem. :))

    Arch.png
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    Basin.png
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  • JimmyC_2009JimmyC_2009 Posts: 8,891
    edited December 1969

    Glad you have it solved. All of the save options are under the File > Save As menu option. The new DAZ Scene files are in the .DUF format, not .DAZ any more. They save a lot faster too.

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    JimmyC_2009 said:
    Glad you have it solved. All of the save options are under the File > Save As menu option. The new DAZ Scene files are in the .DUF format, not .DAZ any more. They save a lot faster too.

    I'm actually not using 4.5 yet, as I render a fair amount with Reality 2.2. Until that plugin works with 4.5 I'll be holding off on the upgrade. Result: .DAZ and .DSF files.

    Okay, so as to NOT forget what I learned today (and to help other LightWave users):

    -----
    CURRENT LIGHTWAVE TO DAZ PROCESS

    1. Model objects in LightWave Modeler
    2. Once objects are completed (modeled, non-planar polygons tripled, all polygons greater than four sides tripled, UV maps created, and textures applied) save the completed object (and its layers, if necessary) as an .lwo file.
    3. Copy the object (or the object layer) to a new object. Ensure the pivot point is properly set, and F3 (or Alt-F3 for Mac users) to center tje object and place it on the "floor" (0 on the Y axis).
    4. Export the model as an . OBJ.
    5. Import the .OBJ into DAZ Studio.
    6. Select the surface(s), and modify the following attributes:

    a. Adjust smoothing angle as needed.
    b. Apply Diffuse, Specular, Bump, and Normal maps as needed.

    7. Save the object as both a .DSF and as a DAZ file.
    8. Update databases to allow the content library system to recognize the new prop.
    ----

    I still have a number of challenges ahead:

    1. Bundling new objects to share out to other users.
    2. Creating installers.

    ...but I think I've knocked out enough for today.

    Thanks again for your help, Jimmy!

    Avindair

  • JimmyC_2009JimmyC_2009 Posts: 8,891
    edited December 1969

    Reality has been updated to work in 4.5, you can get it from the Pret-a-3D site.

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    JimmyC_2009 said:
    Reality has been updated to work in 4.5, you can get it from the Pret-a-3D site.

    You, sir, rock!

    Will do!

  • MattymanxMattymanx Posts: 6,973
    edited December 1969

    This may be of some use to you for the future (and if you want to make your props DS and Poser compatable)

    3D Model Conversions: (Since your working directly in LW you can skip over the first part)
    http://www.mediafire.com/view/?adtf0812j6py43i

    Dealing with Zipped poser content:
    http://www.mediafire.com/view/?oqcf29kmigzd3gk

    OBJ2PP2: Poser Prop Exporter plugin for DS3 & DS4
    http://www.mediafire.com/?3m5gbz5f8bjjgjm

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    Mattymanx said:
    This may be of some use to you for the future (and if you want to make your props DS and Poser compatable):

    Thanks so much for this!

    As it is, I spent a fair amount of time researching the move from 4.0 to 4.5 last night. Given that I'm close to an act break on the first issue that will allow me to change locations (and, honestly, costumes) with no problems, I've decided to hold off until the upgrade until then. I just don't my workflow slowed down by possible duplicate ID problems and loss of character design issues.

    (Of course, to be perfectly frank, I have exported the characters to LIghtWave and can pose and render them there if needed...but that would violate one of my personal "rules" for this project. :))

  • ElowanElowan Posts: 388
    edited December 1969

    Any progress on this project?

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    Actually, Issues 1 through 3 are completed. That makes up the first act of the story, which I'm happy to report is completely written. All that's left (ha!) for the comic now is to produce the hundreds of panels of artwork for all eight issues and I can put this project to bed.

    By the way, not kidding about the "hundreds of panels" comment. Issue 3 is comprised of 277 individual shots. Given that each shot is a multipass render affair, often utilizing several different packages per frame, and it's a gargantuan effort.

    Fortunately, I love the work.

    Check out the website (which is overdue for a major overhaul) and start with Issue 1. Issue 3 is currently going through its online publication schedule, but is "in the can" and about to go out to reviewers to drum up some interest.

    You know...once I figure out WHO to send the issues to in order to get some interest...

  • MattymanxMattymanx Posts: 6,973
    edited December 1969

    Have a look at this thread here - http://www.foundation3d.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16030

    He is going in the opposite direction but he may give you some insight into your issue

    The only thing off the top of my head I can recommend it trying to run the OBJ through another program before taking it into DS.

    DeepExploration, PoseRay and AccuTrans3D are the only ones I know of that will handle LWO files.

  • Tony BrunoTony Bruno Posts: 28
    edited December 1969

    Mattymanx:

    Thanks for the link! I actually used to spend a LOT of time over at F3D. These days, that time goes to the comic.

    I've actually got a good process to bring my LW3D objects into DAZ now. Nothing too special: Export as .OBJ, with UV maps already laid-out and surfaces applied, and then the .mtl file brings in what I need on the DAZ side.

    THAT being said, these days I tend to just shoot my background plates in LW, and then comp them in Photoshop for the final panels.

    Again, thanks for the link!

  • Shield WolfShield Wolf Posts: 53

    Hi Tony,

     

    I certainly appreciate your summary above. I to am. Going through this process but as a beginner,

     

    Thanks,

    Randy

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