Model problems...

#1 Wow... what?!

Okay man, one step at a time:

1) You are using Milkshape 3D. Check.

2) You exported your mesh into *.obj format to UV map it. Check.

3) You paint your skin/ texture. Check.

4) You import the *.obj file back into Milkshape, apply your skin(s) and animate. Check?

Now, the problem is that when you export or "refresh textures" your vertices displace themselves?

Where? In the exported mesh or in Milkshape?

If it's in Milkshape, are you using a custom skeleton or the player skeleton provided with the exporter?

You need to be more specific here... I'd love to be of help, but I'm not really understanding the problem fully.

Maybe if you posted a more specific version of the problem, step by stpe with a screenshot or two to illustrate what it is that is happening.

#2 Ok...im using a skeleton i made from scratch...im trying to get u pics but it seams in milkshape the problem solved itself...i dont know how but it isn't doing it in milkshape...but when i view it in torque show tool it is...i think it may have something to do with my smoothing groups...but it still doesnt change when i export and switch to torque show...and i dont exactly no how to show you the pick cause i dont have a website up

#3 Free image hosting:
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free+image+hosting&btnG=Google+Search

#4 This is the before
img420.imageshack.us/img420/8312/before0va.png
this is what it looks like after
img282.imageshack.us/img282/6126/torqueshowtoolpro2005112917504.png

i think it might have something to do with the dts plus cause i used the regular with the opt scale and it worked...the only problem is i cant get the dsq's to work with from dts plus

#5 Okay, things are becoming a bit clearer...

IIRC there are several different exporters and version available for MS3D.

Step 2 would be to try exporting your character (worry about animation after... one thing at a time (C; ) with a different exporter and see what happens. That will tell you loads.

#6 Well last night before i passed out i did try it on the original exporter for milkshape(the one where the only way to scale it was to make a material opt:scale=0.03 or what have u and it worked...the only problem is i cant get the dsq's to work now

#7 Well, that gives you some valuable information though - it tells you that your model is okay, and that everything (minus animations) exports correctly when you setup the options properly.

The next step IMO would be to go back to the exporter documentation (DTSPlus!) and make sure you're not doing something wrong somehow. Start, literally from square 1 and work your way forward, one step at a time - see if you did something just a bit off.

I'm currently at work, so I don't have access to MS3D/ Torque at the moment or I'd dig in and take a closer look.

#8 Now im thinking it has something to do with it not liking my single smoothing group

#9 Now im positive it has something to do with smoothing groups...if i let milkshape autosmooth it makes the blcok thing happen...if i leave it on a single smoothing group with auto smooth unchecked its fine....does that mean the exporter is forcing different smoothing groups on my model?

#10 That is an excellent question Stephen... unfortunately it's one I don't have an answer for.

Does the model look "smoothed" in sho tool, or is it faceted/ blocky like when you put it on "flat shaded" in Milkshape?

If it's not blocked out, where you can see every surface, then yes, there is some smoothing being applied I'd think.

#11 Only the sides...the second pic i posted should show it

its only blocking certain parts

#12 So basically, there are visible "creases" at key locations... gotcha.

My guess would be that it is indeed something with the smoothing groups.

I find, when my smoothing groups go wonky, a very easy fix (barring skeletal rigging and animation) is to export the mesh as *.3ds (which is a pretty basic and "raw" format, no animations, etc.) and then import the result as a new mesh.

At this point, your smooths will be stripped, but you can apply a fresh new smoothing group to the model an it's all good.

Of course, in your case you'd have to re-assign the skeletal rig and, depending on how complex your skeleton/ model combo is, might be less than optimal. Judging by the model though, I'd say it wouldn't take too long to do.

#13 So my first mistake was animating it before checking on it in torque....i guess that would have saved me redoing the animations...thanks...im gonna try it...i'll let u nkow in a bit what happens

#14 Ok i just did what u said and my model is black when in smooth or textured...
the flat shaded shows though

#15 I dont know if this helps but i exported as lightwave(lwo)and imported it back...i could apply my textures but i was able to export and view without the seams

#16 Dear Friends,

Can you help me out on how to export a model to torque which is developed in Max / Maya. what all do I need to do to export it to torque. Do i need to have torque game engine with us. we do not have any expertise in that as we are 3D Artist and never handled. any game engine. we used to deliver the model in Max or Maya format and then client used to do the exporting..... your guidance will be highly appreciated.

NG