Microsoft Knowledge Base

• Softimage 3D for IRIX versions 3.5, 3.51
• Softimage 3D for Windows NT versions 3.0, 3.01, 3.51

SUMMARY

This article explains how the Direct3D X Export tool works and how to view a model with the Direct3D viewer.

MORE INFORMATION

The Direct3D X Export tool is a conversion tool, located in the Tools module, that lets you export polygon mesh objects from Softimage 3D to Direct3D X file format (an ASCII file identified with a .x extension). The converted X-files maintain the hierarchical information of your scene. Even when you export an object without animation, the converter creates an X-file with a hierarchy. The object is treated as a single-frame animation, so you must load it as a "Frame."

If you want to view a model with the Direct3D viewer:

1. Choose Open Frame to load the object. The Direct3D viewer can load non-hierarchical "mesh" files, and hierarchical "Frames" and "Animations." When you choose Open Mesh, it fails, even if there is only one mesh because the meshes are encapsulated in Frame templates.

2. Choose "Open Animation" to view the meshes with animation.

3. To make the Direct3D view output look like Softimage 3D, select the Gourand, RGB model, and Dithering options in the Renderer menu.

REFERENCES

Softimage 3D Release Notes for Windows NT, Softimage 3D, version 3.51

If you have any questions about the information in this article, contact support@softimage.com by e-mail.