3d Objects

[Badhurst]

Here's a simple checklist of things to do to create models that will absolutely show up under any circumstances.

1. Use polys only, no Nurbs, Sub-ds, or anything else.
2. Only use quad faces, no n-gons or triangulated faces.
3. Make sure your object is oriented toward the Z camera
4. Make sure to follow richards instructions on how to name the models exactly.
5. Make sure to output only the selected model not the entire scene.
6. check you scale, if it is in mm, your model may be so small that it will look like a pinhole. If you have been working in very small units, just double check that you aren't making models that are too small.
7. try to use double sided geometry, i.e not planes. Instead of a plane use a very thin cube primitive, this way you are guaranteed not to have any reversed faces.
8. If you need to use planes, turn on your normals and make sure they face the Z axis. Catalyst seems to orient the model towards the Z axis.
If you're still having problem try outputting your model without any shading or bump/displacement.
Z axis on many modeling packages is not height it is depth as in from the cameras point of veiw. Only in architectural and 3dmax is Z up and down. You can change this preference in most packages so that Z isup.

I know that if you follow these steps your model should work. Experiment though in your spare time and try all types of geometry and faces. I'm not saying that they won't work, I just know what will.

Anyone with any in depth 3d questions, feel free to pm me and post here.

Christian

Hey Christian,

Can you please help. I have followed your advice....so chuffed to find it....and ensured my obj's meet the checklist points. Im working in Maya and Catalyst 4.40 m466B. The 3D object is a fairly simple shape: a scale model of a fashion show catwalk. I want to use the obj to keystone my mix to the catwalk. I have had this working back in 2009...Im sure I have....but can't seem to replicate now.

Ive been slightly confused between trying to use the VFX 160 approach(which doesnt seem to display or be affected by my model...there is no sign that my model is there at all when I use this approach) Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 12.37.10.png and using the Model Screen option in the Mix Options which does allow me to select my Model:Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 12.36.29.png.

The closest Ive managed is with the Model Screen approach where an orthographic view of my model from front has shown up in centre of mix with red and green crosshairs either side/ top and bottom. This doesnt seem to be editable in any way though...or rotatable etc... and layer image/input doesnt display anywhere ....just a white empty shape.

Can you please shed some light on this for me?.....many many thanks....eel free to ask for more screenies or report or more info/ files if it might help?

Cheers,
Henry