Editing a Blizzard Model in Gmax

[810]

Well i am pretty good at WE, but now i am starting to see a lot of custom models on the maps I play online in TfT and i want to make some too!

Problem: I dont want to go in over my head and make a model all on my own that is crap and doesnt work, so i'd rather just edit a Blizzard Model... I dont know how to get a Blizz model into Gmax for editing or Irfanview for textures. I know this is possible because i have seen it done a ton of times, if anyone knows, PLEASE HELP!!

I could also use a good modeling tutorial that will mainly show me how to edit models and how to save/import them into WE...

I also want to learn how to make and edit icons because they look far simpler than models and I think they are almost as cool if the per son making them has some artistic ability (and i think i do) So if anyone could direct me toward a tutorial that contains how to: Edit Blizzard icons, how to Save them correctly for use in WE, how to edit them correctly, and how to create your very own icons... Or even just 1 or 2 of those that i listed... Thanks!

 

[Ryuu]

If you didn't know anything about GMAX, try Magos's Model Editor instead. Tutorials were made in the Tutorial Section, go check it out!

 

[810]

I really need to know how to load a file from wc3 into a file converter... i know it is possible, but where do i find the file for the unit i want to load to put it in my file converter?

 

[Akatsuki]

If you want to create your own icons. I suggest going to the usesful tools and download the boarder pack. It's really useful and you get that Warcraft feeling with them. You need to have some what good graphics program such as GIMP or photoshop. One that can hold .tga files. If you don't have one then google GIMP. It's a free program. Icons are usually 64 by 64 pix. Save them in .tga and DO NOT check compression. Then I suggest you get the WC3 viewer II. http://www.wc3campaigns.net/showthread.php?t=83092. You can not only see already made icons but you can save your .tga into .blp which are need to import. It's pretty much like skin but a little different. http://www.thehelper.net/forums/showthread.php?t=44266 This will tell you have to edit already made icons.

And may I also suggest you try skinning. They are like the textures of the models. There are many tutorials on it. The only problem is that when you use a custom skin. The old skin gets overwritten. It's easier then modeling but you can still change the look of a unit. With limits. Also they take up less space.

 

[l-hate_you]

No no no I completely agree with 810 cause there are atleast 50 model makers on hiveworkshop that MUST have imported their models into GMax from Warcraft because there are Custom Models that are just like a Dreadlord with a Wolf head and different skin wrapped around that is called a Werewolf and that is what im interested in making instead of a couple of cubes with no animation.. SOMEBODY has to know how to get a Warcraft model into Gmax and I need some answers because Magos tutorial doesnt say how nor do any of his tools help at all, they only take a model from Gmax into Warcraft (which i have done successfully and the model looked like crap..) :banghead:

http://hiveworkshop.com/resources_new/models/2872/
http://hiveworkshop.com/resources_new/models/2470/
http://hiveworkshop.com/resources_new/models/1312/
http://hiveworkshop.com/resources_new/models/166/

so please SOMEBODY help us out- is it even possible to do in GMax? HELP

 

[810]

I believe it is possible to do in Gmax... I just did the skinning tut for the Gimp and it tells quite a bit about files and such... I also did some guy's tut where he used a different modeling program that was good but still crap in usefulness compared to Gmax...

But now i do know how to open a wc3 person into the modeling program in the tut and I am now going to try to do it in Gmax and i will get back to you guys asap.

 

[Akatsuki]

They don't import into Gmax. Because most of them don't own Gmax. They own Milkshape or 3dstudio. Also Magos's Model editor can also edit models such as added small weapons. There are ways to import it into Gmax. Try this script.
http://rapidshare.com/files/39722340/MDX_Importer.mse.html I would just attach it but I can't. It took me about 5 hours to find it when I was looking for it. I thought I deleted this long ago. Don't waste too much time on it. Try to make it load was a pain. But trying to find it was also a big pain.

Unfortunately I forgot how to use it.

 

[l-hate_you]

Hey! I found an importer for GMax and it works! (except with no skin or animations? I'll live!)

http://world-editor-tutorials.thehelper.net/files/impexpmdx.zip

Run either of those scripts in MaxScript in Gmax (try both) and then click on the name "MDX Import/Export" in the drop down list (right under the Run button, only option in list) and then the thin scrollbar should go way up- so scroll down, and WOOOO you can import and export MDX -->REALLY EASY<--

but i tried importing an MDX with the "All" button checked (Static is recommended) and the animations were all wrong OBVIOUSLY so just do static and make statues and attachments- or make your own animations (which is no big deal) YESS


Edit: The Export feature for that doesnt seem to work but i assume we all know how to export with Dex Script it isnt that difficult.. but it is annoying -.-

 

[810]

Heh.

Nice job finding that.

And no we dont all know how to use dex.. please direct me to a tutorial or explain!

 

[l-hate_you]

http://world-editor-tutorials.thehelper.net/magos.php right there, step #8 - its pretty self explainatory if you follow the instructions. start that step when you have a finished model with textures and animations but make sure you know the texture file names for that step too since you have to put them in the .mdl file in notepad- the tutorial says all that though
Basically dex script is just like the other script that allows you to import but it gives you a TON of characters in the "read script" part of the Max Script which you have to copy and paste section by section (theres a max number of chars you can select in it? dont ask me..) into notepad, edit a few things, and convert that notepad (.mdl) file into .mdx using the mdl-mdx file converter also given on the tutorial website. As a last note, whenever you convert with that program it pops up and error message but IT STILL WORKED! it still successfully converted the .mdl, even test it out. (it says on the website i believe and it worked anyways for me..) good luck