Converting Non-Human Creatures to Maya or Max

Non-Human models are actually characters that do not contain a standard iClone bone rig setup.

You are able to export non-human models in the FBX format so that you can do key-frame animations in another 3D tool such as Maya and 3DS Max.

Although Unity and Unreal also support FBX files, they are not included in this pipeline because loading a static non-human model to these two game engines only increases the size of the scene.

Step 1: Loading a Non-Human Creature without Animations

A non-human model contains bone structure and one or more meshes, while the meshes are bound to the bones so that when the bones move or rotate, the meshes are driven to act along with the bones.

The sources of the static non-human models can be:

FBX files from Maya, Max, DAZ 4, and Shade. Please refer to The Export FBX Settings from 3D Tools section for more information.

Non-human models from Maya or Max.

Character from DAZ 4.

iAvatar, iProp, and VNS from iClone. Please refer to The Influences of DRM and License Mechanisms on Exporting Assets section for more information about the limitation for exporting iClone assets.


iAvatar: Non-human.	iProp: Animals with bone structures.	VNS: Earlier formats of bone-skinned porps of iClone asset.

Step 2: Exporting the Model in FBX format

Execute the File > Export to Other 3D Format > Export FBX... command.
In the Export FBX panel, use the Target Tool Preset drop-down list to auto-load the settings for Maya or 3DS Max. Please refer to The Settings for Exporting an FBX File section for more information about the details of the settings.
Click the OK button to export the model in FBX format.

Step 3: Loading and Setting the Key-frame Animations in Maya or 3DS Max

Import the FBX file into Maya or 3DS Max with the settings below:
- Maya (FBX plugin 2012.2 version or above)
  - Select the Add item from the File content drop-down list in the Include section.
- 3DS Max (FBX plugin 2012.2 version or above)
  - Select the Add item from the File content drop-down list in the Include section.
Adjust the bones to posture the model in different time frames and set keys to the bone structure.
Play back to view the time-frame animation.

Note:

Although Unity and Unreal also support the FBX format, importing a static non-human model to them will only increase the size of the project because these two 3D tools do not provide key-frame animation features, therefore importing a bone structure is merely a waste.

If you want to import models in FBX format to Unity or Unreal, then you need to export bone-skinned models along with animations or motions rather than bone-skinned models only. Please refer to the section below for more information:

Converting Non-Humans with Animations


Non-human models from Maya or Max.	Character from DAZ 4.