Revit 2011 FBX to 3ds Max 2011 Tips

I wanted to organize a few tips when exporting from Revit 2011 to FBX format and going into 3ds Max 2011…

1.  Keep the Revit \ Max version in mind

A Revit 2011 FBX export should be imported into 3ds Max 2011 due to the protein appearance format.  For additional information see the technical solution here.

2.  Apply the 3ds Max Hotfix 4

Hotfix 4 – Autodesk 3ds Max 2011
Hotfix 4 – Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011

There were several FBX improvements, including 3 specific to Revit with the 3ds Max 2011 hotfixes.  I have included the 3 from the readme below:

•FBX files from Autodesk® Revit® with RPC content loaded as empty scenes; all of the content now loads correctly.
•An empty scene was created when loading RPC assets from Autodesk® Revit® through FBX.  An empty scene is no longer loaded.
•When using Autodesk Revit 2011, FBX texture maps were using GUID labels for naming texture maps; texture maps now use their appropriate file names.

3.  Update the FBX Plug-in to 2011.3.1

From 3ds Max 2011 > Import > FBX > Web Updates > Yes > Download Free FBX Plug-ins, FBX Converter, and FBX QuickTime Viewer > FBX 2011.3.1 Plug-in for 3ds Max 2011 [32-Bit or 64-Bit].  Close Max 2011, run and install, launch Max 2011.

4.  Where are the Revit materials stored?

After you update the FBX Plug-in version, the .FBM folder issue is corrected for importing and linking FBX files.  The .FBM folder will now be created and saved in the same location as the FBX file you imported \ linked.

Previously, before the updated plug-in version, the materials were always unpackaged to the users %Temp% folder.  While the hotfix corrected some of the naming issues, in order to have the .FBM folder created [which contains the un-packaged materials, .xml files, .mi files, and .exr files] ensure to update the FBX Plug-in from step #3 as well.

5.  Preparing the model and exporting \ linking \ importing into Max

Included below is a quick process to take from Revit to Max via FBX:

•  In Revit, in a 3D View hide elements or use a section box you do not want to be included in the export.
•  The default 3D View you do this in will be included in the FBX file.
•  R >  Export > FBX, name and save file.
•  Next you want to link the file into Max.  From the File Link Manager, browse and select the FBX file to attach.  Or import under Import > Import.
•  Rendering > Render Setup > Assign Renderer > mental ray Renderer.

6.  Additional documentation

If you have access I would recommend reviewing the Autodesk University Revit® to 3ds Max® via Autodesk® FBX® documentation or screencast here.

In addition, the Revit 2011 Help Documentation has the process + tips here.

If anyone has any additional items they would like to add please leave a comment below! 

 

Comments

[Geof Narlee]

Does anyone know if this addresses the issue of AutoDesk preventing 3rd Parties to access Revit materials defined in the FBX? There was a change between 2010 and 2011 where this ability was dropped due to using Protein2 materials. AutoDesk has a converter, but has elected not to make it public as yet.