3ds Max Plugin FAQ

nerseus · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 1636 Location: USA - AZ

I wrote this up for a private group, but figured this needs to be shared.

3ds Max Plugin FAQ:

Versions of Max, in order (oldest to newest):
Max 7 click here for official IMVU plugin
Max 8 click here for official IMVU plugin
Max 9 Right-click to save the nerseus plugin (see below for instructions)
Max 2008 Right-click to save the nerseus plugin (see below for instructions)
Max 2009 (no plugin available, I think)
Max 2010 32bit - click here for official IMVU plugin
Max 2011 32bit - click here for official IMVU plugin
OR
Max 2011 32bit AND 64bit - Right-click to save the nerseus plugin (see below for instructions)
Max 2012 32bit AND 64bit - Right-click to save the nerseus plugin (see below for instructions)
Max 2013 (no plugin available)

Max 7, 8, 2010 32bit, 2011 32bit:
IMVU now has an installer for the above versions of Max. Click here for official IMVU plugin

Max 9, Max 2008, Max 2011 (32bit and 64bit), Max 2012 (32bit and 64bit):
There is no official plugin from IMVU for these versions of Max (except for Max 2011 32bit).
There is an experimental plugin for the versions listed above coded by nerseus. Check out the info and download in the forum thread. nerseus has been using this plugin to make ALL kinds of items for IMVU (clothing, furniture, accessories, skeletal animations, and morph animations).

General Troubleshooting

Plug-in installed but Cal3D not showing up in export list:
Check that the two files are located in the correct folder. Depending on your O/S type (32bit or 64bit Windows) and the installed version of Max, the location may be different. In general, check here:
* c:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2012\ (cal3D.DLL)
* c:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2012\plugins (cal3D.DLE)

1: "Program Files" might be "Program Files (x86)" on your computer.
2: The name of the DLL will vary. Look for "cal3D" or "imvu" in the DLL name
3: The name of the DLE will vary. Look for "cal3D" or "imvu" in the DLE name. The plugins folder should have very few files

If you do NOT have the DLL or DLE, then you can get them from one of two places. If you are using the standard IMVU setup, you must first make sure you choose "Separate Exporter Installation" during the setup wizard. If you didn't or you're not sure, uninstall and reinstall. It's quick and easy and requires no reboot. When the setup is done, you'll have the following folder:
C:\Program Files (x86)\IMVU Cal3D Exporter for 3ds Max\

Under that folder you will find the DLL and a subfolder for each version of Max that should contain the DLE.

If you have a version of max not supported by IMVU's setup you can use the other download from nerseus. That is a zip file containing the various DLL and DLE files. The filenames should tell you which version you need.

Got CFL Checksum error while submitting:
This is an issue with Vista. Details to fix are on a forum thread.

Getting error "Failed to Initialize" while launching Max
If you're SURE you have the DLE and DLL files in the right spot (especially on Max Cool

, then try to install the following package of support DLLs from Microsoft:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)

Getting (another) error while launching Max
If the DLE is copied to the plugins folder but the supporting DLL is not in the root Max install folder you will get an error. Reinstall the plugin or copy the DLL to the right location.

Starting with Windows Vista and continuing with Windows 7, there are two versions of Windows: a 32bit version and a 64bit version. In general, a 64bit O/S can run 32bit programs but not the other way around. So a 64bit version of Windows can run the 64bit or 32bit version of Max, but a 32bit version of Windows can only run the 32bit version of Max.

There is still a limitation for plugins and other "compiled" code - all parts must use the same "bit" type. That is, if you have a 64bit Windows running a 64bit Max, you cannot use the 32bit plugin - it will give an error while launching Max. If you have a 64bit Windows running a 32bit Max, you cannot use the 64bit plugin. The plugin "bit" must match the Max "bit."

You CAN have 32bit and 64bit version of Max installed, side-by-side (that is, both installed at the same time - each runs separately and has its own settings, etc.)

Here are the valid combinations (always match the plugin "bit" to the Max "bit"):
* Windows = 64bit, Max = 64bit, plugin must be 64bit (to match Max)
---- Install folder is c:\Program Files\Autodesk\...

* Windows = 64bit, Max = 32bit, plugin must be 32bit (to match Max)
---- Install folder is c:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\...

* Windows = 32bit, Max = 32bit, plugin must be 32bit (to match Max)
---- Install folder is c:\Program Files\Autodesk\...

What about version XX of the Cal3d plugin?
Versions of the Cal3d plugin from WorldViz do NOT work. Other "Cal3D exporters" will very likely NOT work either. IMVU has written a LOT of extra code that's not in the open source version of Cal3D. You must use an IMVU version of the plugin. See notes above for the specific version.

-ner

maxvot · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 11 Location: India

WOW! great mate. If you need any help from my side please let me know.
I have working on 3ds Max for last 12 years. I might be of your help if you need.
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LadyInBlack21 · Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 1388 Location: Belgium

I've got version 9... Sad

Was wondering why it didn't work... Lol, now I know.
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Cassiopeia · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 5888 Location: United Kingdom

stickied )
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Beware of geeks bearing gifts.

Axxo7k · Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 14 Location: United Kingdom

I used to have 3ds max 7 but have recently been given the 2009 version..

Is there any way I can get an exporter for that ?

Would be really appreciated if someone knows if one is now available out there somewhere that works with IMVU as I got no way to get 3ds max 7 again & have to pretty much use the 2009 version..

Thanks..

Kay!

EternaSky · Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Posts: 4561 Location: Singapore

VeIson · Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 817 Location: USA - SC

What if you get max after installing previewer? Do you need to reinstall previewer?
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Dust · Joined: 09 Aug 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Canada

THe plugin doesn't work on my 3dsmax. I'm using 3dsmax 7 and the old previewer. Any help?

nerseus · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 1636 Location: USA - AZ

@Axxo7k & Eterna:
I don't have any access to Max 2009 and unlikely my current employer will be purchasing it. If someone has a copy of Max 2009 (and not the slimmed down "Design" version or a trial), I'd look into sharing the sourcecode for the plugin. If anyone is waiting on me, it may be awhile - if ever.

@velc0n:
If you want to install (or re-install) the plugin at anytime, just copy the 2 files. Instructions are provided for Max 8, Max 9 and Max 2008. If you need it for Max 7 just reinstall the previewer - that's the easiest way. If you look at the section "Manual Copy For Max 8" then you'll see which two files you need and where to copy them.

@Dotbie:
The plugin gets installed when you install the previewer. I'd suggest installing the previewer again - that's the easiest way to get the files where you want. It should "just work" if the files are copied to the right place. If you're still having trouble, just let us know what the problem is. For example, do you get errors when starting max? Maybe you just don't see the file type in the Export dialog? Maybe you export, but things aren't working? I'm a horrible guesser so just let us know what you know Smile

-ner

nerseus · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 1636 Location: USA - AZ

I'm guessing Axxo7k may not care, as it appears the account is disabled?

But in 64bit plugin news:
I did some research last night. I linked to the 64bit libraries, changed my compile options, kicked the flux capacitor and upped the gigawatt inputs... it may be possible to have a 64bit plugin. But, without anyone to test it, I'm going to go back to watching por... I mean, working on 3d stuff.

-ner

P.S. I was going to say "...watching Porl Thompson," guitarist for The Cure, which releases their 13th studio album on October 13th, 2008. But that didn't seem relevant to the plugin thread. And now I've gone and said something anyway...

Firesaph · Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 2824 Location: United Kingdom

me i want to test it i have 64 bit Smile

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Free Gift Every Month For Active Users Here >>> www.firesaph.co.uk
Bling Me!

Cymae · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 3847 Location: New Zealand

bibirasta · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 418 Location: Spain

hi i have the max 8, I have done this,

yuikami · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 87 Location: Thailand

Thankyu rweally much xD!!
Yui was having this problem with MAX9 but you solved it!!
you're the lifesaver >v<!
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Stereotype much? - Pro Dev

KingBootsHailstorm · Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Posts: 5 Location: USA - NC

I am a fairly new developer and would like to know were i may get 3d max this may seem like a dumb question but everyone was at the point i am now at one time or another. I would appreciate it plz leave me a message on my hp about it as i am a bit scatter brained ( yes i admit it lol) and it is hard for me to navigate back here. Again i would really appreciate it ty - boots