Hey... I am currenty working on a project in OpenGL, and I have designed some objects in 3D Studio Max and now i want to import them into my OpenGL code. So i need to write some sort of .3ds Loader class that will load the 3d model. I'm asking for any help what so ever on the subject, im pretty much starting from scratch...any links that any one has, or maybe if anyone has written one of these themeselves could give me soem pointers on how they started it. I dont know too much about importing 3D models into an OpenGL program...if i load in a model does it only load in the vertices and polygons? If i texture an object in 3D Studio Max, do I have to texture it again in my OpenGL code? I was also wondering how animation works with these models? I know it may seem a bit far off from where i am at the moment, but ultimately that it what i am aiming towards. As i say, I would be greatly appreciative on any help that anyone could provide me with. Thanks

I've been using lib3ds (http://lib3ds.sourceforge.net) for a few years now and think it's an easy and fast way to use 3ds files in your projects.

cheers buddy...I've had a quick look at the library you sugested, but im more interested in coding one myself.

Thanks very much for the link though

Linky... from the forum FAQ actually. :)

Instead of loading .3ds files I went for the approach of writing an exporter in MAXScript which was much easier to read and understand.

You're more than welcome to use it if you like.

It supports Vertex/Face Data, Texture Coordinates/Faces, Materials & Paths and Colour Per Vertex

You can get source for reference here

http://www.sulaco.co.za/opengl_project_3DS_file_loading.htm

Daniel

http://dan59314.myweb.hinet.net