Lampshade transparency

[Puybaret]

If the mtl file is the same in both cases, it's probably due to some normals that were changed in Wings3D.

[Tic]

You're right, I find out that SH3D and wings3d generate different normal directions: while in SH3D vertex normals are orthogonal to faces, in wings3d they spread out radially;
Also the amount of normals and faces is different.

This affercts somehow surface reflection and material refraction.

I tried to export form wings3d to 3DS and then import in SH3D but unfortunately the resutl is quite the same.

So I think there's no way to solve the problem if I want to keep on modelling in wings3d [:(]

[hansmex]

Tic,

Instead of Wings3D, you could try Art of Illusion , or Misfit Model 3D .

Hans

[Puybaret]

Or maybe find the way to configure normals computation in Wings3D.

[Tic]

Thank you guys for your suuport and suggestions!
Even though I am not as much familiar with AoI or MM3D as I am with Wings3D, I'll try them.
At the moment there is no other choice for me since I have no knoledge in processinig data files... but it could be a challange for the future, never say never...

Thanks again

[BLAlley]

Instead of being cryptic, can't you guys just clearly explain a solution? I want to do the same thing, and even after reading every post in the thread, I still have no idea how to make something more transparent.

[hansmex]

Bkalley,

Instead of being rude, could you ask in a friendly and polite manner what you want to know? We might be tempted to answer you...

Transparency can be obtained in several manners in SH3D.
1 - By modifying the OBJ file.
This is described earlier in this thread. It's not the easiest way, but gives you rather fine control of the results. You will have to experiment and be patient to get good results.
2 - By applying a transparent texture.
You can make a transparent texture from a PNG or GIF file, and then apply it to a part of your model. I've used these images to make several textures that I sometimes use. When using walls, you may want to coat one side of your wall with a completely transparent texture.
3 - By using an external program.
SH3D is meant for interior decorating, not as a 3D design program. You may want to use Blender, Art of Illusion or some similar program to get the desired results.

Hans

[okh]

Just so I understand. Transparent GIFs/PNGs are supported for furniture materials, but not for (walls or) floors? Just trying a (semi-)transparent floor (for a swimming-pool).

ok

PS - trying with hansmex' texture above, walls and floors render in opaque black and furniture/objects in semi-transparent black

PPS Quite obviously not an important issue as there are easy workarounds.

[hansmex]

Transparent GIFs and PNGs can be used on objects and walls.
Remember that a wall has two sides, so you need to apply two (different?) transparent textures to make a wall transparent.

I've never tried it, but floors and ceilings should also become transparent with transparent textures.

Note that transparency is only correctly shown when you make a photo or video of quality level 3 or 4.

Hans

[okh]

Ah so. Thanks. Back to the drawing board. Must have messed up the transparency levels in my png. ok

PS BTW, quality rendering on the celron processor I'm using right now is NOT recommended....