Creating Models including Glass

[connomar]

I've used Sweethome3d for many years, and used to model furniture using Art of Illusion. I seem to vaguely remember that one could name an object in AoI with something like sweethome3d_window_pane, and it would automatically be transparent when the OBJ file was imported.

I am now using a very old version of 3D Studio called GMAX and wonder if the same technique can be used. However, I have searched the forum for a memory refresh and can't find any reference to these names. Can anyone help please?

[okh]

Yes, an group in an obj file can be made to reflect when rendering using the [font=courier new]sweethome3d_window_mirror[/font] prefix. The group can be named manually in the .obj file - or with software like Blender. How to do it with GMAX I would not know, but point is that the group is named correctly in the .obj file.

As it happens, version 6.0 has added a lot more possible group prefixes - you can read mora about it in thread 8704#39644 Sweet Home 3D 6.0.

ok

[okh]

Oops, sorry, should have read more closely. The prefix in the .obj file makes the surface reflective. For transparency you need to set transparency in the model. This should be exported to the .mtl file that goes with the .obj file. Depending on the software, it may also be possible to use a transparent .png texture on the group. ok

[connomar]

Thanks so much for your help.

I've not succeeded yet, but I've found an object I created sometime ago with glass which actually worked. I really just need to bite the bullet and learn Blender. My current workflow destroys the names applied to object elements. GMAX doesn't export to obj, so I have to convert the MDL file it is exporting to obj.

As my usual 3D work is creating airport scenery for MS Flight Simulator, my familiarity with those tools seemed a much easier path.

Should have known better.

Thanks again.

[Puybaret]

If your export tool is able to generate also MTL files, you're not obliged to name window parts [font=courier new]sweethome3d_window_mirror[/font].
Transparency is described in the lines starting by [font=courier new]d[/font]. Using a line like:

Code: Select all

d 0.5

gives generally good results.

[connomar]

Excellent, thanks so much Emmanuel.

[connomar]

Adding d 0.5 to the MTL material description worked for the normal display, but the Photo Generation in the top two levels still produces opaque glass. Is there another condition needed for the photos?