Importing a file saved with Max 2018 to Max 2015

[jmachado1949]

I would like to know if there's a way to import or open a 2018 Max file into a Max 2015.

Thanks in advance...

[brentscannell]

Hi @jmachado1949

3ds Max allows you to downsave to N-3 versions, so if you have a 3ds Max 2018 file you would need to open it in 3ds Max 2018, then do a save-as in a 2017 or 2016 format, then use 3ds Max 2017 or 2016 to do another save-as to a 3ds Max 2015 format. It's a bit of jumping through hoops, I know. Alternatively, depending on how much you want to bring back, you can do an FBX export from 3ds Max 2018 or higher making sure that you use an FBX format version compatible with 3ds Max 2015.

[jmachado1949]

The problem is that my Max 2018 is in a SSD HD corrupted and I'm booting
now by an old HD that has the Max 2015.
I don't know what to do...

[hagen.deloss]

Hi @jmachado1949

Is there a reason why you can't install 2018 temporarily on your remaining hard drive? 

[jmachado1949]

I stopped to renew my Max last year (I'm retired now and I don't have
enough money) and I don't know if I can install it im my old drive...
In this old drive I have the Max 2014 and 2015 (in the out of order ssd
drive I have the 2017 and 2018 versions. All legally installed during that
period).

[jmachado1949]

I don't have the Max 2018 in a cd or in a media. I only have the files that I downloaded at that time...
In this remaining good drive I have functioning the Max 2014 and 2015.
Can I reinstall Max 2018 without corrupting my current old Max versions?

[10DSpace]

@jmachado1949

 If you are just talking about a single file, and it's not too large, just post it here and I can do the save down for you.

[jmachado1949]

Thanks for your suggestion, but there are more than 200 files.
The cars from 01 to 17 were all made in Max 2015, from 18 to 171 they were made with Max 2016 and Max 2018 and from 172 to 225 (now) they are being made with my old Max 2015...

[hagen.deloss]

Hi @jmachado1949 

When you install 3ds Max 2018, I don't believe it will corrupt anything. Have you experienced anything like that in the past?

I would keep in mind that once you save over a .max file that was made in an earlier version of the software in a more current version, you will no longer be able to open the file in that earlier version. For example:

1. You have a car file that was made, and saved in 3ds Max 2015.
2. You open it in 3ds Max 2018, and save over the original file.
3. You will no longer be able to open that file in any version that was released before 3ds Max 2018, unless you export it as another file format.

Let me know if this answers your question!

[domo.spaji]

This question is answered in 1st reply.

There's only little math mistake, yes N-3 but that is "save as" max 2015-2017, so there wouldn't be more "version jumping" 😊

So strictly technical speaking you can save with or in Max 2018 and open it in Max 2015...

But you have to save it as 3ds Max Year/version - same extension (.max) but different file type.

[jmachado1949]

The problem is that I have only Max 2015, my Max 2018 was in the corrupted ssd hd so I can't use it any more...