Modelling in 3ds max with the intention of adding the models into powerpoint

[katiegalley29]

I  would like help with the following advice please. I want to be able to add 3d models to PowerPoint , particularly 3d material swatches. Id like to be able to show square swatches of hammered metals and brushed metals on a 3d model in PowerPoint. Does anyone have advice on how I would first create the model in 3ds max? In the image I have attached from PowerPoint this shows a model with a metallic finish which picks up light and shows reflections. In 3ds max what type of material would I use for it to be received in PowerPoint also? I believe the file type I should export the model as is a GLB however PowerPoint has not been recognizing the  materials I have generated.

[wernienst]

Well, I did some experiments because this is new stuff for me, too.

Although PowerPoint can import different file formats, .glb might be the best one. Use 3dsmax' provided glTF 2.0 material. Read the limitations in the manual. However, the imported 3d objects appear much brighter as in max' viewport (Color Management settings?) and lights are ignored. There are also guidelines for 3D formats on the Microsoft 365 help pages.

3ds max viewport

Powerpoint

IMHO it's better to render the objects in 3dsmax and import the images into Powerpoint.

[MartinBeh]

Interesting! I was not aware PPT would allow to import .glb files...

But I must say I am a bit disappointed that they are not interactive, i.e. all you get is a predefined view of your 3D object and you cannot rotate/pan/zoom while the presentation is running. There is a turntable animation but that is it, no? I could not find a way to keyframe pos/rot/scale...?

[wernienst]

Yeah, it's rather limited. You can do all the things (move, scale, animate along a path) you can do with other objects in PPT, but not in 3d space.

There are examples of animated glb objects in the MS online archive, even with some morphing. But unfortunately 3dsmax cannot export glb files with animation.

In Blender, I could successfully export and reimport an animated object. But importing this file into Powerpoint shows the first frame only...

[MartinBeh]

Here is a list of possible alternatives to the built-in gltf exporter. I have not tested any of them yet but maybe one of them allows to bring animation into PPT?

@spacefrog_ might have some ideas, too? This is his page on the topic.

Free exporters

https://github.com/BabylonJS/Exporters and https://github.com/BabylonJS/Exporters/releases (3ds Max 2017-2026) with instructions here

https://github.com/AsoboStudio/FlightSim-glTF-exporter (intended for MS Flight Sim, but maybe useful otherwise, too?)

https://www.cgdev.net/axe/gltf.php (3ds Max 2023-25, support for animation)

Trial software

https://www.soft8soft.com/docs/manual/en/max/Beginners-Guide.html

https://nu1963u.wixsite.com/custom3dsmax/gltfpluginfor3dsmax

https://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-plugins/GLTF-to-3DS-main.aspx 

[MartinBeh]

Update on the animation: I just tested the BabylonJS exporter and does indeed nicely export the animation, and textures - but PPT keeps ignoring the animation...