Using .fx files with 3DS Max 2009

[artbywaqas]

Hi Everyone, 

I just started working on a project and was handed a folder full of shaders with .fx files.  How do I get these to  work with 3dsmax?   When I try to open a max file that makes use of them it says Please verify this shader exists in your shader library path so I'm guessing I need to place them somewhere and set up a path to connect them?

@artbywaqas 

Your forum title was edited by @hagen.deloss for clarity : Using .fx files with 3dsmax

[hagen.deloss]

Hello @artbywaqas,

Thanks for posting your question to the 3DS Max forums!

When you navigate to your slate material editor, if you load your material library in the dropdown in the far left (material map browser>arrow next to "search by name"), are the .FX files loading up that way? I have included a screenshot of this dropdown.

If the path isn't registering the .fx  files, you can try putting those material files into the root path manually (for me that would look like C:\Users\Delossh\Documents\3dsMax\materiallibraries).

Another possible avenue if these two options don't have the desired effect, is configuring the user paths in the menu of the hauntingly similar named  "Configure User Paths". A more robust explanation can be found within this article.

Hope this helps!

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[artbywaqas]

Hi Hagen, 

Thanks for the quick response. I should have explained I'm using 3ds max 2009. This is a project for the Gamebryo 2.6 engine.   Here's what I have which I'm guessing is comparable:

None of the .fx files are showing nor is it an option here

Under configure user paths would I be changing Images or Materials ?

I did try changing this earlier but it didn't do anything.. I will try again.. 

[hagen.deloss · Accepted solution]

@artbywaqas

we usually provide support for the current version of our software, and also 3 versions back -- so, from 3DS Max 2019-2016 currently.

A coworker linked me this article, it could be helpful in regards to DirectX Shader materials.

Best of luck on the game project!

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[hagen.deloss]

@artbywaqas

I wanted to follow up with a thought about the .fx extension. Have you looked into converting the files? I couldn't find much in the way of documentation, but the dropdown in 3DS Max 2009 gives you clearly stated file extensions (.max .drf .chr) I was wondering if you could try converting the .fx to any of these filetypes.

Usually doesn't work, but slim chance if you rename the files to a .max it would import?

Sorry I couldn't be of more help! I'm very interested in the outcome of this so let us all know if you figure this out 😄

[lightcube]

Here is your solution: paste the code below into the maxscript editor and evaluate:

folder = getSavePath ()
if folder != undefined then (
	local files = getFiles (folder+"/*.fx")
	if files.count > 0 then (
		local mats = materiallibrary()
		for f in files do (
			local dx = DirectX_9_Shader effectfile:f
			append mats dx
		)
		if mats.count > 0 then (
			local newFile = getSaveFileName types:"Material Library File(*.mat)|*.mat"
			
			if newFile != undefined then (
				saveTempMaterialLibrary mats newFile
			)
		)
	) else messagebox "No FX files found"
)

When you run, choose the folder with the FX files. When it prompts, save the file.

Now you can load the library into Slate. Note that some FX files are for DX11 which won't work for Max 2009.

[hagen.deloss]

@artbywaqas

I wanted to follow up to make sure this issue was figured out, did @lightcube code work out? It may be worth looking in to seeing if a trial version of 3DS Max 2019 can read the .fx files as well.

I’ve just accepted a response to your post as a solution with the understanding that it is the correct answer.

If the response did not work as an answer, please reply to this message so that I can unmark the solution, and we can continue the conversation. No action is required if my response did work as an answer, however I wanted to point out that if the opportunity arises again you can also click on the Accept as Solution button if/when relevant so that others can more easily benefit from the information. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

[artbywaqas · Accepted solution]

Hey Guys, 

Sorry things got really busy at work and I didn't have a chance to reply earlier. In this case I later found a file which auto installed some missing  custom scripts the previous team working on the project had created and this solved my immediate problem. 

I'll try out lightcube's solution when I get the chance but given the fact  everything seems to be working fine now I don't want to take the risk of messing anything up.

Thanks for all your help guys!

[hagen.deloss]

@artbywaqas

I'm super happy to hear you got things working! I hope the rest of the project goes smoothly, feel free to come by the forums any time with questions, feedback, or to help other users!

We really value passionate and creative people interacting on the forums 😄