Vertices and Faces of Models Entirely Distorted (3ds Max 2022)

[palonel102]

I have more than 250 files that are distorted when loaded into 3Ds Max 2022. I have been attempting to approach different solutions to this problem, however I did not encounter one solution on Google. The files I am opening are saved from 3Ds Max 2019 and 2018. However, even upon downloading the 2020 version, the models are still distorted.

Every file has an Edit poly modifier that is causing the issue. I have seen a way to solve the distortion problem where I collapse the modifier stack and convert it into an editable mesh without the edit poly affecting it. This is an effective technique, however I am in a situation where it is irreversible. The edit poly modifiers in every model is permanently distorted. In fact, upon opening a large 2019 file, 3Ds Max 2022 crashes. I will provide visual proof of some of the files below: 

Above is an image of a model that was opened in 3Ds Max 2022 from being saved in the 2019 format. The model to the left, fortunately, has been collapsed to an editable mesh in a later file, so I have the ability to compare it to the model on the right. The model on the right is the distorted version, which has an edit poly modifier.   

 The image above is a closer view of the comparison (the bottom is distorted while the top is untouched).

 This was a work-in-progress file. Again, this is in the 2019 format opened in 2022 and 2020. The mouth at the bottom is entirely distorted. 

 This is supposed to be a spherical shape, but from the rear the vertices distort. 

With all of these models, when I select all of the vertices under the edit poly modifier, all of the coordinates (x, y, and z) show 100000000000. However, when I move the vertices with the Move tool the slightest bit (the gizmo does not show up, I moved the vertices with the mouse), the model completely disappears out of the scene and shows this in the coordinate system:

Upon seeing this issue, I would like to chronologically list what happened before these problems began to arise. The information below might be completely unrelated to the problem, but I felt it was important: 

1. I deleted 3Ds Max 2019 entirely from my computer to download 2022. The files turned into blank icons. 
2. I downloaded 3Ds Max 2022. Model distortion began when opening 2019/2018 files.
3. When I save a file from 2022 to any older version, I get a message about "PolyOperations" not being supported in previous versions other than 2022. 

I hope there is a possible explanation to why my models are distorted. I've invested in thousands of hours working on these files. I would be glad to make these models work correctly again. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Lauryn

[10DSpace]

Hi @palonel102 

So the world space coordinates of the objects are all messed up.  This might be an overly simplistic idea, but try selecting an object with the problem and then typing in the max listener,  $.pos = [0,0,0] and hit enter.  That should restore the object to the origin so you might have to hit z center the view on the object.  Check the object to see if the distortion is still there or not.  The premise here being that at extreme distances from the origin, the max accuracy suffers.   I do not know how this might have happened just by opening an older file in max 2022, but I had experience with another problem in this forum where repositioning the object did solve a related problem (I looked, but couldn't find the post). 

Also, what are the display units and scene units set to in your scene and what size are the objetcs?  This might help in further trouble shooting.  

[palonel102]

Hello,

Thank you for your input. For the first idea, the models went to the origin when I put in the command you suggested, but unfortunately it did not solve the distortion issue. The units I am using are Generic Units. This is applied to all of the files that experience the distortion. All of my models vary in size, with the X, Y, and Z values ranging from 5 to 150.  

I am wondering if I am able to open my files in 3Ds Max 2019, but I no longer can download it due to the updates/download versions going as far back as 2020. 

I hope this information helps. 

[10DSpace]

@palonel102 

Sorry that the re-position didn't fix the distortions, but it should at least have fixed the quirky behavior with the Move tool that you described in your first post (which happens when objects are at an extreme distance from the origin). 

"I am wondering if I am able to open my files in 3Ds Max 2019, but I no longer can download it due to the updates/download versions going as far back as 2020."

Actually you should be able to still download Max 2019.  Check your license page and click the version options.

 But in case Max 2019 doesn't work here are some other things to try:

1. Try opening a new Max scene and then merging the model into it.  Sometimes this works around the issue of a corrupt scene vs opening it.

2. You mentioned that the problem is confined to a single Edit Poly Modifier in all of the files, if I understand your original post correctly.  What does the entire modifier stack look like (any other modifiers like Skin or morpher, other edit polys?) and what subobject operations were done with that particular Edit poly?    A screenshot of the modifier stack would help.

3. Check the scale of the object with World or View Coordinate system active.  If it is anything other than 100% in all three axis, then try reset Xform (Utilities Panel).  In fact, I would try reset xform in any event, and I would try it first below the level of the problem Edit Poly modifier and if that doesn't work, then at the top of the stack.

Lastly, if you want to post an example Max file with the problem I will take a look and see if I can find anything.

[palonel102 · Accepted solution]

Hi, 

When you showed me how to download 3Ds Max 2019 off of the license page, I proceeded to do that first. When I opened my files in 2019, the models finally work correctly! What I am seeing is that opening files in versions above 2019 (on my end) will distort my models. I do not know exactly why it happened in the first place, but I am assuming there is some disparity regarding Edit poly between 2019 and versions above. 

I appreciate your feedback during this time of confusion. Your steps have really helped me navigate through the problem. Once again, I very much appreciate your time!!

Thank you,

Lauryn  

[10DSpace]

Glad I could help and that you are up and running.  

[juthce.]

I have the same problem here, I don't know why when i opens my 3ds max file again the model is changed and some model and lighting that i set up it dissappered and distorted. This is my first time to have some kind oof this problem in 3ds max 2022 so let's me know if you can fix it now. Thanks!

[somaya.s631]

Same problem happened to me today ,And the project is too big to start it over again or even to try to copy it to a new file. Did you find out any solution that may help?