Having trouble importing files

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am new to Maya and am trying to import files multiple times and have had bad results. Firstly, I download files from the internet, these are all video game based characters and objects. Afterwards I unzip the folder. I then try to send in the 3d model, but most of the time it either says unsupported file format or there is no color to the models. How would I got about adding the textures already in the folder to the models? Thank you.

[daunish]

So, a few things to discuss.

First off, if Maya is throwing the error, "unsupported file format". Then the file you are trying to bring in is just that, not supported by Maya. What kinda file is it?

This is a very basic supported list:

Supported file formats | Maya LT 2020 | Autodesk Knowledge Network

Maya can actually load more than this, but let's keep it simple and limit your files to the ones listed here.

Secondly, Materials arent coming in on the files you are able to bring in. Again, what kinda files are these?

It's important to think about this when bringing in a file. "What was it written for?" Maya, Max, Unreal, vray, Arnold?

Files in 3d are not easily interchangeable without sometimes significant work. A file written for max and vray will never load into Maya without serious effort. If this is what you are trying, you will have to do way more research before pulling this off.

I need to straight-up rebuild networks more often than not, something always gets lost in translation. And usually assets I get online don't live up to my standards. I suggest you follow the same rule and redo whatever work the asset originally had done to it.

Finally, how to get textures from a folder into your Maya scene. For this, I suggest going to youtube and watching a few Maya shading tutorials. This is a super simple task, create a lambert and assign a file node. But if you don't know how to do this already then you definitely need more information on proper workflows. Trust me, watch a few tutorials, it will save you hours in the long run!

Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck! 

[hamsterHamster]

If I may add, there are even more supported (either import or export or both) formats, just have a look into Windows->Settings/Preferences->Plugin Manager. Most of plugins are turned off, but you can activate them - just like daunish said, there can be a data loss in translation, not every feature is supported, e.g. OBJ contains just geometry, no deformers or animation, while FBX is widely supported 3D middleman.

Also, you can look for import/export Maya plugins online, or some 3D viewers have conversion option, or some online services can convert uploaded file so Maya can read it, however, no guarantee.

[bishnoipeter]

bro i have all fbx files made on meshy .ai ( 3d model generator ) but some files are importing and some files ( so no response , they just load and the file is not there and i tried multiple times )  .

and also i have on fbx flie by this plugin manager - Windows->Settings/Preferences->Plugin Manager.

see this video to understand my problem in detail .

https://vimeo.com/1070986561

[daunish]

It might be an issue with the fbx being generated by meshy; it might be something else. Can you try referencing the model rather than importing it?

Also, I'd recommend not dragging and dropping in models. It's nice to have the import window open so you can see the settings being used for import.