: What are the options for animating a camera sequence with 3D Max files? I am working with a freelancer to produce some 3D models of our products. He has been sending me renderings which

@Sent7350415

Well the opensource solution for 3D modeling is Blender but it is a heavy learning curve in regards to animating but animating a camera sequence isn't very complicated. If this is for a one time event you could go to 3DS Max's site and receive a free 30 day trial and follow a couple of video tutorials such as:


3DS Max Camera Animation Basic Tutorial
3DS Max 2013 Tutorial | Animate a Camera on a Path | InfiniteSkills
08 3ds Max Design 2014 - Basic Camera Animation


A keynote from my experience with 3DS Max back in 2010 is that you cannot open a newer version of a file in a later program without issues. Example: If he is sending you 2013 .max files they may not be opened in a 2010 3DS Max application, this however is my experience with 3DS Max 2008 and 2010 when I was creating animations but it may be different now or they may have allowed this feature in 2013/2014. So if this option is what you intend I would make sure to whoever is doing your modeling is using 2014 because the trial version should be 2014.

If you intend to try your hand at Blender you can go by a few articles on importing a 3DS Max file into Blender:


Importing From 3DS Max?
Importing Autodesk 3DSMAX .MAX files into Blender 2.62
Importing Blender Objects To Max


Also, as Scott has stated you could import it in Photoshop extended. Examples below:


How to import 3D files into Photoshop - Cinema 4D/3D Max
How to Import a File From 3DX Max to Photoshop
How to import Photoshop Logo into 3ds Max


And finally you could do this in After Effects:


how to import 3ds max model in after effects.wmv
After Effects / Preparing and importing 3D image files
How to import 3Ds Max project into Adobe After Effects CS4




This may be off-topic but I don't understand why, if he is sending you renderings, you will not have him create the animations for you. If he is talented and knowledgeable enough to create quality renderings you are wanting to use why not prevent the headache of trying to figure it out for yourself?

Furthermore, check your contract because there is a difference in receiving the renderings and the original files. You may have to pay extra to receive the .max files.

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