Is there a way to convert a 3DS Mesh to an editable poly without it breaking?

RashedAlmetrami

Hey guys,

Having a little problem with a .3DS file given to me to unwrap. 
Edge faces ENABLED - https://i.imgur.com/OsyGisF.png

Here's what happens when I convert it into an Editable Poly - https://i.imgur.com/s04Zkra.png

I've tried just unwrapping the editable mesh but nothing comes out in the UV editor! - https://i.imgur.com/B1L77pe.png

Any ideas? Is there a simple fix to this or am I going to need to re-model the entire thing?

Eric Chadwick

It's likely this model has non-manifold mesh, that's why it's breaking. Editable Poly requires specific topology rules. Editable Mesh does not, you can have edges extruded in the middle of a surface for example. Editable Poly does not support this.

Where did you get the model from? Ask them for the source file. The .3ds format is really old and terrible, it breaks the vertices everywhere you have a UV split, for example. Better to export using a different format, like OBJ or FBX.

Also, what are you trying to do with it? You may not need Editable Poly.

RashedAlmetrami

Hey Eric, thanks for the reply. 

I ended up asking for the blender file so I could export to FBX which gave slightly better results. The model was for a client who needed it UV mapped so he could texture it; not sure on what the end-purpose was.