GMAX grouping

[ShezA 176]

Gurus,Quick question: Does it make it more efficient code-wise if one groups objects together when constructing complex objects in GMAX (i.e.jetways)?RegardsShez

[toprob 105]

Consensus is that MakeMDL will make the same optimised model no matter what you start with, whether it be mesh, polygon etc. 'Grouping' has very little use in FS, except for your own organisational purposes.There are certainly a lot of reasons why you might want your model to be one object -- especially if you use LODs. Take a look at my LOD tutorial for a few thoughts on this:www.windowlight.co.nz/lods01.html-Robin Corn, Godzone Virtual Flight, for 'Real New Zealand' scenerywww.windowlight.co.nz

[ShezA 176]

Thanks for the reply Rob.Shez

[LuisFelizTirado 33]

Hello Shez,I have found that the FS shading affects each individual part of an object, giving a strange look to it.Grouping will probably not have any influence on this, but attaching all the various parts together will lead to a consistent shading of that object.Best regards.Luis

[ShezA 176]

Thanks Luis, That is a very interesting side-effect.Shez

[arno 1]

Hi Luis,I think those weird shading effects can often be solved by recalculting the normals after attaching the different objects. It just seems that GMax makes a mess out of them while attaching.The groups indeed have no real influence (if we are refering to the group in a GMax scene). MakeMDL does not use this information at all. Expect maybe to generate a few crashes now and then, as MakeMDL seems less stable when you have used groups.When exporting all polygons that use the same material (color and texture) are put on one big pile, so that they can be drawn at once. Each individual part in GMax can no longer be seen in the MDL file.